Spokane County, WA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Low Density max height
- 35 feet
- Medium Density max height
- 40 feet
- High Density max height
- 50 feet
- College/university
- Up to 65 feet
- Measured
- Grade to highest roof point
Summary
Maximum building height in Spokane County's Low Density and Low Density Plus Residential zones is 35 feet; Medium Density is 40 feet; High Density is 50 feet (65 feet for colleges/universities). Height is measured from average finished grade to the highest point of the roof.
Building height shall be measured from the average finished grade to the highest point of the roof, except for skylights, chimneys, wireless masts, and other provisions of Section 14.810.230. Max. Height: 35 feet (Low Density and Low Density Plus), 40 feet (Medium Density), 50 feet (High Density), 65 feet for a college/university.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
Under SCC 14.606.300 (Table 606-3), maximum building height is 35 feet in the Low Density and Low Density Plus Residential zones, 40 feet in Medium Density Residential, and 50 feet in High Density Residential; a college or university may reach 65 feet in these zones. Per SCC 14.300 (Definitions), building height is measured from the average finished grade to the highest point of the roof, based on visual impact rather than fire/life safety. SCC 14.810.230 lets certain structures - penthouses for elevators/stairways, chimneys, church steeples, flagpoles, silos, barns and windmills - exceed the height limit, provided livable floor area stays within the limit.
Violations & Fines
Structures exceeding the zone's maximum height require a variance; height is checked against Table 606-3 before permit issuance by Building and Planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Spokane County?
What can go above the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington building setbacks & zoning overview
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