With economy on pause, developers’ deadlines extended by city

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy, the city of Spokane will give developers a reprieve from deadlines.

Under an emergency ordinance adopted by the Spokane City Council on Monday, any active development permit or application will remain active until at least the end of the year.

While the city plans to move ahead with its own summer construction season as planned, muchconstruction in the private sector has ground to a halt under restrictions in place under Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.

Inslee’s order is set to expire on May 4 but could be extended.

The order has caused delays in the construction industry – affecting the ability of developers to carry out their plans as originally outlined – and forced the city to alter the way it conducts aspects of its business, such as inspections.

James Richman, an assistant city attorney, drafted the ordinance. He had heard concerns from City Hall employees and developers about the ability to meet deadlines and abide by standard processes under the governor’s order.

“A lot of people aren’t able to proceed for reasons that are beyond their control,” Richman told the council’s Urban Experience Committee on Monday.

City Hall is closed to the public, and that includes its development services center, although developers can still submit applications online and connect with city staff members for review.

A public hearing on the interim regulations will be held within the next 60 days, but it has yet to be scheduled.