You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-16.
Spokane building permits
Spokane, Washington — as published 2026-09-16.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Building Permit
Required for construction in Spokane under SMC Title 17F. The city adopts the state building code at whatever edition is currently in force rather than naming a year.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Built to the IBC or IRC at the "current adopted Edition" - SMC 17F.040.010 names no year
- The IRC is adopted WITHOUT Part IV Energy Efficiency, Part VII Plumbing and Part VIII Electrical; those come from separate adoptions
- Filed through Accela Citizen Access; a registered account is required
- Design to the criteria in SMC 17F.040.105, not to a neighbouring city's numbers
Required documents
- RequiredPermit applicationPermit application, filed through the city's Accela Citizen Access portal (a registered account is required to apply)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE PRINTED HERE FOR SPOKANE, AND THE CODE SECTION YOU WOULD GO TO IS EMPTY. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE PRINTED HERE FOR SPOKANE, AND THE CODE SECTION YOU WOULD GO TO IS EMPTY. SMC 17F.040.060 is titled "Fees" and its entire text is "Section 108 of the IBC is deleted." - it removes the model building code's fee provisions and puts nothing in their place. The city publishes a "Development Services Fee Schedule 2026", named on its Accela permit portal; THIS GUIDE HAS NOT OPENED THAT SCHEDULE and does not state what is in it. Ask the Development Services Center. AND BE CAREFUL WHO ASKS YOU FOR MONEY: the city's own portal carries a fraud alert stating that it "will never request payment through emailed wire transfer instructions." |
Deck Permit
Residential decks in Spokane are built to the IRC as adopted at SMC 17F.040.010, using the city's own design criteria table.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Built to the International Residential Code at the current adopted Edition
- Ground snow load 39 lbs/ft2; minimum roof snow load 30 lbs/ft2 for any covered structure
- Frostline depth 24 inches - footings must reach below it
- Wind Speed (ult) 110 mph and Seismic Design Category C
Required documents
- RequiredPermit applicationPermit application, filed through the city's Accela Citizen Access portal (a registered account is required to apply)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE PRINTED HERE FOR SPOKANE, AND THE CODE SECTION YOU WOULD GO TO IS EMPTY. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE PRINTED HERE FOR SPOKANE, AND THE CODE SECTION YOU WOULD GO TO IS EMPTY. SMC 17F.040.060 is titled "Fees" and its entire text is "Section 108 of the IBC is deleted." - it removes the model building code's fee provisions and puts nothing in their place. The city publishes a "Development Services Fee Schedule 2026", named on its Accela permit portal; THIS GUIDE HAS NOT OPENED THAT SCHEDULE and does not state what is in it. Ask the Development Services Center. AND BE CAREFUL WHO ASKS YOU FOR MONEY: the city's own portal carries a fraud alert stating that it "will never request payment through emailed wire transfer instructions." |
Verify a Contractor Licence
Washington contractors register with the Department of Labor & Industries. Registration is a STATE record; Spokane does not issue it. Note that Spokane's boiler and pressure vessel inspection program also moved to Labor & Industries on 1 July 2026.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Check contractor registration with Washington State Labor & Industries
Required documents
- OptionalNo city document requiredNo city document - check the state register
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE PRINTED HERE FOR SPOKANE, AND THE CODE SECTION YOU WOULD GO TO IS EMPTY. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE PRINTED HERE FOR SPOKANE, AND THE CODE SECTION YOU WOULD GO TO IS EMPTY. SMC 17F.040.060 is titled "Fees" and its entire text is "Section 108 of the IBC is deleted." - it removes the model building code's fee provisions and puts nothing in their place. The city publishes a "Development Services Fee Schedule 2026", named on its Accela permit portal; THIS GUIDE HAS NOT OPENED THAT SCHEDULE and does not state what is in it. Ask the Development Services Center. AND BE CAREFUL WHO ASKS YOU FOR MONEY: the city's own portal carries a fraud alert stating that it "will never request payment through emailed wire transfer instructions." |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-16.
Fee schedules
Online permit portal
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Spokane building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.