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 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.

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 Spokane Development Code Assessment is now available to review. This Assessment is intended to serve as a roadmap for the proposed changes to the SDC by identifying strengths and weaknesses of the current land development regulations and building consensus on the general scope of the issues to be addressed, as well as recommendations for addressing them.

• Spokane Development Code Assessment (PDF 22.2 MB)

The next phase of BUILDSpokane includes drafting potential code amendments for the administration and procedures portion of the SDC, with uses, zoning, and development and design standards coming later in the process. Once ready, drafts will be made available for public review. In the meantime, look out for future ways to be involved.

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 shows the anticipated timeline for the BUILDSpokane project.

Presentations

Materials and Documents