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Today is the last day to submit your public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
The City of Spokane Draft Environmental Impact Statement went out for public comment on December 18, 2025. Over 200 public comments were received by the deadline of February 18, 2026. The City, following a request for extension of time, extended the comment period an additional 15 days to end today, March 5, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Public comments can be submitted to PlanSpokane@spokanecity.org with the subject line “PlanSpokane 2056 Draft EIS Comments”. For other ways to comment and to learn more about this important step in the PlanSpokane 2046 effort, visit the project webpage or explore the interactive Draft EIS StoryMap.
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CRSB Votes on Climate Package February 12
The City of Spokane Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board (CRSB) voted to recommend climate policies to the Spokane Plan Commission on February 12, 2026 for consideration as part of the Plan Spokane 2046.
This vote comes after months of discussion and engagement on climate policy development during Phase 2 of the Climate Planning effort. Discussions focused on developing climate policy for the 11 sectors required by the WA Commerce in alignment with HB 1181: Agriculture & Food Systems, Buildings & Energy, Cultural Resources & Practices, Economic Development, Ecosystems, Emergency Management, Health & Well-being, Transportation, Waste Management, Water Resources, Zoning & Development. The climate policies are informed by community engagement, CRSB feedback, and City staff input.
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Thank you to all of the community members who have participated in this effort over the past year, sharing your lived experience and helping shape policy to make a more resilient future for our city.
The recommended policies will be integrated throughout the Comprehensive Plan for consideration by the Spokane Plan Commission.
Watch the full CRSB public hearing.
| | What is a SEPA Infill Exemption? | |
As part of the PlanSpokane 2046 Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the City of Spokane has studied the impacts of a potential SEPA infill exemption. To accommodate infill development in urban areas, the City can establish an infill exemption where residential, mixed-use, and small format commercial development that is consistent with City regulations is not required to undergo new environmental review, provided that the probable adverse environmental impacts have already been reviewed and addressed.
Learn what a SEPA infill exemption is and is not be reading the latest blog, What is a SEPA Infill Exemption?
| | City Council Presentation on PlanSpokane 2046 | |
At the February 26 Spokane City Council Study Session, Planning Staff provided an overview and update of the PlanSpokane 2046. Topics discussed include engagement, climate planning, draft chapters, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Preferred Alternative, and studies SEPA Infill Exemption.
Watch the full City Council Study Session.
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This is Who’s Helping Plan Your City
Ever wonder who is behind the reports, plans, and policies coming out of the City of Spokane's Planning Services Department? Hopefully you have been able to attend a workshop, tabling event, or other opportunity to speak one-on-one with one of our planners, but just in case, here are some of the faces behind the work – before they started working with you to shape Spokane’s future.
A lot can change in 20+ years, but you can count on there being a plan for it. Thank you for all of your help along the way. See who else is working for your city.
| | BUILDSpokane Development Code Modernization | | | | |
The City of Spokane is moving forward with its Development Code Modernization effort, a multi-year initiative focused on improving clarity, consistency, and usability of the City’s development regulations.
Our consultant, Clarion Associates, is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the existing development code, including permitting and review processes, zoning districts, and development standards. This work examines how the code functions today and where improvements may be needed to better align with state law, community priorities, and best practices.
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The next major project milestone is completion of the Code Assessment, which will identify challenges, barriers, inconsistencies, and gaps within the current regulations, as well as opportunities for improvement. The assessment will provide a clear blueprint and path forward for the modernization phase of the project.
This work is informed by technical analysis and stakeholder interviews conducted in early December with development professionals, housing advocates, and City staff. As the project advances, additional opportunities for engagement and review will be shared with the community.
Visit the Development Code Modernization project page for updates, resources, and future engagement opportunities.
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What Happened?
- February 11 Public Workshop: The Spokane Plan Commission discussed a proposed land use strategy for the PlanSpokane 2046 periodic update. [watch 2.11.26 recording]
- February 25 Public Workshop: The Spokane Plan Commission workshopped the PlanSpokane 2046 Preferred Alternative, viewing a potential draft map based on community feedback. [watch 2.25.26 recording]
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What's Next?
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Wednesday, March 11 Public Workshop: The Spokane Plan Commission is tentatively scheduled to hear presentations on BUILD Spokane code modernization existing conditions assessment and the Capital Facilities and Utilities Comprehensive Plan Chapter, before discussing the Preferred Alternative for the PlanSpokane 2046 periodic update.
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Wednesday, March 25 Public Workshop: The Spokane Plan Commission is tentatively scheduled to discuss the PlanSpokane 2046 Housing and Land Use Chapters of the Comprehensive Plan.
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Development Services Center is Open to Serve You!
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- In person - 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd - 3rd Floor of City Hall (Office is closed Wednesday mornings from 8-11 a.m. through the near future to allow staff to focus on permit load and reduce wait times. Calls will be forwarded to voicemail during this time.)
- Online - Skip a trip to City Hall with online permitting, an email to permitteam@spokanecity.org or Electronic Document Review
- Phone - A representative can assist you at 509.625.6300
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Provide written comment in email to PlanSpokane@spokanecity.org
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up for the Plan Spokane newsletter here.
Interested in requesting an outreach event? Email us!
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You are receiving this email because you signed up via the Spokane Housing Action Plan website, have been identified as an individual or stakeholder in the discussion, or expressed interest in receiving planning project updates from the City of Spokane. Please feel free to share this email with others who are interested in receiving email announcements about this project. To unsubscribe, please email planspokane@spokanecity.org.
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