Stormwater Permits in Spokane, Washington

Environmental Protection Washington 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

The City of Spokane regulates stormwater and drainage for property work within city limits to protect public infrastructure and local waterways. Property owners, developers and contractors should confirm permit requirements with the City of Spokane Stormwater program and Planning/Engineering prior to starting work to avoid enforcement actions and delays.[1] This guide explains where to get permits, which office enforces rules, typical forms and steps to apply.

What permits cover stormwater work

Permits commonly required for stormwater-related work in Spokane include city-issued land-disturbing or right-of-way permits and, for larger construction sites, a Washington State Construction Stormwater General Permit. Determine which permit applies before grading, redirecting runoff, or altering drainage paths.

  • Right-of-way permits or encroachment permits for work in public streets and gutters.
  • City land-disturbing or drainage review permits for onsite grading and stormwater control.
  • State Construction Stormwater General Permit (Ecology) for most sites disturbing 1 acre or more, or smaller sites that are part of a common plan of development.[3]
Confirm permit thresholds with the City and the Washington State Department of Ecology before planning work.

How to determine which permit you need

Start by contacting the City of Spokane permits or stormwater office to describe the scope of work, area of disturbance, and whether work affects public right-of-way or storm systems. City staff will identify applicable city permits and whether a state Construction Stormwater permit is also required.[2]

  • Call or email the City of Spokane Stormwater or Development Services for a pre-application question.
  • Provide a site plan showing limits of disturbance and existing drainage.
  • Ask about review timelines so you can schedule construction activities.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Spokane enforces stormwater and drainage rules through its Public Works/Engineering and Stormwater program. Enforcement actions can include notices to comply, stop-work orders, civil penalties, abatement and referral to court. Specific fine amounts and escalation procedures are not specified on the cited city pages; see the listed official resources for the controlling texts and any fee schedules.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations and their ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory corrective work, and abatement are available.
  • Enforcer: City of Spokane Public Works / Engineering Services and Stormwater program; complaints and inspections are handled by the City permitting and stormwater teams.[2]
  • How to report: use the City of Spokane online service or contact Public Works to file a complaint.
If you are served a stop-work order, contact the issuing City office immediately to learn required corrective steps.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes permit applications and checklists for right-of-way, grading and drainage reviews. For state-level coverage, the Washington Department of Ecology provides the Construction Stormwater General Permit forms such as Notice of Intent (NOI) and associated instructions. Specific fee amounts, form numbers and submittal deadlines are not specified on the cited city pages; consult the linked permit pages for current forms and fee schedules.[2][3]

  • City right-of-way/encroachment permit application: available from City permitting.
  • City drainage review or land-disturbing permit application: available from Development Services.
  • State Construction Stormwater General Permit NOI and instructions: available from WA Dept. of Ecology.[3]

How to apply - action steps

  1. Confirm project location is inside Spokane city limits and identify whether work impacts right-of-way.
  2. Contact City of Spokane Development Services or Stormwater program to request pre-application guidance and required checklists.[2]
  3. Prepare site plans, erosion and sediment control plans, and stormwater pollution prevention measures per city standards.
  4. Submit the City permit application, required plans, and fees through the City’s permitting portal or office.
  5. If applicable, submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Washington State Department of Ecology for the Construction Stormwater General Permit and maintain required records.
  6. Schedule and pass any required inspections; comply with permit conditions and site maintenance obligations.
Keep copies of approvals and erosion-control inspection records on site during construction.

FAQ

Do I need a stormwater permit for small landscaping or driveway work?
It depends on the scope and whether the work disturbs soil, alters drainage or affects the public right-of-way; contact City Development Services to confirm.
When must I get a Washington State Construction Stormwater permit?
Sites disturbing 1 acre or more, or smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development, typically need the state Construction Stormwater General Permit; contact Ecology for thresholds and NOI requirements.[3]
How long does City permit review usually take?
Review times vary by application complexity and workload; ask City staff for current estimates when you submit plans.
Who enforces stormwater rules and how do I report a violation?
The City of Spokane Public Works/Engineering and Stormwater program enforce local rules; report issues via the City’s online service or contact Public Works.

How-To

Steps below show how a property owner in Spokane obtains the necessary stormwater permits and achieves compliance.

  1. Confirm jurisdiction and permit triggers by contacting City of Spokane Development Services and Stormwater staff.
  2. Develop site plans and erosion control plans that meet City standards.
  3. Submit City permit applications and pay required fees; if required, file the state NOI for Construction Stormwater.
  4. Perform on-site controls, pass inspections, and retain records for the duration required by permits.
  5. If you receive enforcement action, follow corrective orders and use City appeal procedures if you dispute the finding.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact City of Spokane early to identify city permits and submittal requirements.
  • Large construction sites often need both City permits and the Washington State Construction Stormwater permit.
  • Failure to get required permits can result in stop-work orders and corrective requirements.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane Stormwater program
  2. [2] City of Spokane Permits and Development Services
  3. [3] Washington State Department of Ecology - Construction Stormwater Permit

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