Transforming Your Space

Improve

You’ve completed your business planning, applied for licenses, and selected a location. Now it’s time to transform your space – first securing the necessary permits.

Permit Checklist

Permit Type

Required for

Time and Cost

Health District Food Service Plan Review

Required for all

A plan review submittal fee of $195.00 is required at the time of submittal. This fee covers the first 1.5 hours of plan review. Any additional plan review time and all pre-opening inspection time is billed at the standard hourly rate of $130.00 per hour (2016 fee). The plan review takes approximately 14 days following receipt of a complete plan submittal.

Construction & Trade

See Trade Permits

All trade permits are issued over the counter.  Remodels and new construction permits may take up to 10 days.

Sprinklers and Fire Alarms

Installing or upgrading Sprinklers or Fire Alarms

Over-the-counter permits are available for minor projects; 7-10 days for major work for each cycle of review.

Signs

Installing or altering a sign

Most signs permits are issued over the counter.    Temporary sign permit fees are $50.00 and permanent sign permit fees vary depending on the value of the sign.

Right-of-way (ROW)

ROW permits

ROW permits fees are dependent on the type of work being performed and the season in which they are completed.  These permits are issued over the counter.


Food Service Plan Review

Spokane Regional Health District requires a plan review for all Food Establishments prior to operating. The plan review must be completed and approved by the Food Safety Program  before any building permits can be issued to ensure you have the necessary facilities and equipment.

Note: Ownership transfers of existing Food Establishments that are currently permitted and operating do not require a plan review if there will be no changes in the facility, equipment or menu. Permit application and transfer fee must be submitted and approved before the ownership change occurs to avoid an Unapproved Ownership Change fee. Check with the Food Safety Program to clarify your responsibilities.

Plan Review Process provides detailed information about developing and submitting a plan, and about the approval process.

Time and Cost → A plan review submittal fee of $195 is required at the time of submittal.  This fee covers the first 1.5 hours of plan review.  Any additional plan review time and all pre-opening inspection time is billed at the standard hourly rate of $130 per hour (2016 fees). See the 2016 fee schedule for more specific fees.  The plan review takes approximately 14 days following receipt of a completed plan submittal.

When construction is complete, schedule a pre-opening inspection to verify the restaurant is in compliance with the approved plans. The annual Food Establishment Permit fee must be paid prior to scheduling the pre-operational inspection. To schedule your pre-operational inspection contact the Health District at (509) 324-1560, ext. 2.

Land Use Permits

Once you’ve secured your location, you can apply for any necessary land use permits. Land Use Permits must be applied for before the building permit application is made.

Get Expert Advice → For questions about property information or submitting an application with the City of Spokane Valley, contact the Planning Counter at (509) 720-5240.

Construction & Trade Permits

The City of Spokane Valley Permit Center issues permits for new construction of, and alterations to, commercial buildings. In many cases, construction permits can be issued along with plumbing and mechanical trade permits, if required, but permits for electrical work are issued by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Spokane Regional Health District’s Food Service Plan review is a separate review from the Building Permit process, but must be completed prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.

  • Permit fees are usually based on project value. See our fee schedule.
  • Permit application processing timelines are approximately 10 business days.
  • A pre-application conference is generally required for new development. A “checklist-only” pre-application review option is available for minor development/additions. Informal meetings are always available, simply drop by the Permit Center at City Hall or contact us by email.
  • Spokane Regional Health District requires a Food Establishment Permit prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
  • Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency requires permits for asbestos removal and demolition.

Trade Permits

Trade permits are needed for work in specific areas, but usually your licensed contractor will get the permit.

Use Licensed Contractors

 If you hire a contractor, use only Department of Labor and Industries licensed contractors.  Your contractors will also need to hold City of Spokane Valley business licenses to pull permits.

Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Permits

Sprinkler and fire alarm permits are required from Spokane Valley Fire Department when installing, modifying, or upgrading these systems. See Fire Safety section in Locate for information about when sprinklers and alarms are required.

The Permit Center staff will route architectural plans and fire sprinkler and fire alarm shop drawings to the Spokane Valley Fire Department for review. Each round of review may take up to 4 weeks depending on the complexity of the project. Prior to project completion, the Spokane Valley Fire Department inspects all fire protection systems, including sprinklers, fire alarms, and range hood fire suppression systems.

Sprinkler systems may also require a Water Availability Certificate or other certification from your water purveyor. There are several water purveyors in Spokane Valley. You can determine which water purveyor serves your location by viewing this map or contact the Permit Center. Check For new systems, a flow test may be required to ensure sufficient water flow.

Time and Cost → Review and approval of fire sprinkler and alarm plans usually take 7 to 10 days. Permit fees are based on the value of the work. Check with Spokane Valley Fire Department (509) 892-4183. Get Expert Advice → Contact Spokane Valley Fire Department staff at (509) 892-4183 or online to assist with plan review and provide technical assistance.

Sign Permits

Sign Permits are required to install, alter, or repair any permanent sign that’s visible from the public right-of-way.

Time and Cost → Sign Permits are typically processed over the counter. Temporary sign permit fees are $50. Permanent sign permit fees vary depending on the value of the sign.

Right-of-Way Permits

Unless exempt from permit requirements in Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) 22.130.060, a Right-of-Way permit is required of any person or company who performs construction work or otherwise engages in activity within existing City right-of-way, or on City-owned infrastructure.

Right-of-Way Permits are typically processed over the counter.  You can apply for a Right-of-Way permit at the Permit Center on through our online portal.

Permit applications are available at the Sign Permit page, Right-of-Way Page or the Permit Center.

Have Questions?

Contact the Permit Center | Phone: 509-720-5240 | Monday – Friday | 8:00am to 5:00pm