One of the most impactful decisions you'll make when contemplating your business is location. Choosing a location that meets your needs, your intended customers, and your budget will be vital to the success of your business.
We have developed a high-level checklist that covers a variety of decision points to use when comparing locations to choose for your business. The checklist is geared towards existing buildings but can also be used for vacant sites if you're looking to build from the ground up. The checklist prompts you to consider the site's zoning allowances, necessary upgrades to the building for life safety, and improvements to the site for parking needs or a drive-through configuration, if that is a part of your business model. Some highlights of the more detailed checklist are illustrated below.
Before You Begin:
Identify the type of food establishment you are interested in operating:
Verify Zoning
Contact PlanningReview@spokanecity.org to determine if your chosen location allows your proposed establishment.
Current Use
Already a restaurant? Building permits may not be required.
Something else? A change of use and other permits may be required.
Verify existing use by contacting buildingreview@spokanecity.org.
Alterations
Remodels, additions, and Changes of Use require a building permit.
Life/Fire Safety
Occupant load will determine life and fire safety requirements. Occupancy thresholds may trigger things like additional restrooms, multiple exits, and fire sprinklers.
Kitchen Equipment
Kitchen hoods are required for cooking operations producing grease, smoke, steam, and/or odor.
Grease traps are required when preparing grease-producing foods.
Parking
Parking is not required, but new parking and other site improvements require a permit.
Utilities
Verify that the existing utilities are sufficient for your needs.
The City of Spokane oversees water and sewer service, while electricity and gas are supplied by other purveyors. Reach out to our Engineering team at engineeringreview@spokanecity.org to ask about existing City utilities like Water and Sewer.
Noise
Noise mitigation is required for HVAC and refrigeration units.
Outdoor seating may also require noise mitigation.
Outdoor Seating
Requires additional permit if on the sidewalk; contributes to occupant load and restroom fixture requirements.
Ali Brast
Principal Planner / Development Case Manager
abrast@spokanecity.org
509.625.6638
In Spokane
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