Before You Build in Spokane, WA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Swimming pools in Spokane require a barrier at least 48 inches tall per the WA State Building Code and IRC Appendix G. Self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward from the pool are required.

Spokane allows fences up to 7 feet in rear and side yards and 3 feet in front yards under SMC 17C.110.230. Corner lot visibility triangles require lower heights.

Residential fences up to 7 feet in Spokane generally do not require a building permit under SMC 17F.040. Fences over 7 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and any fence in a critical area require permits.

Washington has no shared fence cost statute. Spokane property owners are not legally required to split fence costs with neighbors. RCW 7.28 covers boundary disputes; most neighbor issues are civil matters.

Spokane requires a building permit for all in-ground pools and for above-ground pools over 24 inches deep per SMC 17F and the WA State Building Code. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits are also required. Plan review covers setbacks, barriers, and equipment placement.

Hot tubs and spas in Spokane require an electrical permit from WA L and I and must comply with NEC Article 680. Hot tubs with ASTM F1346 locking safety covers are exempt from the 48-inch barrier requirement. Setback from property lines follows zoning standards.

Spokane residential pools must comply with Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act anti-entrapment standards, IRC Appendix G barriers, and WA state electrical bonding. Public and semi-public pools (apartments, HOAs) are regulated by WA DOH under WAC 246-260.

Spokane requires a 48-inch minimum barrier around all residential pools per the WA State Building Code / IRC Appendix G. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade. Openings cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere.

Above-ground pools in Spokane holding more than 24 inches of water require a building permit and must meet IRC Appendix G barrier requirements. The pool wall itself can serve as the barrier if at least 48 inches high and any ladder is removable or secured.

Garage conversions to living space are allowed in Spokane under HB 1337 ADU rules. Require building permits for framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, egress windows, and WA State Energy Code compliance.

Under Washington HB 1110 (middle housing) and HB 1337 (ADU), Spokane must allow at least two ADUs per single-family lot. No owner-occupancy requirement, no ADU parking requirement within half-mile of transit. ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft permitted.

Tiny homes on foundations can qualify as ADUs under HB 1337 in Spokane. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are regulated as RVs and generally cannot be permanent dwellings outside designated parks. Minimum 70 sq ft per WA code.

Carports in Spokane require building permits and must meet setbacks, height, and lot coverage limits under SMC Title 17C. Front-yard carports generally prohibited in residential zones. Structural attachment rules apply.

Sheds under 200 sq ft in Spokane are exempt from building permits per WA State Building Code and IRC R105.2. Setbacks still apply: typically 5 feet from side and rear property lines in residential zones.

Outdoor burning of yard debris is banned year-round within Spokane city limits under SRCAA Regulation I. Only recreational fires with clean firewood are allowed, subject to burn ban status.

Spokane allows recreational fires in approved fire pits under 3 feet in diameter, but all outdoor burning is subject to Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) burn ban status. Only clean, seasoned firewood allowed.

Property owners may trim their own trees in Spokane without a permit. Trimming into public right-of-way requires coordination with Spokane Urban Forestry. Overhanging branches into neighboring property may be trimmed to the property line.

Removing trees on private residential property in Spokane generally does not require a permit, but heritage trees, street trees, and trees in critical areas are protected. Permits required in landslide, wetland, and riparian zones.

Spokane uses the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. Water conservation program encourages odd-even watering, avoiding midday irrigation, and efficient systems. Mandatory restrictions activated during drought.