(The Center Square) – Building in Spokane County could become much more expensive soon, as local officials consider hiking several permitting fees for the first time in years, some by more than 1,500%.
Spokane County Public Works charges a variety of fees to cover its costs, but many of those have sat stagnant for over a decade. While neglected for years, the Board of County Commissioners has a more than $20 million deficit to balance ahead of 2026, and adjusting these fees could help close that delta.
Environmental Services Administrator Ben Brattebo briefed the board on several proposals Monday, focusing on four areas: right–of-way fees, development services and traffic fees, floodplain fees and sewer fees. Developers would face the largest cost increases, but will likely pass those on to buyers…