The City of Spokane Development Services Center reviews and approves commercial and multi-family plans for new construction, remodels, revisions to approved permits, change of use and certificate of occupancy. The department reviews plans to ensure compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and applicable Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire, and Energy Codes. Reviewers include staff from building, planning, engineering, fire department, and utilities.
Other Services provided for Commercial Plan Review:
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- Tenant improvement plans ew this checklist To submit a Tenant Improvement or Alteration permit in Spokane, applicants must provide a complete package including an application, detailed plans (architectural, structural, MEP, civil), and supporting documentation based on the scope of work. The city outlines three levels of review — Simple, Standard, and Complex — each with specific thresholds, timelines, and department involvement. Use the checklist.
- Small interior commercial remodels Simple reviews are quick turn-around reviews and approvals that apply to small interior commercial remodels. View Simple Route Commercial Building Review. Simple reviews are typically completed in 3-5 business days.
- Changing the use or occupancy of a commercial space may require a permit A new tenant of a commercial building space that will change the use or occupancy class may require a change of use permit. Staff in the DSC will help you determine your existing and proposed classification and if a change of use permit will be required. View the Change of Use plan submittal requirements.
- Commercial Permitting Guide This guide outlines the requirements for submitting Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) plans for commercial projects in Spokane, based on project scope and state regulations. Depending on complexity, plans may need to be stamped by a licensed architect or engineer, especially for critical facilities or high-voltage systems. MEP plans must be complete at the time of submission, as deferred submittals are not permitted.
- Demolitions All demolition applications whether they are partial demolitions or total demolitions are reviewed by Planning & Development staff. The Historic Preservation Office reviews applications for structures that are 50-years or older AND one of the following criteria: located within the downtown boundary map area, located in a National Register Historic District, or listed on the Spokane Register of Historic Places. Learn more about Demolition Permits
