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City of Spokane Announces New Tools, Resources to Support Fire Recovery and Rebuilding

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~ Spokane, WA - As the city of Spokane continues to recover from the devastating wildfire that swept through the area, the local government is taking steps to support residents and neighborhoods in their rebuilding efforts. In a press release today, Erin Hut, Communications Director for Spokane, announced a coordinated package of new resources and legislative proposals aimed at providing transparency and streamlining the rebuilding process.

One of the key resources introduced by the city is a public damage assessment dashboard. This online tool displays the status of every impacted structure and those within 500 feet of the burn area. The creation of this dashboard began immediately after the Spokane Complex Fire, with trained city staff conducting thorough assessments of each structure, home, and property for damage. These inspections were carried out by inspectors certified in FEMA's damage assessment standards and assisted by members of the Planning & Economic Development Department.

The initial assessment was completed within a day and a half, providing crucial information for city staff to plan their response to the fires and begin the recovery process. Following this initial assessment, city staff worked closely with local, state, and federal agencies at the regional Emergency Operations Center to create a more comprehensive damage assessment for both Spokane and Stevens Counties. This combined effort resulted in a clear understanding of losses from all three fires.

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The new dashboard not only provides summary information but also allows viewers to access site-by-site data on each structure's level of damage, address, and parcel number. By clicking on individual structures, users can find important information as well as an email link to report any errors or ask questions about specific properties. In the coming weeks, additional functions will be added to this tool such as tracking demolition and construction permits and eventually showing which properties have been rebuilt and are ready for occupancy.

For any questions or corrections regarding this new tool, residents can email RebuildSpokane@spokanecity.org or contact the Development Services Center at 509-625-6300.

In addition to the public damage assessment dashboard, the Brown Administration is proposing two ordinances focused on rebuilding. These ordinances aim to assist fire-affected residents in moving from recovery to reconstruction by providing flexibility in development standards and allowing for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be permitted and occupied before the principal dwelling is rebuilt. The proposed legislation also includes waivers for general facility charges and a permit fee deferral option.

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To further support residents in navigating the rebuilding process, the city's Development Services Center will be setting up a remote office at the Shadle Park Library starting September 21. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day until October 2, a current City Planner and Plan Reviewer will be available on-site to meet with fire-impacted residents and assist them with their permitting needs. The city will evaluate extending these services beyond October 2 based on demand.

Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized that recovery does not end when the flames are extinguished and that for many of their neighbors, the hardest work is just beginning. She stated, "At the City of Spokane, we want to make rebuilding as accessible and straightforward as possible." The city is committed to bringing information directly to the public, exploring legislative approaches to ease the burden, and providing staff support within the community.

Residents can access related documents such as the REBUILD Spokane Dashboard on the city's website. With these new resources and legislative proposals in place, Spokane hopes to support its residents in their efforts to rebuild and recover from this devastating wildfire.

Filed Under: Government, City

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