Author: Adam Marshall -
uncategorized -
May 19, 2025
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The Moratorium will NOT be renewed
The city will not be extending the moratorium, it is not on the agenda for the city council meeting and here are these reasons that were given
“The current moratorium – specific to wildfire mitigation – is not being renewed because progress has been made under the workplan that was outlined. There’s not support to renew it under a different workplan”
The Work Plan (Ordinance C36522)
Amend Section 17F.110.010 (WUI building code adopted by the city of Spokane in 2021)
Perform a full assessment of wildfire risks and mitigation strategies throughout the are
Establish emergency response procedures within the area
Plan the construction of firefighting infrastructure, including a permanent Latah Fire Station
Modify other sections of the Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) as necessary to protect the health and safety of residents
What the city accomplished
Approved contract for planning and design of a permanent Latah Fire Station. Located along Highway 195 and Cheney-Spokane, water and sewer utilities were extended to the site. Funding unknown
Purchased software for wildfire evacuation scenarios to help residents safely exit.
Worked with neighbors on Grandview/Thorpe wildfire evacuation drill that will include a report and assessment. Emergency responders were only observers in the drill.
The City adopted model Wildland Urban Interface policy to better coordinate between the fire code official and building code official.
Shortfalls
No full assessment of wildfire risk and mitigation strategies
No establishment of emergency response procedures
No modification to SMC to protect health and safety of residents
No communication or transparency to the community on the Latah Valley Subarea Plan
We are deeply disappointed by the city’s decision to let the current wildfire mitigation moratorium expire, especially given that the improvements outlined are still largely in planning and not operational. Tangible results are not in place and the next wave of development has been given the green light.
