SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane has issued its first rebuild permit following the Spokane Complex Fire, marking progress for residents eager to return to their neighborhoods.
The permit was issued by the Development Services Center on August 27th for a single-family home originally built in 2023. They received the permit application on August 25th and transferred the existing building plans to the new permit, completing the process in two days.
“We know that those impacted by the recent fires are eager to rebuild and get back in their neighborhoods. We are ready to work alongside our neighbors and develop creative solutions so that we can get folks back on the path to rebuilding as soon as possible,” said Tami Palmquist, Director of the Development Services Center.
The city has reduced demolition fees to $35 and waived processing and technology fees for affected homeowners. Homes built after February 1st, 2021, can use their original approved plans, potentially saving thousands of dollars in architectural design costs.
The city says residents must follow four steps to rebuild:
1. Completion of hazardous material removal through the EPA, which surveys and disposes of materials at no cost.
2. This requires an asbestos survey and Notice of Intent submission to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency before any demolition or building permit can be issued. A negative survey allows property owners to remove debris themselves, while a positive survey requires a Washington Certified Asbestos Abatement Company. Asbestos-positive debris must go to Graham Road Landfill.
3. Obtain a demolition and clean-up permit with the reduced $35 fee.
4. Residents can then determine their reconstruction approach using either previously approved plans or new designs.
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