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Zoning & Unified Development Code (UDC)

The City continues to consolidate all of the development regulations and guidelines into a Unified Development Code (UDC) found in Spokane Municipal Code Title 17.

The Zoning Code contains the descriptions of the City's zoning categories and the uses allowed in them.  The "Zoning Code" also contains the City's requirements for development standards for new construction, such as requirements for setbacks, height limitations, the percentage of a lot that may be occupied by structures, landscaping requirements, and parking requirements.

For a quick overall view of zoning categories and allowed uses , click here Zoning allowed uses table (1,224 KB)

The Current Planning Section assists applicants in the development process while safeguarding the public's interest in maintaining Spokane's quality of life.  While the Current Planning Section is sometimes referred to as "Zoning," zoning is only one of the section's functions.

The specific work for this Section includes the following areas:

• Processing of applications for requests such as Rezones, Special Permits, Variances, and Street Name Changes. 

• Responds to inquiries about how property within the city is zoned, what uses are allowed in those zones, and how property can be developed within the zones.

• Reviews permits for new fences, garages, and adjustments to property lines.

•  Processing of applications for specific uses such as Day Care Facilities, Home Occupations, and Drive-Through Espresso Stands.

• Reviews all new commercial development within the city.

• Subdivisions, including Short and Long Plats (both Preliminary and Final), Binding Site Plans, and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs).

• Review of Building Permits for compliance with the City’s zoning standards.  This includes review of permit applications for commercial and office development, garages and other accessory buildings, fences, other new construction activity.

• Review of Sign Permit applications.

• The section also supports the Hearing Examiner, Plan Commission, and City Council in the public hearing process through the provisions of the Spokane Municipal Code related to subjects such as the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning, Subdivisions, Shorelines, and Skywalks.

Zoning Map Information on: "Spokane City Map Viewer"

Each piece of property within the City of Spokane has a specific zoning category assigned to it.  The zoning category determines what uses are allowed on the property.  To find the zoning of a piece of property, click here: "Spokane City Map Viewer".  Then, zoom in and find your area or property of interest.  You can then apply a host of overlay components.  Zoning and land use information can be found if you place your cursor over the "Layers" label in the top right corner.  You will then need to mark your visual choices and hit "Redraw Map."  If you have any problems with the system or questions, call Current Planning staff at 1-(509) 625-6300.

Questions about a specific application being processed?

To better serve you, if you have questions about a specific land use application, Current Planning staff requests that you make an appointment with the City Planner assigned to it.  Making an appointment to talk about a specific application will insure that you receive the most up to date and accurate information on your particular request.  Each land use application is assigned both an application number and a specific City Planner, both of which are referenced on all application forms.  Click here to view a list of Current Planners and their contact information.

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