Projects

BUILDSpokane

Code Modernization Project

The City of Spokane is undertaking a comprehensive update of Title 17 of the Spokane Municipal Code (i.e. the Spokane Development Code or “SDC”), which governs zoning, land use, and development review processes. The City's Planning and Economic Development department will work with the nationally recognized land use and planning firm Clarion Associates, as well as local affiliates from renowned planning and engineering firm Kimley Horn.

Following many years of piecemeal adjustments to the existing Title 17, this project is the first comprehensive update to the regulations in many years. The update is intended to:

• Modernize the City's regulatory framework;
• Align the development regulations with current policy objectives outlined in the Comprehensive Plan;
• Reduce or eliminate barriers to development and redevelopment;
• Promote affordability, equity, and sustainability; and
• Improve transparency and efficiency in development reviews.

Recent legislation, state mandates, and regional planning initiatives necessitate a holistic examination of the SDC. To support this, the current code modernization project, titled BUILDSpokane, will focus on improving the SDC's accessibility and user-friendliness, aligning regulations with the City’s adopted plans and policies, and implementing regulatory best practices into the code.

BUILDSpokane is progressing in tandem with the City's current Comprehensive Plan update, PLanSpokane, to ensure that both meet the state of Washington’s continuing review requirements for comprehensive land use plans and development regulations, and ensure the City’s regulatory framework enables Spokane to achieve its long-term goals. The image below shows the anticipated timeline for the BUILDSpokane project.

All of Spokane's residents, business owners, and interested citizens are invited to participate in this project to shape the future of development in the City. Please check back on this website for updates on progress and participation opportunities!