Spokane temporarily waives downtown height restrictions for new development. Will the citys towers get any taller?

Spokane's City Council has taken a significant step by lifting height restrictions on downtown buildings for the next six months, a move aimed at encouraging development. The unanimous decision, backed by Mayor Lisa Brown's reform proposal, eliminates previous limitations on building heights and setback requirements for floors above the seventh story. Currently, Spokane's tallest building, the Bank of America Financial Center, stands at 20 stories, a height unchanged since 1981. Despite the high office vacancy rate of 28%, city leaders are optimistic that relaxing these restrictions will spur interest in new developments. Historical attempts to build taller structures faced hurdles due to these restrictions, with notable projects like "The Vox Tower" never materializing.

The city has been actively working to dismantle growth barriers, having already ended single-family zoning and reduced parking mandates. As the city evaluates the impact of this temporary waiver, it could lead to permanent changes in the comprehensive plan by 2026. The decision reflects a broader trend of adapting urban policies to foster economic growth and development in Spokane.