Building Setbacks & Zoning in Spokane County, WA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Spokane County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Spokane County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

In Spokane County's urban residential zones, the front/flanking-street and side setback for a residence is 15 feet (20 feet for a garage). The rear setback is 5 feet plus 1 foot for each foot of building height over 25 feet, up to 15 feet.

Building Setback Rules in Unincorporated Spokane County

Some Restrictions

SCC 14.606.300, Table 606-3

Rear (all residential zones): Five feet plus 1 additional foot for each additional foot of structure height over 25 feet to a maximum of 15 feet. Front/flanking street and Side: 15 feet - residence, 20 feet - garage.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

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 Limits in Spokane County Residential Zones

Some Restrictions

SCC 14.300 (Building Height) & 14.606.300, Table 606-3

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.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

In Spokane County, maximum building coverage is 55% of lot area in the Low Density and Low Density Plus Residential zones, 65% in Medium Density Residential, and 70% in High Density Residential, under SCC 14.606.300, Table 606-3.

Maximum Lot / Building Coverage in Spokane County

Some Restrictions

SCC 14.606.300, Table 606-3

Max. Building Coverage: 55% of lot area (Low Density and Low Density Plus Residential), 65% of lot area (Medium Density Residential), 70% of lot area (High Density Residential).

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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