Building & Planning 

Important News.......
 

Transfer of Development Rights Workshop

The Spokane County Planning Commission will hold a public workshop to discuss proposed amendments to Spokane County Zoning Code for Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) at 9:00 AM on July 29th in the County Commissioner's Hearing Room, located on the lower level of the Public Works Building, 1026 W. Broadway. Click here to review the draft language.

Burning Restrictions Issued for Spokane County

Unauthorized open burning and unauthorized recreational fires are hereby ordered discontinued in the unincorporated areas of Spokane County until further notice.

Click on the link to the right to view the complete Burn Restriction Notice

2010 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendments

The Spokane County Commissioners have initiated for public review six (6) site specific Comprehensive Plan and Zoning map amendments.

Click here to view the six (6) Amendment Applications and supporting documentation.

Inland Northwest Chapter of the International Code Council announces the 59th Annual Building Officials Short Course

The Inland Northwest Chapter of the International Code Council will hold their 59th Annual Building Officials Short Course October 25th - 27th in Kennewick, WA. 

Click here to learn more about the short course and download a registration form.

10-Year Urban Growth Area Review

Spokane County and the Cities of Spokane, County are reviewing the County's Urban Growth Area to determine the need for accommodating future growth.   Click the link below for more information.

10-Year Urban Growth Area Update Process Summary
SEPA/GMA Scoping Notice

Revised Office and Inspection Hours

Due to declining construction and land development activity, Department office and inspection hours have been changed.  New hours of operation are:

7:30am - 4:00pm
Monday through Thursday only
We will no longer be open on Friday

Full services will be available during the indicated hours.  If you have comments or suggestions regarding this schedule, please submit them via our BUILDING & PLANNING SCHEDULE COMMENTS form.

Mission Statement

We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the public health, safety and welfare by guiding the physical growth of Spokane County and providing for safety and compatibility in the built environment through:

• Reasonable administration and enforcement of building and site development requirements;

• Processing project applications in a fair and efficient, customer-oriented manner; and

• Enhancing professionalism in staff.

Location

Department of Building and Planning
Public Works Building
1026 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA, 99260

How to Reach Us

Phone: (509) 477-3675
Fax: (509) 477-4703
1-800-27CODES

Contact Us

Randy Vissia, Building Director
John Pederson, Planning Director
Pam Knutsen, Administrative Services

Building & Planning Organizational Chart

Hours

7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Thursday (excluding holidays)

About Us

Our team of professional administrative, technical, and support staff carry out responsibilities involving administration and enforcement of County and State Codes related to regional comprehensive land use planning, development, construction and alteration of buildings within the County.

The Permit Center, located on the main floor of the Public Works Building, is designed to provide for the majority of County land use, development, permitting and construction plan review functions at a single, convenient location. In most cases, the Center eliminates the necessity of traveling to other buildings for information, clearances or approvals.

Who Needs Codes and Regulations?

Whether at home, work, school, or play, we rely daily on the compatibility of adjacent uses, the mitigation of environmental concerns and the safety of structures that surround us. The consumer need for adequate levels of public services at home and work, together with the public need for coordinated land use planning efforts, underscores the need for modern land use and construction codes and their administration.

Washington state and local governments have enacted laws pertaining to these matters to protect the health and welfare of its citizens and the overall environment. State law requires comprehensive land use planning, with the development of common goals and coordinated growth plans among local governments within the County.

Reducing urban sprawl, creating efficiency in urban development and transportation systems, affordable housing, protection of the environment and open space and controlling the subdivision of land are all objectives of these planning efforts. State law also requires construction code enforcement services, including permits, plan reviews, and site inspections.

Code enforcement programs in the community are a key to successfully implementing land use plans, providing life safety in the use and occupancy of buildings, controlling fire and property losses, and reducing structure insurance rates. Today's codes also address issues of accessibility and energy conservation.

Whether it's new development, construction or the repair/alteration of existing buildings, the Building and Planning Department plays an invaluable role in ensuring the economic well-being and safety of the entire community.