Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 10:04 a.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown and members of the City Council have introduced legislation to eliminate building height limits in downtown Spokane.
The interim zoning ordinance aims to spur housing construction and promote other economic development. If approved, this ordinance would lead to the creation of housing options for various income levels, job creation, and downtown revitalization.
“This proposal is a forward-thinking initiative that moves us toward a more dynamic and affordable Spokane,” Mayor Lisa Brown said. “By eliminating building height limits, we can unlock new opportunities for housing, business growth, and job creation.”
“I support the interim zoning changes because they will help us meet the increasing demand for housing and commercial development. Allowing greater building heights in downtown Spokane enhances our city skyline, maximizing our urban potential and creating more opportunities for essential growth,” said District 1 Councilmember Jonathan Bingle. “This positive step toward urban revitalization boosts Spokane's desirability, promotes economic sustainability, and improves our urban core. Thank you, Mayor Brown and the administration, for supporting this idea.
“Over the past few years, Council has taken action to eliminate barriers to building more housing, including ‘Pavement to People’ and parking reform. Eliminating height requirements is another step toward building more affordable housing in underutilized spaces while creating a more vibrant and active downtown, which will generate more business. We need to use every tool to address housing affordability,” said District 3 Councilmember Zack Zappone.
“This ordinance is a significant step toward addressing our housing challenges and the kind of bold move we need to accommodate the city’s growing population. By allowing taller buildings downtown, we are maximizing land use capacity and building upward, not outward. I commend Mayor Brown and Councilmember Bingle for their leadership on this issue. The sky truly is the limit in Spokane,” said District 2 Councilmember Paul Dillon.
The ordinance was introduced this week at the Urban Experience Committee. If approved by the City Council, it will remain in effect for six months after being signed by Mayor Brown.
