Spokane Historic District Ordinance & Tax Incentives
In Spokane, Washington, historic district review shapes exterior changes, demolitions, and new construction in designated districts. Property owners should expect a municipal review process administered by the City of Spokane Historic Preservation Office that evaluates designs against local standards and the Spokane Register of Historic Places.[1] This article explains review triggers, the typical workflow, tax incentive programs that may apply, enforcement and appeals, and clear action steps for owners planning projects in historic districts.
Historic review process
Work that alters building exteriors, adds square footage visible from the street, or proposes demolition typically requires review. The Historic Preservation Office coordinates design review, public notice, and hearings where applicable. Review standards prioritize preservation of character-defining features and compatible new work. For formal code language and procedural rules, consult the Spokane Municipal Code chapter on historic preservation.[2]
Tax incentives and financial programs
Property owners in Spokane can pursue state and federal incentives for certified rehabilitation and special valuation programs. Federal historic rehabilitation tax credits apply to income-producing properties when projects meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Washington State offers a special valuation program for qualifying historic properties; local application and implementation involve the State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP). For program details and eligibility, see DAHP guidance on special valuation.[3]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of Spokane's historic preservation rules is handled by the Historic Preservation Office and Planning/Building staff under the Spokane Municipal Code. Specific monetary fines and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited municipal code page; consult the code and enforcement notices for exact figures.[2]
- Enforcer: City of Spokane Historic Preservation Office and Planning/Building Services.
- Fine amounts and daily penalties: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences handling not specified on the cited page.
- Inspection and complaint pathway: file a complaint with the City of Spokane Planning/Building Services; contact details are on the municipal site.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, remediation orders, and court enforcement actions may be used.
- Appeals/review: appeal routes exist through administrative review or hearing bodies; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The City publishes application procedures for historic review and design approvals; the precise form names, filing fees, and submission portals are maintained by the Historic Preservation Office and Planning/Building Services. Where fee amounts or form numbers are not shown on the cited pages, they are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Unapproved demolition or removal of character-defining features - may prompt stop-work and remediation orders.
- Exterior alterations without certificate of review - potential fines or required reversal of work.
- Failure to comply with approved plans - enforcement actions and possible court referrals.
Action steps for property owners
- Confirm historic designation status for your property with the City of Spokane Historic Preservation Office.[1]
- Prepare documentation and elevation drawings showing proposed changes.
- Check deadlines for submission and public notice periods; submit early to avoid delays.
- If pursuing tax incentives, contact DAHP about special valuation and federal/state credits before starting work.[3]
- Use the City contact page to ask about fees, required permits, and appeal timelines.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to change my building exterior in a Spokane historic district?
- Yes. Exterior changes that affect character-defining features typically require review by the Historic Preservation Office and may require a certificate or approval before work begins.
- How can I apply for tax incentives for rehabilitation?
- Contact DAHP for state special valuation guidance and follow federal rehabilitation tax credit procedures if the property is income-producing; pre-approval is usually required.
- How long does the review process take?
- Timelines vary by project complexity and notice requirements; specific review timeframes are not specified on the cited municipal page.
How-To
- Confirm whether your property is in a designated historic district by contacting the Historic Preservation Office.[1]
- Assemble photographs, drawings, and a project description showing how work meets preservation standards.
- Submit the historic review application to City Planning/Building Services and pay any required fees.
- Attend any required public hearings and respond to requested revisions from the reviewer.
- If seeking tax relief, apply to DAHP or the county assessor for special valuation and document approvals before and after work.
Key Takeaways
- Start the historic review early to avoid costly delays.
- Some tax incentives require pre-approval; contact DAHP before construction.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Spokane Historic Preservation Office
- City of Spokane Planning/Building Services
- Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation