Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Spokane Valley

Spokane Valley, WA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Spokane Valley, WA, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Governing chapter: Chapter 21.30 SVMC
Permit trigger: any construction or fill in flood hazard area
Administrator: city manager or designee
FIRM basis: Spokane County FIS dated July 6, 2010
Floodway rule: encroachment provisions at § 21.30.090(C)(7)
First-violation penalty: $500 under Chapter 17.100

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Spokane Valley, WA.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Spokane Valley, WA on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Spokane Valley requires a development permit before any construction, fill, or land alteration begins within a mapped area of special flood hazard. Chapter 21.30 SVMC adopts the Spokane County Flood Insurance Study and its FIRM by reference, and the city manager or designee administers permits as floodplain administrator under SVMC § 21.30.070. Building without one violates SVMC § 21.30.030.

Development Permit Required. A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in this chapter. The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes, as defined in Appendix A, and for all development including fill and other activities, also defined in Appendix A.

View official code

Full Breakdown

020. 070(A) requires a development permit covering all structures, including manufactured homes, and all development activity as defined in the code's Appendix A. 090(C)(7) apply. 090(C)(2). 120 before any plat can be approved. 100 SVMC's code compliance process rather than a standalone floodplain penalty.

Violations & Fines

Building or filling in a mapped flood hazard area without the SVMC § 21.30.070 permit is enforced as a Chapter 17.100 SVMC code violation. The city manager or designee can issue a notice and order, and civil penalties run $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second within three years, and $2,000 for each later violation, rising to $10,000 if the violation produced an economic benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build in a Spokane Valley flood hazard area?

Yes. SVMC § 21.30.070(A) requires a development permit before construction, fill, or any development begins in a mapped area of special flood hazard, covering all structures including manufactured homes.

Who reviews floodplain development permits in Spokane Valley?

The city manager or designee, designated floodplain administrator under SVMC § 21.30.070(C), reviews applications for compliance, confirms other required approvals, and checks whether the site sits in the floodway.

What happens if I build in the floodplain without a permit?

It is enforced under Chapter 17.100 SVMC as a code violation of SVMC § 21.30.030, carrying a $500 first-offense civil penalty that rises to $1,000, then $2,000 for repeat violations within three years.

Sources & Official References

[1]Spokane Valley Municipal Code, Chapter 21.30 - Floodplain Regulations

Other rules in Spokane Valley

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Vehicle Idling RestrictionsSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Boat Dock PermitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingLight Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesLight Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant Restrictions

All Spokane Valley rules

Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington environmental rules overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.