development
resources
Reasons to Invest
In 2024, retail tourist spending exceeded $255 million alone. With the city projecting over 23,000 new residents by 2046, the Comprehensive Plan aims to make downtown Spokane a more welcoming and engaging place to live, work and play for visitors of all types. As the city continues to grow, Spokane is dedicated more than ever to having downtown be a vibrant place for people to experience. There’s no better time to be downtown than right now.
Incentives
Development Resource Links
Pre-Development Meetings
These no cost optional meetings allow the owner and/or owner’s agent(s) to meet with staff to discuss preliminary design and/or construction issues.
Commercial Building Review
The City of Spokane Development Services Center reviews and approves commercial and multi-family plans for new construction, remodels, revisions to approved permits, change of use and certificate of occupancy. The department reviews plans to ensure compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and applicable Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire, and Energy Codes. Reviewers include staff from building, planning, engineering, fire department, and utilities.
Other Services provided for Commercial Plan Review
Tenant Checklist
Tenant improvement plans view this checklist To submit a Tenant Improvement or Alteration permit in Spokane, applicants must provide a complete package including an application, detailed plans (architectural, structural, MEP, civil), and supporting documentation based on the scope of work. The city outlines three levels of review — Simple, Standard, and Complex — each with specific thresholds, timelines, and department involvement.
Small interior commercial remodels
Small interior commercial remodels Simple reviews are quick turn-around reviews and approvals that apply to small interior commercial remodels. Simple reviews are typically completed in 3-5 business days.
Change the use or occupancy
Changing the use or occupancy of a commercial space may require a permit A new tenant of a commercial building space that will change the use or occupancy class may require a change of use permit. Staff in the DSC will help you determine your existing and proposed classification and if a change of use permit will be required.
Commercial Permitting Guide
Commercial Permitting Guide This guide outlines the requirements for submitting Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) plans for commercial projects in Spokane, based on project scope and state regulations. Depending on complexity, plans may need to be stamped by a licensed architect or engineer, especially for critical facilities or high-voltage systems. MEP plans must be complete at the time of submission, as deferred submittals are not permitted.
Demolitions
All demolition applications whether they are partial demolitions or total demolitions are reviewed by Planning & Development staff. The Historic Preservation Office reviews applications for structures that are 50-years or older AND one of the following criteria: located within the downtown boundary map area, located in a National Register Historic District, or listed on the Spokane Register of Historic Places.
Member Developers and Brokers
Permitting links
We continuously update this page as new information becomes available, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates relevant to your downtown Spokane development needs.
The City of Spokane Development Services Center can be accessed Monday – Friday in person or online. For further assistance call 509-625-6300.
About the BID
What is the Business Improvement District (BID)?
The BID is a financing mechanism that helps more than 850 business owners and 350 property parcels in the 80-block BID to pool resources to provide supplemental services and improvements that enhance existing municipal services.
Authorized by Washington state law, the BID was established by downtown property and business owners with support of the City Council in 1995 and reauthorized in 2001. The BID aids general economic development and neighborhood revitalization by focusing on key services its stakeholders (BID Ratepayers) have identified, including safety and security, cleanliness and maintenance, marketing and events, urban planning and beautification, and transportation.
Why does downtown need a BID?
Spokane joined more than 1,000 cities across the country when it created the Downtown Spokane BID. The BID provides a way for downtown business owners to pool financial resources to more effectively pay for enhanced services and programs to supplement the services that are provided by the City of Spokane.
BID services and programs are unique and tailored to the needs of the district’s business and residential community and have broad-based support for its effectiveness. As Spokane continues to grow and evolve, the demands on BID services will also grow and change. It is important that the BID and the City continue to work together to learn from each other to improve BID services and management.
How is the BID funded?
The BID is a way for downtown to get needed services supplemental to what the City provides. When business and property owners pool their funds, the result is a strong organization with more impact than any single entity could have.
The BID is funded primarily by Ratepayer assessments and private investment, including supplementary contracts, event sponsorships, grants, and other contributions.. By providing a stable funding source, the BID can invest in community priorities and services equitably for the benefit of all Ratepayers within the district.