SPOKANE, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce has announced the allocation of $3 million for 16 cities and four counties to streamline local building permit review processes. Spokane is set to receive $375,000 for this initiative.
City data shows that as of September, the number of permits skyrocketed, highlighting an increasing demand. According to Tami Palmquist, the city’s Director of Development Services, Spokane has received close to 28,000 permits in 2024. She explained, “I think the increase in demand shows how people still want to live in Spokane.”
Permits for construction projects alone have reached approximately 4,500 this year, signaling the highest demand in years. However, developers have expressed concerns about the digital transition, fearing a loss of personal touch. Brian Knechtges, owner of B-K Construction, shared his perspective. “Permits are up from the standpoint of demand,” he said. Knechtges, who applies for about 20 permits annually, noted this year has been the slowest response he has experienced in two decades.
“In my opinion things have slowed down, quite a bit,” Knechtges emphasized. Last year, it took him two months to get approvals for additions, highlighting the increasing delays.
Palmquist acknowledged the complaints and stated, “We have received complaints, people have been concerned with some of our timelines.” She added that the city will propose adding four more positions to expedite the process.
Senate Bill 52-90, adopted in 2023, encourages local governments to streamline permit reviews. One grant opportunity aids local jurisdictions in transitioning to a digital system. “This new system will allow a more streamlined approach this grant will augment paying for that implementation,” Palmquist said.
Knechtges expressed his doubts, stating, “I think by removing that human element you’re increasing the permit process tremendously.” Despite these concerns, the program is expected to be fully implemented by July 2025.
