Projects

BUILDSpokane

Community members can weigh in on Spokane's code modernization efforts through Engage Spokane, an online community space to offer input and help shape the future of our thriving city.

What's Happening

The BUILDSpokane Community Survey is now open until Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026. Results from this survey will influence future amendments to the Development Code, impacting the City of Spokane’s future built environment. Once development regulations are adopted, projects that meet those standards are approved to be built. Because of this, community members are encouraged to provide feedback during the writing of these rules, even before they may see development happening.

The survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Marshallese.

In addition to the community survey, BUILDSpokane is asking the community to provide photos of types of development and design you want to see in our neighborhoods. Visit Engage Spokane to provide feedback on neighborhood-serving commercial, housing, and the public realm.

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 code modernization project, named BUILDSpokane, will focus on improving the SDC's useability, aligning regulations with adopted plans and policies, and implementing regulatory best practices.

Recent legislation, state mandates, and regional planning initiatives – along with years of piecemeal adjustments to the existing Title 17 - necessitate a holistic examination of the SDC. BUILDSpokane represents the first comprehensive update to the regulations in many years and 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.

Project Timeline

BUILDSpokane is progressing in tandem with the City's current Comprehensive Plan update, PLanSpokane 2046, 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 reflects the original timeline for the BUILDSpokane project. However, in wake of the Spokane Complex Fire, both PlanSpokane 2046 and BUILDSpokane were temporarily paused, which is anticipated to cause a delay in adoption. A revised timeline will be provided once determined.

Presentations

Materials and Documents