Spokane streamlines residential solar permits under WA SB 5165 (2019) which caps rooftop solar permit fees and requires expedited review. Electrical permit via WA L&I plus a building permit from the City are required.
Residential rooftop photovoltaic installations in Spokane benefit from Washington Senate Bill 5165 (codified in RCW 19.27.540), which caps permit fees for systems under 26 kW at $250 for residential and sets expedited review timelines (30 days). Homeowners need a WA Labor & Industries electrical permit (L&I handles electrical permitting in Spokane) plus a building permit from the City for structural attachment. Avista Utilities interconnects systems under their net-metering tariff per WAC 480-108. Contractors must be WA L&I licensed electrical contractors with solar experience. The Washington State Energy Code encourages solar-ready construction for new homes. Spokane sun exposure is good east of the Cascades (~300 sunny days/year).
Unpermitted installation: removal order, L&I fines $250-$1,000, potential insurance voidance.
See how Spokane's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.