City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

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Title 17F
Chapter 17F.040
Section 17F.040.085
 

Title 17F Construction Standards

Chapter 17F.040 Building Code

Section 17F.040.085 Sublevel Construction Controls
  1. Sublevel design and construction controls as set forth in below, shall apply in all SDDs, except where expressly exempted pursuant to SMC 17D.060.170.
    1. This exemption may apply to a subdivision as a whole or to individual lots.
    1. In specific cases restrictions on building location or other conditions may be imposed as a condition of exemption.
    1. Exemptions shall be supported by a sublevel geotechnical study.
      1. The requirement for a geotechnical study may be waived by the director of building services upon a showing that the purpose and findings set forth in SMC 17D.060.010 are adequately addressed.
    1. If an exemption is granted the conditions set forth in subsection (C) of this section do not apply.
  1. Sublevel structures shall be defined as any finished or unfinished floor level of any structure, or addition thereto, that is not elevated a minimum of twelve inches above the highest elevation of finished grade.
    1. “Finished grade” is defined as the elevation of an imaginary line located a distance of five feet from the perimeter of the foundation of the structure.
    1. Garages and paved driveway access from the garage shall be exempt from the finished grade requirement.
    1. The structure shall meet all requirements of the International Building Code, as adopted by the City of Spokane, for drainage and slope setback. Non-exempt sublevel structures will not be permitted unless requirements set forth in subsection (C) of this section are met.
  1. Sublevel Structure Requirements.
    1. A site-specific geotechnical analysis shall be performed by a civil engineer currently licensed in the State of Washington qualified in geotechnical engineering. The geotechnical engineer shall consider subsurface information accessible from the City of Spokane and Spokane County for surrounding properties in the evaluation of the feasibility of the construction of sublevel structures. In reviewing the sufficiency of submissions under this provision, the director may also consider information and prior geotechnical subsurface studies presented at the time of platting or in other earlier development phases. A party may also request consideration of pre-approval of the requirements of this section at the time of platting or an earlier development phase if sufficient information is available.
    1. Sublevel structures shall be designed by an architect registered with the State of Washington or a civil engineer licensed to practice in the State of Washington (design professional). The design shall incorporate current engineering practices and technology (e.g., sub-surface drains, sealant, and positive drainage away from the structure), and the recommendations of the geotechnical study, if any.
      1. The design professional or permit holder shall conduct an inspection to evaluate and assess that the sublevel construction conforms to the design. The City shall provide a form for documenting such an assessment.
    1. The City, its officers and employees shall not be responsible for nor assume any liability for any claim for loss or liability arising out of flooding, drainage or surface or subsurface water problems resulting from construction upon and/or landscaping of the property in question.

Date Passed: Monday, June 4, 2007

Effective Date: Sunday, July 1, 2007

ORD C34039 Section 10