Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.255 Skywalks

Section 17C.255.010 Purpose

1. Purpose. To ensure public safety and a consistent development of skywalk structures in the public right of way, the following development standards must be met.

2. Skywalk Development Standards

1. Street Clearance

1. Skywalks must have a minimum of sixteen and one-half feet clearance above the existing street grade in the center lane, and must have a minimum of fifteen feet clearance above the street pavement at the curb and over alleys.

2. Circulation

1. Ramps within the skywalk structure should be distributed continuously, uniformly, and symmetrically at an incline not exceeding one foot vertically for every twelve feet of horizontal distance (approximately eight and three-tenths percent).

2. There should be no steps within a skywalk structure or in walkways associated with skywalks.

3. Street Access

1. 1. 1. Skywalks must have adequate pedestrian access to and from the street level, such access to be available at, at least, one of the termini points of each skywalk.

1. 1. 2. Each one-block area should have at least one street level pedestrian access point for every two skywalks that enter the subject block. This street level pedestrian access may be through stairways or by mechanical means and such access may be internal or external to the structure.

1. 1. 3. In the case of existing structures into which a skywalk is built, existing access systems at the property perimeter may be counted for this access to and from the street if it is well marked, accessible, and within fifty feet of the skywalk terminus.

1. 1. 4. Skywalks outside the central business district shall be provided with such street level pedestrian access as deemed warranted by the city council, acting with the advice and recommendation of the design review board.

4. Glazing

1. For impact resistance, all exterior glazing in the skywalk structure shall be not less than one-quarter inch thickness tempered glass set in metal frames.

2. The use of double-paned insulated glazing and of metal frames with thermal breaks is encouraged.

5. Drainage

1. Skywalks must have internal, controlled, year-round drainage to adjoining building systems or to the storm sewer, constructed and maintained to the satisfaction of the City of Spokane.

Date Passed: Monday, May 9, 2022

Effective Date: Sunday, June 19, 2022

ORD C36205 Section 9