Eastern Spokane including the eastside hills, South Hill bluff, and Dishman Hills vicinity are designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones. Enhanced building codes, defensible space, and Class A roofing required.
Spokane adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) under SMC Title 17F. Properties mapped within WUI zones face enhanced requirements: Class A roofing assemblies, ignition-resistant exterior materials, ember-resistant vents, and enclosed eaves. The eastside hills, South Hill, Beacon Hill, and properties adjacent to Dishman Hills Natural Area are high-risk zones. The 2015 Carpenter Road Fire and multiple smaller Spokane-area fires have driven stricter enforcement. New construction and major remodels in WUI zones require fire-resistant construction review during permitting. Defensible space must be maintained annually. The Washington DNR maintains statewide wildfire risk maps, and SRCAA coordinates smoke and air quality during fire events. Insurance availability and rates are increasingly affected by WUI designation.
Failure to comply with WUI building standards blocks certificate of occupancy. Defensible space violations follow SMC 10.08 abatement process with fines up to $500/day.
Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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See how Spokane's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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