Wildfire Information

The first step in the road to rebuilding is debris removal. As of September 15, 2026, the EPA has completed the Hazardous Material Removal. A separate demolition/cleanup permit is required to clean up the remainder of the site of all remaining debris, building materials, chimneys, foundations, etc. Property owners are welcome and encouraged to submit for their demo/cleanup permits at any time.

Major Disaster Declaration: In the event that FEMA declares a Major Disaster Declaration and provides debris clean-up assistance, the Army Corps of Engineers may be brought in to conduct large scale clean-up including asbestos testing and demolition work. This process is currently being explored, and more information will be available in the coming weeks.Major Disaster Declaration: In the event that FEMA declares a Major Disaster Declaration and provides debris clean-up assistance, the Army Corps of Engineers may be brought in to conduct large scale clean-up including asbestos testing and demolition work. This process is currently being explored, and more information will be available in the coming weeks.

1. EPA Hazardous Material Removal – COMPLETED!

   Any property owners with remaining HHM needs should reach out to the Spokane County Solid Waste website or their hotline. The website is specific to Household Hazardous Materials removal; the hotline will also answer general debris questions.

   Hotline: 509.477.6800
   Website: Household Hazardous Waste | Spokane County website

2. Obtain an asbestos survey and submit your asbestos notice of Intent with Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. To find service providers and file online: Asbestos NOI & Payment Portal - Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency website
3. Landscaping/Tree Debris: A demolition permit is not required to clear landscaping or debris such as shrubs and trees, but this debris should not be disturbed or disposed of until after completing an asbestos assessment. Visit our Solid Waste Services website for more information.
4. Vehicle Debris: We recommend contacting your homeowners and auto insurance providers to determine whether additional assessment of damaged vehicles is required and whether your insurance covers removal of these items.
5. Obtain a demolition/cleanup permit with the City of Spokane. Once you are ready to apply for your permits, please submit a completed Demolition Permit Application and Sewer Water Permit Application to PermitTeam@spokanecity.org.
   • Demolition/Cleanup permit: $35.00
   • Sewer capping permit: $215.00
   • Water capping permit: $271.94

     Review Timeline: 1 buinsess day

Why are there capping permits for water and sewer connections?
When there is a destructive fire, ash and debris can enter the pipes that are exposed. The ash and debris, especially if wet, can cause significant maintenance and environmental issues in the water and sewer systems because pipes become clogged with a cement-strength substance that requires difficult maintenance and pollutants can infiltrate the systems. In order to prevent this from happening, the City is required to "cap" these connecting pipes that bring water in and take gray water out at each property. The City cannot "waive" these fees because they are the hard costs of having the work done and by law, the costs cannot be passed along to the rate payers to absorb. The City charges what the cost is to do the work. When the home is rebuilt, there are Water and Sewer permit fees for reconnecting the services to the home.

What if I am unable to obtain or schedule a contractor to complete the clean-up/demo process before winter sets in?
To protect the environment and contain contaminants contained within the fire ash and debris that may be picked up and transported via stormwater runoff, sediment controls should be installed. Common controls to reduce erosion and trap sediment include straw mulch, fiber rolls/wattles and sandbags. Open foundations, basements, swimming pools and other exposed hazards should be secured from fall hazards with fencing or other barriers to prevent unauthorized access.

Additional information/resources:

• Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual Section 9.4.3.4
• After the Fire Washington Erosion Control
• Spokane Conservation District

If your home was damaged by smoke but not destroyed: Please consult the FEMA Homeowner's guide when determining how to proceed with interior cleanup assessment

Once your property has been cleared and cleanup is complete, the next step is to start planning your rebuild. You do not have to figure it all out at once. There are people and resources available to help you through the process.

1. Decide what you want to rebuild

Start thinking about what you want your new home to look like and whether you plan to rebuild the same home, make changes, or work from previously approved plans. This would be a great time to connect with a current planner to talk about setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, etc. You can reach the current planning team at 509.625.6188 or RebuildSpokane@spokanecity.org.

Things to Ask your Insurance Agent:

• Do you have Ordinance or Law Coverage?
  Ordinance or Law Coverage pays for code-required improvements that weren't part of the original construction. This is a separate coverage from the replacement value coverage and is the insurance mechanism that potentially helps a homeowner pay for things the current code requires that the original house did not have.

2. Find a builder or contractor

You can hire a general contractor to manage the construction of your home, or work with an architect/designer and contractor separately. Get several bids, ask for references, and make sure the contractor is registered with Washington State Labor & Industries - they have a verification tool available.

Our local Spokane Home Builders Association is another resource that has a list of qualified contractors ready to help our community rebuild.

Things to Consider Before You Hire a Contractor:

• Get more than one estimate.
  Talk with several contractors and compare what is included in each proposal. Make sure you are comparing the same scope of work.
• Check the contractor's credentials.
  Make sure your contractor is registered with Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I), and check that their registration is active and that they are properly bonded and insured.
• Ask for references.
  Ask the contractor for references from recent customers and, if possible, visit completed projects.
• Ask who will manage your project.
  Find out who your primary contact will be and who will coordinate subcontractors, inspections, permits and construction questions.

3. Talk with your builder about your plans and budget.

Your builder can help you determine what plans, engineering, site work and specialty contractors will be needed. They can also help you understand the construction timeline and total costs. Never feel pressured to sign a contract before you understand what you are agreeing to.

Things to Consider Before You Sign a Contract:

• Ask exactly what is included in the price.
  Make sure you understand what is included—and what is not—including site work, utility connections, permits, design, engineering, materials and finishes.
• Ask who will obtain the permits.
  Talk with your contractor about who will submit the building permit and coordinate required inspections. Make sure you understand what you are responsible for.
• Understand the payment schedule.
  Know when payments are due and what work must be completed before each payment is made. Be cautious about requests for large upfront payments.
• Get everything in writing.
  Your contract should clearly identify the scope of work, estimated cost, payment schedule, construction timeline and how changes to the project will be handled.
• Ask about change orders.
  Construction projects can change. Understand how additional work or changes will be priced and approved before the work begins.

4. Options

See below for options using previously approved plans and using new plans

Option 1: Reconstruction Using Previously Approved Plans

Option 2: Reconstruction Using New Plans

Once you have a plan for your project, you can start your permit application. This is where the City's Development Services Center can help. A building permit is required before construction begins. Depending on your project, additional permits may be needed for electrical, plumbing, mechanical and utility work.

To begin the application process, please visit Accela Citizen Access.

A general list of permits and associated fees for a single-family home will include the following (these fees are estimates based on a construction value of $709,721.25):

1. Building Permit:
   • Technology fee $95.30
   • Processing fee: $65.00
   • Plan Review fee: $1,906.00
   • Permit fee: $3,812.00
   • State Building Code fee: $6.50
   • Stormwater Inspection fee $100.00
2. Mechanical Permit: ~$265.31
3. Plumbing Permit: ~$251.55
4. Electrical Permit: ~$295.63
5. Sewer to Building Line Permit: $215.00
6. 3/4" Water Meter: $2,718.11

You can estimate your own fees with our online fee calculators.

Can we have Temporary Housing On-Site while the House is Being Rebuilt?

Yes, the City will be allowing temporary housing solutions within certain limitations. Please contact the Development Services Center to discuss your specific housing situation.

Development Serives Center
Phone: 509.625.6300
Email: PermitTeam@spokanecity.org

Still not sure what you need?
Contact the Development Services Center before you start. We can help you understand the permitting process, what information is needed and what comes next.
Development Services Center
509.625.6300
PermitTeam@spokanecity.org

Once your plans are submitted, City staff will review them. Currently the City is reviewing single family homes for fire rebuilds in 5 business days for the first review. If revisions are identified, subsequent reviews will be completed within 3 business days.

The plan review process will include zoning, building, engineering, water, sewer, and other possible requirements depending on your project.  Avista supplies gas and electricity in the area, so questions about those elements should be directed to (800) 227-9187 or online.

If corrections or additional information are needed, you or your contractor will receive specific information about what needs to be addressed.

The City’s Urban Forestry Program has confirmed fire impacted areas can be included with current street tree planting efforts with grant funding. Through the City’s USDA / USFS Grant (to 2028), both trees and planting services can be coordinated by City Staff during regular fall and spring contract plantings. To sign up for a street tree, simply go to the SpoCanopy – through our partners at The Lands Council.

Don't be discouraged by corrections - they are a normal part of the permitting process.

Construct: Once your permits are approved, fees are paid, and your permit has been issued, construction can begin.

Inspect: A very important component of ensuring that your project meets building code and other requirements is to make sure that periodic inspections are performed throughout the construction of the project. At the start of the project, the permit will outline the construction steps that require inspection. To help the work proceed correctly, additional inspections will also be made as necessary.

Your builder will coordinate construction, inspections and subcontractors throughout the project.

Keep copies of your contract, plans, permits, inspection records and payment documentation.

After all work is approved, the City will issue a "Certificate of Occupancy" to verify that your house is complete and has passed all safety inspections, after which you can officially move into your new home!

• 2021 International Code Suite with Washington State Amendments
  • IRC, IBC, IFC, IMC, IFGC, ISPSC
• 2021 Washington State Energy Code with Washington State Amendments
• 2021 Uniform Plumbing code with Washington State Amendments
• 2023 National Electrical Code with Washington State Amendments

• 2024 International Code Suite is effective starting May 3, 2027
• 2024 Washington State Energy Code is effective starting May 3, 2027
• 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code is effective starting May 3, 2027
• 2026 National Electrical Code is effective starting December 31, 2026

• There is currently no requirement to comply with the International or Washington State Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
• WUI best practices are recommended but not required

• None yet, however a code-relief proposal has been sent to the State Building Code Council for consideration. This section will be updated if specific relief is formally approved.

• 17C.111 – Residential Zoning Codes
• Title 13.03 Sewers
• Title 13.03A Pretreatment
• Title 13.04 Water
• Title 17D.060 Stormwater Facilities
• Rules and Regulations for Water Service Installation
• Side Sewer Installation Handbook

Zoning Codes

• None yet, however emergency ordinances are being pursued for a number of relief items including:
  • utilization of previous zoning standards for homes permitted prior to adoption of newest residential standards in 2024
  • allowance of ADU’s prior to primary residence being established

Urban Forestry: Street Tree Program

• The City’s Urban Forestry Program has confirmed fire impacted areas can be included with current street tree planting efforts with grant funding (these areas were previously outside of the project boundary). Through the City’s USDA / USFS Grant (to 2028), both trees and planting services can be coordinated by City Staff during regular fall and spring contract plantings. To sign up for a street tree, simply go to the SpoCanopy – through our partners at The Lands Council. Urban Forestry - SpoCanopy — The Lands Council .

Engineering: Water/Sewer/Stormwater Regulations

• Nothing yet, relief options are being pursued by water/sewer that may help with utility connections.

• Demolition/cleanup permit fee has been reduced to $35
• Plan review fee may be waived on reconstruction permits utilizing Option 1: Reconstruction Using Previously Approved Plans as outlined above.
• All other construction and utility permit fees will be assessed based on the adopted fee schedules in effect at the time of submittal.
• The City is working with State Officials to determine if other forms of fee relief/reimbursement may be forthcoming.