Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org
Friday, August 28, 2026 at 4:21 p.m.
The City of Spokane’s Development Services Center (DSC) has issued its first rebuild permit following the devastation from the Spokane Complex Fires.
The City is taking a comprehensive approach to streamlining the rebuilding process and identifying a variety of ways it can help those who have been impacted by the wildfires. The City has already reduced the cost of demolition fees and is in the process of identifying additional code relief for wildfire reconstruction alongside partners at the state level.
For homes built after February 1, 2021, the DSC has retained electronic design plans. The first rebuild permit issued is for a single-family home and uses existing plans from when the structure was originally built in 2023. The DSC team received the permit application on August 25, transferred those building plans to the new permit, and issued the rebuild permit on August 27.
“We know that those impacted by the recent fires are eager to rebuild and get back in their neighborhoods. We are ready to work alongside our neighbors and develop creative solutions so that we can get folks back on the path to rebuilding as soon as possible,” said Tami Palmquist, Director of the Development Services Center.
To help residents understand the rebuild process, the City has created the attached flyer to easily identify the steps that must be completed prior to issuing rebuild permits.
Step One – Residents must complete the removal of hazardous material. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proactively surveying, removing, and disposing of household materials from properties burned by wildfires. This is done at no cost. Residents can check the status of their property here or by calling the EPA Hotline at 1-888-509-0667.
Step Two – Residents must obtain an asbestos survey and submit an asbestos Notice of Intent (NOI). Asbestos surveys must be completed before removing debris and ash that remains from burned structures. A negative survey allows for the removal and disposal of debris by the property owner or a contractor. A positive survey requires that removal and disposal be conducted by a Washington Certified Asbestos Abatement Company. A list of certified contractors can be found here.
A copy of the survey results must accompany the waste, which will be accepted at Graham Road Landfill, or the Valley or Northside Transfer Stations. Asbestos-positive debris must go to the Graham Road Landfill. No ash is being accepted at the Waste-to-Energy Facility.
Whether positive or negative, property owners must submit their NOI to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. This is required before the City can issue a demolition and/or building permit. NOIs can be filed here.
Step Three – Residents must obtain a demolition/clean-up permit. The fee has been reduced to $35, and the processing and technology fees are waived for homeowners of wildfire affected properties.
Fill out a permit application here and email it to PermitTeam@spokanecity.org.
Step Four – Once the three prior steps have been completed, residents can determine their reconstruction plan. The first option is to use previously approved plans (plans with original permit applications approved after Feb. 1, 2021), while the second is to reconstruct using new plans.
The City of Spokane’s DSC and permit team are ready to assist individuals and families through the rebuild process. They can be contacted by email at PermitTeam@spokanecity.org or by phone at 509-625-6300.
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