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 17D
Chapter 17D.100
Section 17D.100.230
 

Title 17D City-wide Standards

Chapter 17D.100 Historic Preservation

Section 17D.100.230 Demolition Permits for Historic Structures in the Downtown Boundary Area, National Register Historic Districts, and Centers and Corridors
  1. Definitions.
    1. Building Footprint.

As defined in SMC 17A.020.020.

    1. Floor Area.

As defined in SMC 17A.020.060.

  1. Where This Section Applies.
    1. The requirements of this section only apply to structures that are listed or eligible to be listed on the National or Local Register of Historic Places; and
    1. This section only applies to structures in the following areas:
      1. The Downtown Boundary Area shown in Map 17D.100.230-M1; or
      1. Land zoned as Center and Corridor (as defined in SMC 17C.122 Center and Corridor Zones); or
      1. Within a National Register Historic District.
    1. Structures listed as Historic Landmarks or Contributing Resources within Spokane Register Historic Districts are addressed in SMC 17D.100.220 and are not subject to the requirements of this section.
    1. This section shall not apply to orders of the building official or fire marshal regarding orders that a structure be demolished due to public health, safety, or welfare concerns.
  1. Determination of Eligibility.
    1. Administrative Determination.

The HPO may administratively determine that a structure proposed for demolition is not eligible for listing and may waive requirements for the submission of an eligibility document.

    1. Determination from Spokane Historic Landmarks Commission.

Eligibility shall be determined by the Spokane Historic Landmarks Commission within thirty (30) days of the submission of the application for a demolition permit and a completed determination of eligibility document. The applicant shall be responsible to submit a determination of eligibility demonstrating the ineligibility of the structure based upon the National Register Criteria for Evaluation (36 CFR 60). Applications for structures that are determined not to be listed or eligible to be listed on a National or Local Register of Historic Places shall be processed pursuant to existing regulations for non-historic buildings.

  1. Limitation on Issuance of Demolition Permit.

No demolition permits shall be issued unless the structure to be demolished is to be replaced with a replacement structure that is administratively approved through a Certificate of Appropriateness under the criteria provided herein.

  1. Criteria for Certificate of Appropriateness.
    1. Building Footprint of Replacement Structure.
      1. The replacement structure shall have a Building Footprint equal to or greater than the Building Footprint of the landmark structure to be demolished.
    1. Floor Area for Replacement Structure.
      1. Downtown Boundary Area or Centers and Corridors Zones.

The replacement structure shall have a Floor Area equal to or greater than one hundred percent (100%) of that of the eligible or listed structure(s) to be demolished. The maximum size of the replacement structure shall be as determined by the underlying zoning of the area.

      1. National Register Historic Districts.

The replacement structure shall have a Floor Area equal to or greater than seventy-five percent (75%) and not larger than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of that of the contributing structure(s) to be demolished.

      1. Overlap of National Register Historic District with Downtown Boundary Area or Centers and Corridors Zone.

Where property is within a Centers and Corridors zone or the Downtown Boundary Area and also within a National Register Historic District, the requirements under subsection (a) shall govern. The maximum size of the replacement structure shall be as determined by the underlying zoning of the area.

    1. Building Materials.

Exterior materials of the replacement structure shall be in keeping with the surrounding historic structures. Appropriate materials include brick, stone, wood, or similar.

    1. Building Permit for Replacement Structure.

No demolition permit shall be issued until a building permit for the replacement structure has been accepted, processed, and issued.

    1. Financial Commitment.

The applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director of the Developer Services Center (DSC), in consultation with the Historic Preservation Officer, that there is a valid and binding commitment for financing (such as a term sheet or MOU) for the construction of the replacement structure.

    1. Deviations from Criteria.

Deviations from these may be approved by the Historic Preservation Officer in consultation with the Planning Director at their discretion. Deviations may be less restrictive and shall not be more restrictive.

  1. Conditions of Approval.

A Certificate of Appropriateness may be issued administratively for the demolition of a structure under this section subject to these conditions:

    1. salvage of any historically significant artifacts or fixtures, determined in consultation with the HPO prior to demolition; and
    1. the certificate of appropriateness for demolition of the building is valid for three months.
  1. Review Period.

Administrative review of the replacement structure by the HPO will be completed within 10 business days of receipt of a completed application that addresses all requirements of this section.

  1. Other Codes Apply.

Before a demolition permit is issued, all other relevant codes shall be met.

 

Date Passed: Monday, February 10, 2025

Effective Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

ORD C36633 Section 1