We're back!  Code Enforcement is once again on the 6th floor of City Hall! 

Building Official Hearing agendas are available by email or by walk-in free of charge.  Agendas by mail are a $10 flat fee to be added to the mailing list.   Agendas will also be available 2 weeks in advance on this page.  (See the buttons below)  Contact Code Enforcement at 625-6083, email mmckelvey@spokanecity.org, or visit us at 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd.

Moving Back to City Hall

Beginning September 9th, the BO Hearings will return to City Hall.  We will hold the meetings in the basement in the City Council Chambers. Please call 625-6083 with any questions or concerns.  

Whenever a building inspector determines a building to be in violation of construction standards, this building may be scheduled for a Building Official Hearing.  If arrangements are made to the director of Building Services for the repair, vacation, or demolition of the property prior to the schedule of a BO Hearing, a hearing may not be held.

  At the hearing, evidence may be presented by owners or owners representatives to the Building Official regarding any ongoing or future repairs or demolition work.  Any citizen may attend the hearing and may also provide testimony if they choose.  The Building official determines, based on the information gathered at the hearing, whether the building is to be boarded up,  is substandard, unfit, or otherwise a nuisance and subject to a property monitoring fee.  He also determines what action must be taken by the owner to render the property in compliance with the codes.  Anyone may appeal the Building Officials findings to the Director of Building Services within 30 days of the hearing.

Compliance with Orders

As long as a building is boarded up, the owner must pay an annual inspection fee.  Otherwise the owner must comply with all applicable code requirements.  However, boarding a building is a temporary solution. A building may not remain boarded up longer than two years unless an extension of time is part of a plan approved by the Building Official or Hearing Examiner.

The owner of a substandard building must repair and rehabilitate it to bring it into compliance with the code standards.   The building must be vacated and secured against entry.  An unfit building must be demolished and the land filled and cleared.  If the owner of an unfit building presents an acceptable rehabilitation plan which can be safely executed in a reasonable amount of time, then the Building Official may allow the rehabilitation in place of demolition.  If the owner fails to accomplish the rehabilitation , the Building Official or Hearing Examiner may order demolition of the property.

If an owner fails to complete the action required by a Building Official order:

1. The Building Official or Hearing Examiner may extend the time for completion if the owner has made substantial progress

2. The Building Official may have the action done by competitive bid contract.

All costs to the City of abatement, repair, vacation, demolition and administration become a charge and lien against the property.

To file a complaint against a building in your neighborhood click here.

For more information please see SMC Chapter 17F.070

Roll your mouse over the photo to see the "After" picture....

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Send mail to mhecker@spokanecity.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 08/27/08