Spokane’s Vision for Sustainable Communities: 2025 Urban Development Strategies
As Spokane continues to evolve and expand, the city is adopting a new approach to urban development. With 2025 bringing new planning policies and zoning updates, Spokane is steering its growth in a direction that prioritizes community well-being, environmental sustainability, and the needs of residents.
Expanding Green Infrastructure in Urban Developments
One of the most significant changes impacting commercial construction in Spokane is the city’s increased emphasis on green infrastructure. New regulations are now in place requiring higher tree canopy coverage and improved landscaping standards across new developments. These updates are part of a broader initiative to support environmental sustainability, reduce urban heat effects, and promote healthier, more livable neighborhoods.
This shift not only supports environmental goals but also boosts property appeal and long-term investment value. Developers are now expected to include green space more intentionally, aligning projects with the city’s broader vision for sustainable urban design.
Updated Commercial Zoning and Building Codes
In addition to residential updates, Spokane’s revised zoning code has implications for commercial developers. Key changes include new design standards aimed at improving pedestrian access, building aesthetics, and street-level activity. Mixed-use development is increasingly favored, particularly when it combines residential, retail, and office uses within the same site.
Furthermore, the city has emphasized the importance of adaptive reuse, encouraging developers to repurpose existing structures rather than pursue full demolition. This aligns with broader goals around sustainability, historic preservation, and cost efficiency.
New Housing Density Rules Near Public Transit
Spokane’s “Building Opportunity for Housing” initiative is another major policy guiding development in 2025. This program increases the potential for higher housing density in areas adjacent to public transportation. By allowing multifamily and mixed-use properties in previously single-family zones, the city is encouraging more walkable, connected neighborhoods.
The initiative offers streamlined approval processes for qualifying projects, creating a more efficient path to development. This presents a strategic advantage for commercial construction companies, especially when planning urban infill projects or properties designed to reduce car dependency and support local business districts.
In addition, the city’s focus on denser development near existing infrastructure helps reduce the need for costly public works. Concentrating growth in already-developed areas minimizes the demand for new utilities, roads, and public services in outlying zones. This not only preserves undeveloped land but also allows greenfields and open spaces to be used for parks, community amenities, or environmental conservation.
Encouraging Vertical Growth in Downtown Spokane
To increase housing supply and stimulate economic activity, Spokane introduced an interim zoning ordinance in February 2025 that removes building height limits in downtown zones. This change allows developers to maximize vertical space in key urban areas—an approach that aligns with the city's broader goals of higher-density, mixed-use development.
By lifting these height restrictions, Spokane is signaling strong support for urban infill and more efficient land use. For commercial developers, this opens the door to new possibilities in prime locations, particularly projects that blend residential, retail, and office uses.
Aligning Construction Projects with Community Needs
What sets Spokane’s approach apart is its emphasis on aligning construction efforts with community priorities. These new guidelines reflect a strategic effort to ensure that development supports quality of life, promotes affordability, and contributes to long-term neighborhood strength.
For developers, this means opportunities to design and build in ways that attract municipal support, improve tenant satisfaction, and position properties for long-term success. Spokane’s direction mirrors national trends in urban planning, yet its localized approach makes it particularly relevant for regional developers seeking stable investment opportunities.
Spokane’s Development Outlook for Commercial Builders
Spokane is entering a new phase of growth—one defined not just by quantity, but by quality. For commercial construction firms, the city’s updated regulations and planning priorities offer a blueprint for building developments that are not only profitable but also meaningful to the broader community. In 2025 and beyond, successful projects will be those that reflect Spokane’s values: sustainability, accessibility, and inclusive design.
References
City of Spokane (2021). Sustainability Action Plan Final Summary. Available at: https://static.spokanecity.org/documents/bcc/committees/public-infrastructure-environment-sustainability/sustainability-action-subcommittee/spokane-sustainability-action-plan-final-adopted-oct-25-2021.pdf
City of Spokane (2024). Climate Planning and Comprehensive Plan Update. Available at: https://my.spokanecity.org/planspokane/climate-planning/
City of Spokane (2024). South Logan Transit-Oriented Development Project. Available at: https://my.spokanecity.org/projects/south-logan-transit-oriented-development-project/
City of Spokane (2025). Engage Spokane – Community Planning Platform. Available at: https://engage.spokane.gov/planspokane
