Spokane Inclusionary Zoning Requirements - Ordinance

Land Use and Zoning Washington 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane, Washington is evaluating tools to increase affordable housing, but developers and property owners must rely on existing city land-use rules, incentives, and recorded affordable housing agreements. This guide explains where to look in Spokane municipal materials, which departments enforce housing-related requirements, and practical steps for projects that aim to include affordable units or seek alternatives such as incentives or density bonuses. For official code text and planning resources see the municipal code and the City planning project pages[1][2].

Background and Scope

There is no standalone, citywide inclusionary zoning ordinance explicitly requiring a set share of affordable units in new private residential developments published as a single code section in Spokane municipal code; affordable housing actions are implemented through programs, incentives, and negotiated agreements by Planning and Economic Development and other departments. Check current municipal code sections on land use and affordable housing programs for project requirements and incentives[2][1].

Local policy may rely on incentives and negotiated agreements rather than a mandatory inclusionary ordinance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Because Spokane does not publish a distinct inclusionary zoning ordinance in the municipal code, specific fines tied to an inclusionary requirement are not specified on the cited pages. Where affordable-unit obligations exist by recorded agreement, violation remedies typically follow municipal code remedies for covenant, permit violations, or breach of recorded restriction; exact penalties, escalation, and fees are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the enforcing department[2][3].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; enforcement may rely on civil remedies or permit revocation where applicable.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing-offence ranges: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, withholding/ revocation of permits, injunctions, or enforcement of recorded covenants may apply.
  • Enforcer: Planning & Economic Development, Building Services, and Code Enforcement handle project compliance; contact the City for case-specific authority and procedure[1].
  • Appeals & review: appeal routes typically follow permit-appeal processes in municipal code; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages and should be verified with the department handling the permit or recorded agreement[2].
If your project includes recorded affordability restrictions, treat those documents as enforceable contracts.

Applications & Forms

There is no single published City of Spokane form titled for "inclusionary zoning" requirements; applicable forms depend on the regulatory path: land-use permit applications, site plan/conditional-use permits, recorded affordable housing agreements, or administrative modification requests. For specific forms and submission methods consult Planning & Economic Development and Building Services project pages[1][2].

How compliance is typically structured for projects

  • Voluntary affordability agreements: developers negotiate recorded covenants in exchange for incentives.
  • Incentives: density bonuses or reduced parking requirements are offered instead of mandatory unit set-asides.
  • Monitoring: affordable-unit commitments are often tracked via recorded instruments and monitored by housing staff or partners.
Always request written confirmation of any incentive or agreement before relying on it for entitlement.

FAQ

Does Spokane have a mandatory inclusionary zoning ordinance?
No, Spokane does not publish a single mandatory inclusionary zoning ordinance; affordable housing tools are implemented through programs, incentives, and recorded agreements rather than a standalone requirement.[2]
Who enforces affordable-unit agreements?
Planning & Economic Development, Building Services, and Code Enforcement are the typical enforcing offices; specific enforcement depends on whether the obligation arises from a permit condition or a recorded covenant.[1]
Where do I find forms or apply for incentives?
Use the City planning and building services project and permit pages for applications, or contact Planning & Economic Development for guidance on incentive programs and required documents.[1]

How-To

  1. Review applicable Spokane municipal code sections and current planning project pages to confirm whether a proposed project faces affordability conditions.[2]
  2. Contact Planning & Economic Development for pre-application consultation to discuss incentives, density bonuses, or negotiated affordable-unit agreements.[1]
  3. Prepare required permit applications and, if applicable, draft recorded covenants or deed restrictions and submit with your permit or land-use application.
  4. If a dispute arises, follow the permit appeal procedures or pursue review through the administrative appeals process; confirm time limits with the issuing department.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Spokane currently uses incentives and agreements rather than a single mandatory inclusionary ordinance.
  • Contact Planning & Economic Development early for projects considering affordable units or incentives.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane Municipal Code and ordinances
  2. [2] City of Spokane Planning - Affordable Housing project
  3. [3] City Clerk - Ordinances and council records

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