Spokane Setbacks & Height Limits — Residential Zones
Fact-checked against current Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 17C.111, including Ordinance C36810 effective January 18, 2026.
Spokane's previous RSF / RSF-C / RTF residential framework is obsolete. Former Chapter 17C.110 is now expressly marked REPEALED.
The current residential zones are:
- RA — Residential Agricultural;
- R1 — Residential 1;
- R2 — Residential 2;
- RMF — Residential Multifamily;
- RHD — Residential High Density.
Current Development Standards
Current Table 17C.111.205-2 provides:
| Standard | RA | R1 | R2 | RMF | RHD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum primary-building height | 35 ft | 40 ft | 40 ft | 55 ft | 75 ft |
| Front setback | 15 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Interior side, lot ≤40 ft wide | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft |
| Interior side, lot >40 ft wide | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| Street-side setback | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| Garage/carport entrance from street | 20 ft | 20 ft | 20 ft | 20 ft | 20 ft |
| Rear setback | 25 ft | 15 ft | 15 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Maximum total building coverage | 50% | 65% | 80% | 100% | 100% |
The prior page's RSF 20/5/25/35 and RTF/RSF-C tables are therefore no longer current.
Current Lot and Density Framework
Current Table 17C.111.205-1 also changed subdivision and density rules.
For new subdivisions/short subdivisions:
- R1 and R2 list a 1,200-sq-ft minimum lot area;
- minimum lot width is 15 ft outside special Airfield Overlay requirements;
- sites of two acres or less have no maximum density under the general density table.
Section 17C.111.210 additionally allows middle housing on a lot up to six total units, including ADUs, notwithstanding an otherwise applicable maximum-density calculation, subject to the rest of the development standards.
Current ADU Envelope
The same current building-and-siting table lists, for ADUs in all five residential zones:
- maximum building footprint: 1,200 sq ft;
- maximum height: 25 ft;
- side setback: same as the primary structure;
- rear setback with alley: 0 ft;
- rear setback without alley: 5 ft.
This is more precise than the previous page's generic statement about HB 1337.
Development Bonuses
Qualifying projects can receive higher coverage under §17C.111.225 and Table 17C.111.205-3. For example, qualifying R1 and R2 projects can reach higher total building-coverage percentages than the ordinary table.
Do not use the bonus values unless the project satisfies the required criteria.
How to Check a Property
- Confirm the current RA/R1/R2/RMF/RHD zoning designation.
- Use Chapter 17C.111, not repealed Chapter 17C.110.
- Check Tables 17C.111.205-1 through 17C.111.205-3.
- Check angled side setbacks, Airfield Overlay, drainage-area, bonus, and access provisions.
- Identify whether the proposal is single-unit, middle housing, multifamily, co-living, or ADU.
- Confirm parcel-specific questions with Spokane Planning.
Official Sources
- Spokane Municipal Code — Title 17C
- Spokane Municipal Code — §17C.111.205 Development Standards Tables
- Spokane Municipal Code — §17C.111.210 Density
- Spokane — Building Opportunity for Housing update
This guide is informational only. Current Chapter 17C.111, overlays, bonuses, and parcel-specific conditions control.
More about Spokane Zoning
Sources
- Spokane Municipal Code Title 17C — Land Use Standards·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
- City of Spokane Planning Services·my.spokanecity.org·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
- Washington HB 1110 (2023) — Middle Housing in Residential Zones·app.leg.wa.gov·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link