Environmental Rules in Spokane, WA (2026)
9 verified environmental rules for Spokane, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Spokane enforces strict stormwater rules under SMC 17D.060 and the NPDES Phase II MS4 permit. The Spokane-Rathdrum Aquifer (sole-source aquifer) and Spokane River require infiltration-based treatment. New development must manage runoff via the Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual.
Environmental: Stormwater
Heavy RestrictionsErosion Control
Spokane requires erosion and sediment control plans for any land-disturbing activity over 500 sq ft under SMC 17D.060. Construction sites use silt fences, straw wattles, and inlet protection per the Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual. DOE CSWGP covers 1+ acre sites.
Environmental: Erosion Control
Heavy RestrictionsFlood Zones
Spokane participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. The Spokane River, Latah Creek (Hangman Creek), and Little Spokane River have mapped FEMA floodplains. SMC 17E.030 (Critical Areas) regulates development in floodways and 100-year floodplains.
Environmental: Flood Zones
Heavy RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Spokane requires grading permits under SMC 17F.070 for earthwork exceeding 50 cubic yards or 500 sq ft of disturbance. Steep slopes (over 30%) trigger SMC 17E.030 critical-area review. Drainage must comply with the Spokane Regional Stormwater Manual.
Environmental: Grading Drainage
Some RestrictionsVehicle Idling Restrictions
Spokane has no broad citywide vehicle idling ban for residents, but state diesel idling rules and school zone policies discourage extended idling near sensitive receptors like schools and hospitals.
Vehicle Idling Limits in Spokane
Few RestrictionsClimate Emergency Mobilization
Spokane's 2021 Sustainability Action Plan sets greenhouse gas reduction goals targeting 95% below 2016 levels by 2050, guiding city operations, building codes, and transportation policy across departments.
Spokane Climate Action Plan Targets
Some RestrictionsSustainable Procurement
Spokane's purchasing rules direct city departments to favor recycled-content paper, ENERGY STAR equipment, and lower-emission vehicles when life-cycle costs are comparable, supporting Climate Action Plan implementation.
City Sustainable Purchasing Policy
Few RestrictionsCool Roof Requirements
Spokane has no cool-roof mandate, but the Sustainability Action Plan and Washington State Energy Code encourage reflective roofing, added insulation, and shade trees to reduce summer heat island effects in dense neighborhoods.
Cool Roof and Heat Island Guidance
Few RestrictionsHeat Island Mitigation
Spokane's Comprehensive Plan and Sustainability Action Plan call for tree canopy expansion, green infrastructure, and cooling centers to reduce heat island impacts in downtown and West Central neighborhoods most exposed to summer heat.
Urban Heat Island Reduction Strategies
Few RestrictionsLooking for Spokane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Spokane city rules.
Environmental Rules in Spokane County →