This cover page is not part of the draft Comprehensive Plan and is intended to only help with navigation of the drafts.
The chapter you see here is the result of months of
work by countless individuals throughout the
community. It represents a combination of inputs
generously provided by the public, Plan
Commission, City Council, and many others. This
updated chapter will eventually be considered by
the Plan Commission and City Council for inclusion
in PlanSpokane 2046.
Our teams have worked hard to create these
updated chapters. Each has been discussed at the
Plan Commission, by various Plan Commission
subcommittees, with City Council in general, and
shared with the public at various points along the
way. These chapters represent the efforts of many,
helping to describe the policy and guidance the
Comprehensive Plan can provide in each topic area.
Please note this version supersedes any previously
published versions, including the release of many
chapters last October. All prior versions should be
considered out-of-date from this point on.
As with prior versions, this chapter includes the
basic text, but might not match the visual look and
format of the final document (we're still working on
that). To help readers identify where updated
language has been provided, a series of icons are
shown at right along the way. These aren't part of
the final document--they're provided to help
readers understand where certain changes may
have come from, where past policies have been
combined, etc. A guide to those icons is provided
below. Each chapter will use the same set of icons
for consistency.
General information or
notation is provided, clarifying
overall changes to the text.
Language was streamlined or
condensed for readability
or clarity.
A new Goal or Policy was added,
not sourced from the currently
adopted plan.
Policy language was added to ensure
consistency with changes in law at the
State/Federal level.
USEFUL
ICONS
Multiple Policies from the currently adopted
plan were combined into one, usually done
to eliminate redundant language.
Text was added as a result of the City's
study of Racially Disparate Impacts and
Displacement.
A policy or text was added as recommended by the Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB).
A goal or policy was removed or moved to
another chapter. These are listed at the end of
each chapter and include a reason.
What's Next for PlanSpokane?
Because this is the first complete view of some
chapters (e.g. Growth Strategy, Transportation,
Capital Facilities), we anticipate one more release
of updated chapters and maps later this summer.
After that, Plan Commission will likely hold a
hearing to consider the overall document. We'd
love to hear from you along the way.
Document Version: August 5, 2026
If you have any comments on the chapters, please
engage with us at http://planspokane.org or by
email at planspokane@spokanecity.org. All
comments are considered and each will be
provided to the Plan Commission and City Council
for their consideration prior to any hearings on
the proposed document.
[Page 2]
Chapter 9: Natural Environment
Introduction
This Chapter addresses the natural environment of Spokane and the
surrounding region. The Natural Environment Element includes topics such
as rivers, wetlands, urban forest, nature areas, the aquifer, clean air and
water, shorelines, trails, energy efficiency, agricultural lands, the economy,
and wildlife.
Spokane enjoys an extensive natural environment for an urban area,
including the presence of native plants and animals. Spokane must continue
to protect and enhance the natural environment to maintain and improve
this region’s quality of life.
Goals and policies address restoration, protection, and enhancement of the
natural environment, as well as guide incentives, regulations, future plans,
and public investments. These measures aim to bring back, maintain, and
enhance Spokane’s great resources for a healthy environment: clean rivers
and streams, healthy air, natural areas with native vegetation, trails, cultural
and historic sites, trees, locally significant landforms, and citizens who
understand the impacts of growth on the natural environment and the
opportunities to make positive changes.
Goals and Policies
Goals and policies provide specificity for planning and decision-making.
Overall, they indicate desired directions, accomplishments, or aims in
relation to the growth and development of Spokane as it relates to the
protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
Goal: NE-1, Water Quality
Protect the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and other water sources to
provide clean pure water.
Policy: NE-1.1, Aquifer Study
Study the aquifer and utilize strategies to remedy all sources or activities of
contamination.
Policy: NE-1.2, Stormwater Techniques and Best Practices
Encourage the use of evolving best practices for stormwater, including
solutions like rain gardens, regional stormwater treatment facilities, and
other low-impact mitigation tools that protect ground and surface water
from contamination and pollution.
Review notes
This policy was expanded upon
following consultation with the City’s
Stormwater department, adding
concepts around best practices.
[Page 3]
Policy: NE-1.3, Regional Coordination of Stormwater Quality
Coordinate with regional partners and agencies for the study, creation, and
adoption of new manuals and standards for stormwater quality solutions
that provide new effective methods of managing stormwater.
Policy: NE-1.4, Regional Water Board and Stewardship Groups
Continue to support regional watershed groups and boards, including the
Spokane Aquifer Joint Board, in their efforts to conduct aquifer planning as
well as allocating, monitoring, and studying responsibilities for the entire
watershed.
Policy: NE-1.5, Mining Activities
Prohibit or severely limit open pit mining throughout the city, as it exposes
the aquifer or ground water to potential contamination.
Policy: NE-1.6, Natural Water Drainage
Identify and preserve areas that provide natural water drainage to
accommodate future stormwater runoff while protecting surface and ground
water.
Policy: NE-1.7, Wellhead Protection
Allow only non-polluting land uses to be developed and operated within the
water recharge zones of the public water wells, as guided by development
regulations and land use limitations within critical areas.
Policy: NE-1.8, Toxic Dumping Regulations
Develop and enforce restrictions and fines for the dumping of toxic fluids and
other contaminants in locations where they may reach the aquifer or surface
waters, consistent with state and federal law.
Policy: NE-1.9, Sewer Requirement
Ensure that newly developed property in the city and within the City’s sewer
service area is connected to municipal sewer service, minimizing aquifer
contamination.
Goal: NE-2, Water Conservation
Promote water conservation to protect and preserve water quality from drought,
extreme heat, and other hazards, seeking to ensure all local aquifers and water
sources stay above sustainable recharge or flow levels.
Policy: NE-2.1, Water Conservation Strategy
Strengthen and implement a water conservation strategy that leads to
decreases in household, public facility, commercial, industrial, and
agricultural water use citywide, commensurate with the true available
Review notes
NE 1.4 was broadened slightly to avoid
referencing only one body/solution.
The original mention of the Urban
Growth Area (UGA) was made more
specific, limiting this policy to the City’s
service area.
Goal updated to reflect language
recommended by the Climate Resilience
and Sustainability Board (CRSB).
CRSB recommended policy,
incorporating language from existing
policy NE-2.1, Water Conservation.
[Page 4]
capacity of the City’s water supply and effects of a changing climate, including
expanded incentives for drought-tolerant, native plantings and the use of
innovative incentives, communication, and education programs.
Policy: NE-2.2, Drought Resilience Strategy
Develop, implement, and regularly review a comprehensive drought
resilience strategy that factors in projected climate impacts and sets action
levels for different drought stages in municipal code.
Policy: NE-2.3, Landscaping Requirements and Incentives
Expand the use of incentives like SpokaneScape and other programs that
encourage use of drought-tolerant plants and the placement of native trees
and vegetation, including incentives like water bill credits and discounts.
Policy: NE-2.4, Native Vegetation on Public Lands
Preserve existing native vegetation in parks and other public lands,
incorporating the placement of new native, drought-tolerant species when
constructing new facilities.
Policy: NE-2.5, Reclaimed Water
Develop a program to allow municipal reclaimed water systems, where
feasible considering water rights, and allow onsite non-potable water
systems to reduce water demand in private-sector commercial and
residential buildings.
Policy: NE-2.6, Water Management Support
Encourage and support residents and businesses to optimally manage
rainwater, water use, and stormwater on their properties by modeling
practices on public properties and adopting codes and standards that enable
and encourage rain gardens, drought tolerant plants, permeable pavements,
or other best practices.
Policy: NE-2.7, One Water
Manage water resources for all users sustainably through a “One Water”
concept that manages all forms of water, including through retaining
rainwater strategies, smart irrigation, stormwater management,
preventative maintenance, water conservation, infiltration and groundwater
recharge, plant selection, landscape management, utility rate structures, and
other methods that respect water rights regulations while supporting a
resilient and effective urban water system.
Goal: NE-3, Surface Waters
Provide for clean rivers and wetlands that support native fish and aquatic life
and are healthy for recreational uses.
Review notes
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
This policy has been strengthened,
expanding SpokaneScape while seeking
additional possible solutions.
CRSB recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy.
[Page 5]
Policy: NE-3.1, Watershed Plan
Support and develop regional watershed plans in collaboration with regional
and local partners, concerning all watersheds that are associated with the
geographic boundaries of the city and the City’s service areas.
Policy: NE-3.2, Zero Pollution Industrial Parks
Develop standards and incentives for zero pollution industrial parks and
uses, focusing on manufacturing that utilizes recycled and reused materials
sourced from adjacent uses in the immediate vicinity.
Policy: NE-3.3, Impervious Surface Reduction
Reduce impervious surface in the city, understanding that there are locations
where impervious surfaces have less benefit to surface runoff and
absorption, such as areas of drainage concern mapped by the City.
Policy: NE-3.4, Wetlands
Enforce and monitor regulations that achieve no overall net loss in acreage
and functions of the remaining wetland base and, over the long-term,
increase the quantity and quality of wetlands in the city.
Policy: NE-3.5, Aquatic and Upland Habitat
Implement programs, codes, and standards that increase aquatic and
upland habitat resilience, ensuring long-term habitat for wildlife, including
anadromous fish, by protecting water quality, increasing water residence
time in streams, implementing natural landscaping to slow, filter, and store
stormwater, conserving water, protecting groundwater, and keeping waters
cool.
Policy: NE-3.6, Channel Migration Zone Management
Determine the channel migration zone of streams and rivers in locations
within the city that have a history of flooding and ensure that the entire
migration zone is maintained and protected, not only the water.
Policy: NE-3.7, Downstream Impacts Consideration
Consider the downstream impacts created by development, erosion control
devices, and public works projects within or adjacent to rivers and streams.
Goal: NE-4, Clean Air
Work consistently for cleaner air that nurtures the health of current residents,
children, and future generations.
Review notes
We are considering including a map of
areas of drainage concern in this
chapter or, alternatively, a cross-
reference to the online map.
This policy was moved here from under
Goal 7 as it has relationship with both
goals. A cross-reference will likely be
provided.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy. This
policy was expanded to include
references to anadromous fish, a
requirement of WAC 365-190-080.
Originally policy NE-19.1 of the existing
Natural Environment Chapter, it was
broadened to add protection specificity.
Originally policy NE-19.6 of the existing
Natural Environment Chapter.
[Page 6]
Policy: NE-4.1, Clean Heating Sources
Encourage the use of heating sources that do not negatively affect Spokane’s
air quality, including through continued membership and support of the
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) and other similar bodies.
Policy: NE-4.2, Facility Review
Evaluate public and private facilities prior to permitting for their impacts to
air quality prior to permitting, weighing the public benefits of the facility
against its impact on regional air quality and the health of local residents.
Policy: NE-4.3, Vegetation that Improves Air Quality
Plant, preserve, and encourage the use of vegetation known to benefit local
air quality, considering both urban trees and landscaping incorporated into
facilities and development.
Goal: NE-5, Native Species Protection
Protect and enhance diverse and healthy native species, such as plants, trees,
animals, and fungi, for present and future generations and respect the ecological
necessity of biodiversity.
Policy: NE-5.1, Native and Non-Native Adaptive Plants and Trees
Encourage the use of and development of standards for using native and
non-native adaptive plants and trees in landscape designs for public and
private projects.
Policy: NE-5.2, Public Native Species Application and Education
Utilize and expand programs and incentives like SpokaneScape that educate
and recognize members of the public who install and maintain drought-
tolerant native planting in yards and landscaping.
Policy: NE-5.3, Habitat Network
Identify, purchase, preserve, and maintain existing and potential links
between wildlife habitats, seeking to form a network of wildlife habitats while
partnering with local, regional, and state agencies and programs, including
leveraging opportunities for community and volunteer involvement.
Policy: NE-5.4, Fish and Wildlife Protection
Continue to identify, protect, and ensure no net loss of ecological function or
value to fish, wildlife, and their habitats which are identified as a priority for
ecological health by citizens and scientific experts while utilizing current best
available science practices and standards.
Review notes
SRCAA was added to this policy as they
are currently the primary agency related
to this topic, though the language was
broadened to allow for other actions.
This policy was rewritten with the same
effect/intent but to better recognize the
relationship between vegetation and air
quality.
The term ‘citizen’ has been removed, as
that term can feel exclusionary to some.
Supported by Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB) policy
recommendation.
This policy was rewritten to emphasize
best practices and ecological function in
response to public comment.
[Page 7]
Policy: NE-5.5, Protection of Adjacent Wildlife Habitats
Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions and agencies to designate, protect,
and acquire wildlife habitats that abut or straddle the city limits or the Urban
Growth Area (UGA) boundary to enhance connectivity and ease of movement
for wildlife.
Goal: NE-6, Natural Landforms
Preserve natural landforms that identify and typify our region, including
landforms of cultural significance.
Policy: NE-6.1, Landform Identification
Define, identify, and map natural landforms that typify our region and that
may warrant protection, including features like pine forests, views of Mount
Spokane, aquifer springs, the Palouse Hills, scablands, the Spokane River
Falls and rapids, basalt cliffs, Missoula flood stones, granite hillsides, basalt
ponds and wetlands, camas fields, and shrub steppe drylands.
Policy: NE-6.2, Landform Preservation
Preserve lands that contain natural landforms through purchase, incentives,
clustering, or the transfer of development rights.
Policy: NE-6.3, Landforms of Cultural Significance
Recognize and preserve significant landforms and features that provide
cultural value to the community and its rich tapestry of different cultures,
such as views of Mt. Spokane and access to the Spokane Falls and Spokane
River.
Goal: NE-7, Areas of Geologic Concern
Recognize that some physical geologic and slope features are not suitable for
development while also warranting environmental protection.
Policy: NE-7.1, Rock Formation Protection
Identify and preserve basalt rock formations that give understanding to the
area’s geological history, add visual interest to the landscape, and contribute
to a system of connected conservation lands.
Policy: NE-7.2, Unstable Slope Protection
Map and designate areas of unstable slopes as unsuitable for development,
including standards and regulations that prohibit development in these
areas.
Policy: NE-7.3, Slope Protection
Integrate the protection of slopes with wildlife corridor and natural area
designations and acquisitions.
Review notes
Landforms are a topic of Chapter 14,
Shorelines as well—a cross-reference
will be provided.
This policy has a relationship to Chapter
3, Growth Strategy.
Landforms and their cultural value were
a topic of recent public engagement
discussions.
Geologic topics were formerly part of
the landform discussion above. They
have been separated out under a new
goal for clarity.
[Page 8]
Policy: NE-7.4, Geologically Hazardous Areas
Classify, designate, and protect Geologically Hazardous Areas as identified in
the Critical Areas Ordinance.
Goal: NE-8, Agricultural Lands
Preserve agricultural land and allow farming that generates produce for local
markets and supports the local economy and community resiliency.
Policy: NE-8.1, Agricultural Lands of Local Importance
Designate areas of the city that have been traditionally used for agricultural
purposes, have at least Soils Conservation Services Class II soils, or are
designated prime agriculture lands, and are at least one acre in size as
agricultural lands of local importance.
Allow agricultural activities adjacent to urban uses without compromising
farmers’ rights to farm their land.
Goal: NE-9, Natural Areas
Designate a network of natural areas and connecting corridors, distinct from
developed parks, throughout Spokane that support native habitats and natural
landforms.
Policy: NE-9.1, Identification of Natural Areas
Identify natural areas throughout the city through park planning,
neighborhood input, existing city-owned parks and conservation lands,
wildlife habitats, steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains, riparian areas,
adjacency to county natural areas, and proximity to state parks.
Policy: NE-9.2 Natural Corridor Links and Connections
Identify and enhance interconnections between natural areas,
understanding that protected and local species need movement corridors to
navigate the city.
Policy: NE-9.3, Acquisition of Natural Areas
Acquire and protect natural areas and connecting corridors through various
acquisition techniques, such as tax incentives, purchases, Spokane County
Conservation Futures funds, volunteer funding drives, donations, transfer of
development rights, clustering, easements, and requirements for
contribution when adjacent areas develop, seeking to create a network of
natural areas throughout the city.
Review notes
This goal exhibits close relationships to
Chapter 12, Parks and Recreation. A
cross-reference will likely be provided.
Policy updated since March 2026
release to remove reference to
“undisturbed” natural areas based on
community feedback.
This policy was lengthened to include
samples of techniques formerly listed in
the discussion.
[Page 9]
Policy: NE-9.4, Natural Area Paths
Develop soft, permeable, low-impact paths in natural areas while also
protecting environmentally sensitive areas from encroachment by people
and domesticated animals.
Policy: NE-9.5, The Spokane River Gorge
Protect and enhance the Spokane River Gorge as a natural area, maintaining
it as one of the region’s greatest natural resources while developing
connections to other important features like Riverfront Park, Latah Creek,
Indian Canyon, and Riverside State Park.
Policy: NE-9.6, Interconnected Natural Systems
Protect, restore, acquire, and maintain urban agricultural lands, urban
forests, critical areas, shorelines, habitats, and open spaces as
interconnected natural systems that provide flood protection, heat
reduction, and carbon sequestration benefits, including through codes,
capital investments, and regional partnerships.
Goal: NE-10, Urban Forestry
Establish and support programs, codes, and standards that support the long-
term health and maintenance of the urban canopy on public and private lands,
including public awareness campaigns, incentives, and funding opportunities,
prioritizing areas with high heat risk and overburdened communities to provide
good air quality, reduce urban warming, and increase habitat.
Policy: NE-10.1, Street Trees
Establish standards, incentives, funding strategies, and requirements for the
planting and maintenance of street trees along all streets in the city, public
or private, as well as education and standards that ensure the long-term
survival and growth of those trees.
Policy: NE-10.2, Urban Forestry Programs
Participate in and seek to grow local and regional urban forestry programs
for the expansion, protection, and maintenance of the urban tree canopy.
Policy: NE-10.3, Protection Techniques
Use incentives and acquisition to protect priority forested areas both on
public and privately owned land.
Policy: NE-10.4, Tree Replacement Program
Develop and implement a program whereby the City maintains “no net loss”
of street trees through programs and incentives for tree maintenance and
replacement, while considering exemptions for emergencies and public
safety.
Review notes
The connection between the Gorge and
other natural areas was added.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy adjusted to
serve as goal for more specific policies,
supporting existing language in NE-12
Urban Forest.
Missing from the original policy was
discussion of maintaining trees once
planted. That language has been added
here.
“No net loss” was formerly only in the
discussion of this policy. It has been
added to the policy itself to highlight its
importance.
[Page 10]
Policy: NE-10.5, Promote the Growth of an Urban Tree Canopy
Promote policies, programs, and incentives that help the City reach its goal
of 30% canopy coverage, focusing first on parts of the city where tree
coverage is low or missing entirely.
Goal: NE-11, Connectivity and Access to Wildlands and Open Space
Create a citywide network of trails, sidewalks, and pathways that link regional
trails, natural areas, parks, public cultural resources and historical sites, schools,
and urban centers, maximizing the social and health benefits from access to
nature.
Policy: NE-11.1, Walkway and Bicycle Paths Through Natural Areas
Identify, prioritize, and connect natural places in the city with a walkway,
trail, shared-use pathway, or bicycle path system that includes connections
to regional trails, natural areas, soft path networks, community parks,
cultural resources, historic sites, schools, the downtown area, and
community and neighborhood centers.
Policy: NE-11.2, Natural Area Path Design
Design walkways, trails, shared-use pathways, and bicycle paths in natural
areas based on qualities that make them safe, functional, and separated
from automobile traffic where possible, while seeking to maintain a high level
of sensitivity to the natural area and its biological value.
Policy: NE-11.3, Pathways for the Whole Community
Design walkways and shared-use paths in natural areas to increase access
for all members of the community, including areas designed specifically to
be accessible for people of all abilities.
Policy: NE-11.4, Year-Round Use
Build and maintain portions of natural area path systems that can be used
year-round.
Policy: N-11.5, Winter Trail Network
Link soft trails, parks, and other features of the active open space system
with the wider walkway, trail, shared-use pathway, and bicycle path
network in Spokane to develop a winter trail network.
Goal: NE-12, Natural Beauty
Retain and enhance nature views, natural aesthetics, areas of cultural value, and
historic sites that define the Spokane region.
Review notes
This policy was added to reflect current
program goals.
Language has been added to this goal
and policies to make the relationship
with natural areas and wildlands more
overt. Potential cross-reference to Parks
Goal PR-4.
The discussion has been incorporated
into the body of the policy itself here.
This new policy was added to be
inclusive of those of all abilities when
designing pathways.
[Page 11]
Policy: NE-12.1, Protection of Natural Aesthetics
Protect and enhance nature views, natural aesthetics, cultural resources, and
sacred or historic sites within the growing urban setting through
collaboration with local Tribes, historians, organizations, and community
members to identify features to be protected.
Policy: NE-12.2, Naming Culturally Historic Sites
Coordinate with local Tribes to identify local nature views, natural aesthetics,
cultural resources, and sacred or historic sites that define the Spokane region
by the original names given to them.
Policy: NE-12.3, Nature Themes
Identify and use natural themes in large-scale public and private landscaping
projects that reflect the natural environment of the Spokane region,
incorporating features that reflect local landforms.
Goal: NE-13, Natural Environment Education
Educate all ages of the community on the value the natural environment provides
to the community, engaging with the public and fostering greater stewardship.
Policy: NE-13.1, Protection and Recognition
Develop programs that formally recognize activities, development,
businesses, groups, and people that contribute to the protection and
improvement of Spokane’s natural environment.
Policy: NE-13.2, Natural Environment Information
Create a central source within City government to disseminate information
on anything affecting the city’s natural environment, programs to enhance
the natural environment, and environmental education opportunities.
Policy: NE-13.3, Critical Areas Education
Educate owners of properties which include critical areas in identifying,
recognizing, and planning for the use of their property while ensuring
compatibility with critical area protection and optimizing use of resources
and programs that may be available.
Policy: NE-13.4, Community Education and Awareness
Coordinate with local and regional agencies and organizations to educate
the community on the meaning and significance of cultural and historic sites,
fostering greater support for their protection and enhancement.
Review notes
A cross-reference to Policy NE-7.1 will
be provided here, as they relate to each
other (the themes are the same).
This policy was added in response to
public engagement.
A cross-refence to policies in the
Governance and Public Participation
Chapter is likely to be added here.
[Page 12]
Policy: NE-13.5, Environmental Education for Youth
Educate youth about the interrelationship between people and nature so
that an understanding and respect for human impacts and the benefits of
nature is developed.
Policy: NE-13.6, Volunteer Opportunities
Provide educational resources and volunteer opportunities for
environmental stewardship on City-owned property, including clean-up
events for trails, parks, and swales, and the planting of street and park trees.
Goal: NE-14, Tribal Collaboration
Ensure that environmental efforts and resources are resilient to the impacts of
extreme weather and other natural hazards by collaborating with local Tribes
and urban Native organizations to support traditional and sustainable practices.
Policy: NE-14.1, Traditional Ecological Management
Collaborate with Tribal partners to leverage traditional ecological
management strategies for natural areas.
Policy: NE-14.2, Culturally Relevant Conservation
Protect, enhance, and restore ecosystems in order to support Tribal rights
and conserve culturally important consumptive and non-consumptive
resources including foods, medicinal plants, and materials that could be
adversely impacted by climate change.
Goal: NE-15, Data and Monitoring
Support environmental efforts and monitor effectiveness of programs by
regularly collecting municipal and citywide data and tracking progress towards
established goals.
Policy: NE-15.1, Greenhouse Gas Monitoring
Regularly monitor progress and update interim targets for the city’s net zero
greenhouse gas emissions goal as set in municipal code.
Policy: NE-15.2, Water Conservation Monitoring
Set and regularly monitor progress for short- and long-term targets for water
conservation goals set in municipal code.
Policy: NE-15. 3, Ecosystems Inventory Database
Maintain an inventory of existing and potential natural lands, fish and
wildlife habitat, urban forest, and natural infrastructure in the city’s
Geographic Information System, evaluated for their ecological and climate
resilience values, and disseminate the information for decision makers and
the public in a useable, interactive format.
Review notes
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
Goal NE-14 and its attendant policies
based on Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB)
recommended policies.
Goal NE-15 and its attendant policies
based on CRSB recommended policies.
Existing Comp Plan policy NE-11.4 was
expanded to address CRSB recommend-
ation on collecting data on habitat in
addition to the urban forest.
[Page 13]
[INSERT PRIORITY AREAS FOR CONSERVATION MAP – NE-01]
POLICIES REMOVED FROM THE TEXT:
The following policies in blue have been removed from the text, largely due
to redundancy, unclear goals/success, and similar factors.
Policy: NE-1.4, Water Quality Report
Prepare an annual water quality report that identifies the year’s water
quality and quantity and compares these to prior years.
Goal: NE-3, Shorelines
Protect the natural state of shorelines while providing community access
that does not negatively impact riparian habitats, fragile soils, and native
vegetation.
Policy: NE-8.3, Urban Agriculture
Allow urban agriculture within more typical urban uses where appropriate,
ensuring impacts to more intense urban uses are minimized, to allow for
evolving best practices in local food production and security.
Goal: NE-9, Sustainable Economies and Employment
Support a sustainable economy and incentivize employment that enhances
the natural environment.
Policy: NE-9.1, Environment and the Economy
Identify, preserve, and enhance the natural environment elements that
define Spokane’s quality of life and help sustain the economy, including the
draw that the region’s natural beauty has on those that choose to live and
work here.
Policy: NE-9.2, Environment Supporting Businesses
Provide incentives for businesses that restore and benefit the natural
environment while providing jobs for residents.
Policy: NE-9.3, Local Business Support
Support and provide incentives for businesses that employ local people, use
local materials, and sell their products and/or services locally.
Policy: NE-9.4, Incentives for Ecologically Responsible Businesses
Identify and provide incentives for economic activities that combine the goals
and principles of economy, ecology, and social equity.
Review notes
Map can currently be found at the
end of this document. It will be
integrated into the Chapter once the
final template is available.
This is already a requirement of State
law—having a policy here is redundant.
This goal (which had no policies tied to
it) is redundant with Chapter 14,
Shorelines.
This was a new policy in previous drafts.
The concept is captured in GS-1.6
Goal NE-9 and its associated policies
have been removed, as their concepts
are addressed in Economic Prosperity--
see Goal EP-3 and associated policies
EP-3.7, and EP-3.13
[Page 14]
Policy: NE-9.5, Profit from Waste
Recruit industries that can make use of and profit from Spokane’s solid waste
in a manner that minimizes or mitigates environmental impacts while
maximizing reuse of materials.
Policy: NE-9.6, Packaging Reduction
Create and advocate for legislation, education, and other means that reduce
product packaging to reduce waste disposal.
Policy: NE-9.7, Spokane’s Youth and Green Economy Careers
Support the growth of the local ecologically responsible economy by
providing venues, coordination, and opportunities for green businesses to
connect with local youth through job training, job fairs, seminars, and other
outreach events.
Goal: NE-13, Incorporating Natural Designs in Public Spaces
Develop or revitalize plazas and public spaces using natural elements, including
water, native vegetation, and landforms.
Policy: NE-13.1, Plaza Inventory and Improvements
Inventory existing plazas that lack nature elements and that are not used
actively and identify natural element features that will improve them.
Policy: NE-13.2, New Plaza Design
Develop plazas with native natural elements and formations, such as basalt,
Missoula flood stones, stream patterns, river character, native trees, and
plants that attract native birds.
Policy: NE-15.2, Natural Aesthetic Links
Link local nature views, natural aesthetics, sacred areas, and historic sites
with the trail and path system of the city.
Goal: NE-16, Quality of Life
Compile social, natural environment, and economic indicators of a healthy
Spokane community on an annual basis and compare them to prior years in
order to assess Spokane’s progress.
Policy: NE-16.1, Quality of Life Indicators
Coordinate with other groups and agencies to develop quality of life
indicators based upon what others have previously identified.
Policy: NE-16.2, Benchmark Adoption
Develop quality of life benchmarks based on identified indicators that the
community wants to obtain over time.
Review notes
NE-9.5 concepts are captured in Climate
Resilience and Sustainability Board
(CRSB) recommended policy EP-3.13,
NE-9.6 removed as it is implementing
other existing policies.
Though previously proposed as a new
policy in earlier drafts, the policy has
been removed due to it being more of
an implementation action. Sustainable
jobs topic found in Economic Prosperity
Chapter.
This goal was an updated version of
Shaping Spokane Goal NE-13, relocated
to the Urban Design and Historic
Preservation Chapter as policy DP-3.9.
This policy is captured by DP-3.9.
This policy was incorporated into policy
DP-3.9 in the Urban Design and Historic
Preservation Chapter.
Concepts in this policy have been
captured in DP-3 and associated goals.
This goal and its policies were
condensed and added to Chapter 10,
Community Health as CH-6.4, Quality of
Life Indicators.
[Page 15]
Goal: NE-16X, Energy Conservation
Promote the conservation of energy in the location and design of residential, area
services, and workplaces.
Policy: NE-16.X, Innovative Development
Encourage innovative residential development techniques that produce low
energy consumption per housing unit.
Policy: NE-16.1X, Residential Development Techniques
Encourage new and evolving residential development techniques that
produce low energy consumption per housing unit, including development of
middle housing types, co-living, solar-enhancing site orientation, earth
sheltering, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Policy: NE-16.2X, Resilient Development Practices
Encourage and allow for new proven technologies and best practices that
increase building resiliency throughout the city for all use types, including the
reuse of materials, energy efficiency, less environmentally costly materials,
local building materials and supplies, and new methods for thermal
insulation and structural features.
Goal: NE-17, Flood Hazards Management
Protect life and property from flooding and erosion by directing development
away from flood hazard areas.
Policy: NE-17.2, 100-Year Flood Plain Reassessment
Coordinate with federal and state agencies in the reassessment of the 100-
year flood plain and adopt standards and mitigation that provides for
adequate protection in areas where flooding is more likely.
Policy: NE-17.3, 500-Year Flood Plain Considerations
Coordinate with federal and state agencies to explore and understand the
500-year floodplain and its effects on potential future limitations on land use
and development, with an eye towards being prepared to consider the 500-
year floodplain if regulations come forward concerning that area.
Policy: NE-17.4, Land Acquisition & Home Relocation Program
Consider and analyze a program for the purchasing and/or relocation of
homes in the 100-year floodplain, establishing those areas long-term for
natural area conservation and potential movement corridors.
Policy: NE-17.5, Discourage Development in the 100-Year Flood Plain
Discourage development and redevelopment of habitable structures that are
within the 100-year flood plain.
Review notes
Newly drafted Goal, recommended later
for removal as all related policies have
since been removed or relocated.
This policy is captured in H-2.11,
Resilient Development Practices.
This was a newly proposed policy in
previous drafts. It has been relocated to
the Housing Chapter, H-2.11
This was a newly proposed policy but
the theme is already captured in the
Urban Design and Historic Preservation
Chapter, where that discussion is more
appropriate.
Goal recommended for removal as
related policies will be relocated.
Language has been updated and
relocated to the Growth Strategy
Chapter, consolidated into GS-7.4.
This was a newly proposed policy, which
was relocated to the Growth Strategy
Chapter, GS-7.5.
Language was updated and relocated to
the Housing Chapter, H-6.5
Relocated to the Growth Strategy
Chapter, consolidated into GS-7.4.
[Page 16]
Policy: NE-17.6, Public Awareness and Education
Develop a public awareness and education program for residents living
within flood plains, highlighting the associated risks and ways to mitigate
their risk.
Review notes
Public awareness as a topic is addressed
in the Governance Chapter, with
floodplain specific awareness and
education found in the Growth
Strategies Chapter (GS-7.6).
[Page 17]
City of Spokane Comprehensive Plan | Map NE-01 Priority Areas for Conservation
Chapter 9 - Natural Environment
PlanSpokane 2046 draft
Aug 7, 2026
[Page 1]
This cover page is not part of the draft Comprehensive Plan and is intended to only help with navigation of the drafts.
The chapter you see here is the result of months of
work by countless individuals throughout the
community. It represents a combination of inputs
generously provided by the public, Plan
Commission, City Council, and many others. This
updated chapter will eventually be considered by
the Plan Commission and City Council for inclusion
in PlanSpokane 2046.
Our teams have worked hard to create these
updated chapters. Each has been discussed at the
Plan Commission, by various Plan Commission
subcommittees, with City Council in general, and
shared with the public at various points along the
way. These chapters represent the efforts of many,
helping to describe the policy and guidance the
Comprehensive Plan can provide in each topic area.
Please note this version supersedes any previously
published versions, including the release of many
chapters last October. All prior versions should be
considered out-of-date from this point on.
As with prior versions, this chapter includes the
basic text, but might not match the visual look and
format of the final document (we're still working on
that). To help readers identify where updated
language has been provided, a series of icons are
shown at right along the way. These aren't part of
the final document--they're provided to help
readers understand where certain changes may
have come from, where past policies have been
combined, etc. A guide to those icons is provided
below. Each chapter will use the same set of icons
for consistency.
General information or
notation is provided, clarifying
overall changes to the text.
Language was streamlined or
condensed for readability
or clarity.
A new Goal or Policy was added,
not sourced from the currently
adopted plan.
Policy language was added to ensure
consistency with changes in law at the
State/Federal level.
USEFUL
ICONS
Multiple Policies from the currently adopted
plan were combined into one, usually done
to eliminate redundant language.
Text was added as a result of the City's
study of Racially Disparate Impacts and
Displacement.
A policy or text was added as recommended by the Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB).
A goal or policy was removed or moved to
another chapter. These are listed at the end of
each chapter and include a reason.
What's Next for PlanSpokane?
Because this is the first complete view of some
chapters (e.g. Growth Strategy, Transportation,
Capital Facilities), we anticipate one more release
of updated chapters and maps later this summer.
After that, Plan Commission will likely hold a
hearing to consider the overall document. We'd
love to hear from you along the way.
Document Version: August 5, 2026
If you have any comments on the chapters, please
engage with us at http://planspokane.org or by
email at planspokane@spokanecity.org. All
comments are considered and each will be
provided to the Plan Commission and City Council
for their consideration prior to any hearings on
the proposed document.
[Page 2]
Chapter 9: Natural Environment
Introduction
This Chapter addresses the natural environment of Spokane and the
surrounding region. The Natural Environment Element includes topics such
as rivers, wetlands, urban forest, nature areas, the aquifer, clean air and
water, shorelines, trails, energy efficiency, agricultural lands, the economy,
and wildlife.
Spokane enjoys an extensive natural environment for an urban area,
including the presence of native plants and animals. Spokane must continue
to protect and enhance the natural environment to maintain and improve
this region’s quality of life.
Goals and policies address restoration, protection, and enhancement of the
natural environment, as well as guide incentives, regulations, future plans,
and public investments. These measures aim to bring back, maintain, and
enhance Spokane’s great resources for a healthy environment: clean rivers
and streams, healthy air, natural areas with native vegetation, trails, cultural
and historic sites, trees, locally significant landforms, and citizens who
understand the impacts of growth on the natural environment and the
opportunities to make positive changes.
Goals and Policies
Goals and policies provide specificity for planning and decision-making.
Overall, they indicate desired directions, accomplishments, or aims in
relation to the growth and development of Spokane as it relates to the
protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
Goal: NE-1, Water Quality
Protect the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and other water sources to
provide clean pure water.
Policy: NE-1.1, Aquifer Study
Study the aquifer and utilize strategies to remedy all sources or activities of
contamination.
Policy: NE-1.2, Stormwater Techniques and Best Practices
Encourage the use of evolving best practices for stormwater, including
solutions like rain gardens, regional stormwater treatment facilities, and
other low-impact mitigation tools that protect ground and surface water
from contamination and pollution.
Review notes
This policy was expanded upon
following consultation with the City’s
Stormwater department, adding
concepts around best practices.
[Page 3]
Policy: NE-1.3, Regional Coordination of Stormwater Quality
Coordinate with regional partners and agencies for the study, creation, and
adoption of new manuals and standards for stormwater quality solutions
that provide new effective methods of managing stormwater.
Policy: NE-1.4, Regional Water Board and Stewardship Groups
Continue to support regional watershed groups and boards, including the
Spokane Aquifer Joint Board, in their efforts to conduct aquifer planning as
well as allocating, monitoring, and studying responsibilities for the entire
watershed.
Policy: NE-1.5, Mining Activities
Prohibit or severely limit open pit mining throughout the city, as it exposes
the aquifer or ground water to potential contamination.
Policy: NE-1.6, Natural Water Drainage
Identify and preserve areas that provide natural water drainage to
accommodate future stormwater runoff while protecting surface and ground
water.
Policy: NE-1.7, Wellhead Protection
Allow only non-polluting land uses to be developed and operated within the
water recharge zones of the public water wells, as guided by development
regulations and land use limitations within critical areas.
Policy: NE-1.8, Toxic Dumping Regulations
Develop and enforce restrictions and fines for the dumping of toxic fluids and
other contaminants in locations where they may reach the aquifer or surface
waters, consistent with state and federal law.
Policy: NE-1.9, Sewer Requirement
Ensure that newly developed property in the city and within the City’s sewer
service area is connected to municipal sewer service, minimizing aquifer
contamination.
Goal: NE-2, Water Conservation
Promote water conservation to protect and preserve water quality from drought,
extreme heat, and other hazards, seeking to ensure all local aquifers and water
sources stay above sustainable recharge or flow levels.
Policy: NE-2.1, Water Conservation Strategy
Strengthen and implement a water conservation strategy that leads to
decreases in household, public facility, commercial, industrial, and
agricultural water use citywide, commensurate with the true available
Review notes
NE 1.4 was broadened slightly to avoid
referencing only one body/solution.
The original mention of the Urban
Growth Area (UGA) was made more
specific, limiting this policy to the City’s
service area.
Goal updated to reflect language
recommended by the Climate Resilience
and Sustainability Board (CRSB).
CRSB recommended policy,
incorporating language from existing
policy NE-2.1, Water Conservation.
[Page 4]
capacity of the City’s water supply and effects of a changing climate, including
expanded incentives for drought-tolerant, native plantings and the use of
innovative incentives, communication, and education programs.
Policy: NE-2.2, Drought Resilience Strategy
Develop, implement, and regularly review a comprehensive drought
resilience strategy that factors in projected climate impacts and sets action
levels for different drought stages in municipal code.
Policy: NE-2.3, Landscaping Requirements and Incentives
Expand the use of incentives like SpokaneScape and other programs that
encourage use of drought-tolerant plants and the placement of native trees
and vegetation, including incentives like water bill credits and discounts.
Policy: NE-2.4, Native Vegetation on Public Lands
Preserve existing native vegetation in parks and other public lands,
incorporating the placement of new native, drought-tolerant species when
constructing new facilities.
Policy: NE-2.5, Reclaimed Water
Develop a program to allow municipal reclaimed water systems, where
feasible considering water rights, and allow onsite non-potable water
systems to reduce water demand in private-sector commercial and
residential buildings.
Policy: NE-2.6, Water Management Support
Encourage and support residents and businesses to optimally manage
rainwater, water use, and stormwater on their properties by modeling
practices on public properties and adopting codes and standards that enable
and encourage rain gardens, drought tolerant plants, permeable pavements,
or other best practices.
Policy: NE-2.7, One Water
Manage water resources for all users sustainably through a “One Water”
concept that manages all forms of water, including through retaining
rainwater strategies, smart irrigation, stormwater management,
preventative maintenance, water conservation, infiltration and groundwater
recharge, plant selection, landscape management, utility rate structures, and
other methods that respect water rights regulations while supporting a
resilient and effective urban water system.
Goal: NE-3, Surface Waters
Provide for clean rivers and wetlands that support native fish and aquatic life
and are healthy for recreational uses.
Review notes
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
This policy has been strengthened,
expanding SpokaneScape while seeking
additional possible solutions.
CRSB recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy.
[Page 5]
Policy: NE-3.1, Watershed Plan
Support and develop regional watershed plans in collaboration with regional
and local partners, concerning all watersheds that are associated with the
geographic boundaries of the city and the City’s service areas.
Policy: NE-3.2, Zero Pollution Industrial Parks
Develop standards and incentives for zero pollution industrial parks and
uses, focusing on manufacturing that utilizes recycled and reused materials
sourced from adjacent uses in the immediate vicinity.
Policy: NE-3.3, Impervious Surface Reduction
Reduce impervious surface in the city, understanding that there are locations
where impervious surfaces have less benefit to surface runoff and
absorption, such as areas of drainage concern mapped by the City.
Policy: NE-3.4, Wetlands
Enforce and monitor regulations that achieve no overall net loss in acreage
and functions of the remaining wetland base and, over the long-term,
increase the quantity and quality of wetlands in the city.
Policy: NE-3.5, Aquatic and Upland Habitat
Implement programs, codes, and standards that increase aquatic and
upland habitat resilience, ensuring long-term habitat for wildlife, including
anadromous fish, by protecting water quality, increasing water residence
time in streams, implementing natural landscaping to slow, filter, and store
stormwater, conserving water, protecting groundwater, and keeping waters
cool.
Policy: NE-3.6, Channel Migration Zone Management
Determine the channel migration zone of streams and rivers in locations
within the city that have a history of flooding and ensure that the entire
migration zone is maintained and protected, not only the water.
Policy: NE-3.7, Downstream Impacts Consideration
Consider the downstream impacts created by development, erosion control
devices, and public works projects within or adjacent to rivers and streams.
Goal: NE-4, Clean Air
Work consistently for cleaner air that nurtures the health of current residents,
children, and future generations.
Review notes
We are considering including a map of
areas of drainage concern in this
chapter or, alternatively, a cross-
reference to the online map.
This policy was moved here from under
Goal 7 as it has relationship with both
goals. A cross-reference will likely be
provided.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy. This
policy was expanded to include
references to anadromous fish, a
requirement of WAC 365-190-080.
Originally policy NE-19.1 of the existing
Natural Environment Chapter, it was
broadened to add protection specificity.
Originally policy NE-19.6 of the existing
Natural Environment Chapter.
[Page 6]
Policy: NE-4.1, Clean Heating Sources
Encourage the use of heating sources that do not negatively affect Spokane’s
air quality, including through continued membership and support of the
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) and other similar bodies.
Policy: NE-4.2, Facility Review
Evaluate public and private facilities prior to permitting for their impacts to
air quality prior to permitting, weighing the public benefits of the facility
against its impact on regional air quality and the health of local residents.
Policy: NE-4.3, Vegetation that Improves Air Quality
Plant, preserve, and encourage the use of vegetation known to benefit local
air quality, considering both urban trees and landscaping incorporated into
facilities and development.
Goal: NE-5, Native Species Protection
Protect and enhance diverse and healthy native species, such as plants, trees,
animals, and fungi, for present and future generations and respect the ecological
necessity of biodiversity.
Policy: NE-5.1, Native and Non-Native Adaptive Plants and Trees
Encourage the use of and development of standards for using native and
non-native adaptive plants and trees in landscape designs for public and
private projects.
Policy: NE-5.2, Public Native Species Application and Education
Utilize and expand programs and incentives like SpokaneScape that educate
and recognize members of the public who install and maintain drought-
tolerant native planting in yards and landscaping.
Policy: NE-5.3, Habitat Network
Identify, purchase, preserve, and maintain existing and potential links
between wildlife habitats, seeking to form a network of wildlife habitats while
partnering with local, regional, and state agencies and programs, including
leveraging opportunities for community and volunteer involvement.
Policy: NE-5.4, Fish and Wildlife Protection
Continue to identify, protect, and ensure no net loss of ecological function or
value to fish, wildlife, and their habitats which are identified as a priority for
ecological health by citizens and scientific experts while utilizing current best
available science practices and standards.
Review notes
SRCAA was added to this policy as they
are currently the primary agency related
to this topic, though the language was
broadened to allow for other actions.
This policy was rewritten with the same
effect/intent but to better recognize the
relationship between vegetation and air
quality.
The term ‘citizen’ has been removed, as
that term can feel exclusionary to some.
Supported by Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB) policy
recommendation.
This policy was rewritten to emphasize
best practices and ecological function in
response to public comment.
[Page 7]
Policy: NE-5.5, Protection of Adjacent Wildlife Habitats
Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions and agencies to designate, protect,
and acquire wildlife habitats that abut or straddle the city limits or the Urban
Growth Area (UGA) boundary to enhance connectivity and ease of movement
for wildlife.
Goal: NE-6, Natural Landforms
Preserve natural landforms that identify and typify our region, including
landforms of cultural significance.
Policy: NE-6.1, Landform Identification
Define, identify, and map natural landforms that typify our region and that
may warrant protection, including features like pine forests, views of Mount
Spokane, aquifer springs, the Palouse Hills, scablands, the Spokane River
Falls and rapids, basalt cliffs, Missoula flood stones, granite hillsides, basalt
ponds and wetlands, camas fields, and shrub steppe drylands.
Policy: NE-6.2, Landform Preservation
Preserve lands that contain natural landforms through purchase, incentives,
clustering, or the transfer of development rights.
Policy: NE-6.3, Landforms of Cultural Significance
Recognize and preserve significant landforms and features that provide
cultural value to the community and its rich tapestry of different cultures,
such as views of Mt. Spokane and access to the Spokane Falls and Spokane
River.
Goal: NE-7, Areas of Geologic Concern
Recognize that some physical geologic and slope features are not suitable for
development while also warranting environmental protection.
Policy: NE-7.1, Rock Formation Protection
Identify and preserve basalt rock formations that give understanding to the
area’s geological history, add visual interest to the landscape, and contribute
to a system of connected conservation lands.
Policy: NE-7.2, Unstable Slope Protection
Map and designate areas of unstable slopes as unsuitable for development,
including standards and regulations that prohibit development in these
areas.
Policy: NE-7.3, Slope Protection
Integrate the protection of slopes with wildlife corridor and natural area
designations and acquisitions.
Review notes
Landforms are a topic of Chapter 14,
Shorelines as well—a cross-reference
will be provided.
This policy has a relationship to Chapter
3, Growth Strategy.
Landforms and their cultural value were
a topic of recent public engagement
discussions.
Geologic topics were formerly part of
the landform discussion above. They
have been separated out under a new
goal for clarity.
[Page 8]
Policy: NE-7.4, Geologically Hazardous Areas
Classify, designate, and protect Geologically Hazardous Areas as identified in
the Critical Areas Ordinance.
Goal: NE-8, Agricultural Lands
Preserve agricultural land and allow farming that generates produce for local
markets and supports the local economy and community resiliency.
Policy: NE-8.1, Agricultural Lands of Local Importance
Designate areas of the city that have been traditionally used for agricultural
purposes, have at least Soils Conservation Services Class II soils, or are
designated prime agriculture lands, and are at least one acre in size as
agricultural lands of local importance.
Policy: NE-8.2, Compatible Agricultural Activities
Allow agricultural activities adjacent to urban uses without compromising
farmers’ rights to farm their land.
Goal: NE-9, Natural Areas
Designate a network of natural areas and connecting corridors, distinct from
developed parks, throughout Spokane that support native habitats and natural
landforms.
Policy: NE-9.1, Identification of Natural Areas
Identify natural areas throughout the city through park planning,
neighborhood input, existing city-owned parks and conservation lands,
wildlife habitats, steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains, riparian areas,
adjacency to county natural areas, and proximity to state parks.
Policy: NE-9.2 Natural Corridor Links and Connections
Identify and enhance interconnections between natural areas,
understanding that protected and local species need movement corridors to
navigate the city.
Policy: NE-9.3, Acquisition of Natural Areas
Acquire and protect natural areas and connecting corridors through various
acquisition techniques, such as tax incentives, purchases, Spokane County
Conservation Futures funds, volunteer funding drives, donations, transfer of
development rights, clustering, easements, and requirements for
contribution when adjacent areas develop, seeking to create a network of
natural areas throughout the city.
Review notes
This goal exhibits close relationships to
Chapter 12, Parks and Recreation. A
cross-reference will likely be provided.
Policy updated since March 2026
release to remove reference to
“undisturbed” natural areas based on
community feedback.
This policy was lengthened to include
samples of techniques formerly listed in
the discussion.
[Page 9]
Policy: NE-9.4, Natural Area Paths
Develop soft, permeable, low-impact paths in natural areas while also
protecting environmentally sensitive areas from encroachment by people
and domesticated animals.
Policy: NE-9.5, The Spokane River Gorge
Protect and enhance the Spokane River Gorge as a natural area, maintaining
it as one of the region’s greatest natural resources while developing
connections to other important features like Riverfront Park, Latah Creek,
Indian Canyon, and Riverside State Park.
Policy: NE-9.6, Interconnected Natural Systems
Protect, restore, acquire, and maintain urban agricultural lands, urban
forests, critical areas, shorelines, habitats, and open spaces as
interconnected natural systems that provide flood protection, heat
reduction, and carbon sequestration benefits, including through codes,
capital investments, and regional partnerships.
Goal: NE-10, Urban Forestry
Establish and support programs, codes, and standards that support the long-
term health and maintenance of the urban canopy on public and private lands,
including public awareness campaigns, incentives, and funding opportunities,
prioritizing areas with high heat risk and overburdened communities to provide
good air quality, reduce urban warming, and increase habitat.
Policy: NE-10.1, Street Trees
Establish standards, incentives, funding strategies, and requirements for the
planting and maintenance of street trees along all streets in the city, public
or private, as well as education and standards that ensure the long-term
survival and growth of those trees.
Policy: NE-10.2, Urban Forestry Programs
Participate in and seek to grow local and regional urban forestry programs
for the expansion, protection, and maintenance of the urban tree canopy.
Policy: NE-10.3, Protection Techniques
Use incentives and acquisition to protect priority forested areas both on
public and privately owned land.
Policy: NE-10.4, Tree Replacement Program
Develop and implement a program whereby the City maintains “no net loss”
of street trees through programs and incentives for tree maintenance and
replacement, while considering exemptions for emergencies and public
safety.
Review notes
The connection between the Gorge and
other natural areas was added.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
CRSB recommended policy adjusted to
serve as goal for more specific policies,
supporting existing language in NE-12
Urban Forest.
Missing from the original policy was
discussion of maintaining trees once
planted. That language has been added
here.
“No net loss” was formerly only in the
discussion of this policy. It has been
added to the policy itself to highlight its
importance.
[Page 10]
Policy: NE-10.5, Promote the Growth of an Urban Tree Canopy
Promote policies, programs, and incentives that help the City reach its goal
of 30% canopy coverage, focusing first on parts of the city where tree
coverage is low or missing entirely.
Goal: NE-11, Connectivity and Access to Wildlands and Open Space
Create a citywide network of trails, sidewalks, and pathways that link regional
trails, natural areas, parks, public cultural resources and historical sites, schools,
and urban centers, maximizing the social and health benefits from access to
nature.
Policy: NE-11.1, Walkway and Bicycle Paths Through Natural Areas
Identify, prioritize, and connect natural places in the city with a walkway,
trail, shared-use pathway, or bicycle path system that includes connections
to regional trails, natural areas, soft path networks, community parks,
cultural resources, historic sites, schools, the downtown area, and
community and neighborhood centers.
Policy: NE-11.2, Natural Area Path Design
Design walkways, trails, shared-use pathways, and bicycle paths in natural
areas based on qualities that make them safe, functional, and separated
from automobile traffic where possible, while seeking to maintain a high level
of sensitivity to the natural area and its biological value.
Policy: NE-11.3, Pathways for the Whole Community
Design walkways and shared-use paths in natural areas to increase access
for all members of the community, including areas designed specifically to
be accessible for people of all abilities.
Policy: NE-11.4, Year-Round Use
Build and maintain portions of natural area path systems that can be used
year-round.
Policy: N-11.5, Winter Trail Network
Link soft trails, parks, and other features of the active open space system
with the wider walkway, trail, shared-use pathway, and bicycle path
network in Spokane to develop a winter trail network.
Goal: NE-12, Natural Beauty
Retain and enhance nature views, natural aesthetics, areas of cultural value, and
historic sites that define the Spokane region.
Review notes
This policy was added to reflect current
program goals.
Language has been added to this goal
and policies to make the relationship
with natural areas and wildlands more
overt. Potential cross-reference to Parks
Goal PR-4.
The discussion has been incorporated
into the body of the policy itself here.
This new policy was added to be
inclusive of those of all abilities when
designing pathways.
[Page 11]
Policy: NE-12.1, Protection of Natural Aesthetics
Protect and enhance nature views, natural aesthetics, cultural resources, and
sacred or historic sites within the growing urban setting through
collaboration with local Tribes, historians, organizations, and community
members to identify features to be protected.
Policy: NE-12.2, Naming Culturally Historic Sites
Coordinate with local Tribes to identify local nature views, natural aesthetics,
cultural resources, and sacred or historic sites that define the Spokane region
by the original names given to them.
Policy: NE-12.3, Nature Themes
Identify and use natural themes in large-scale public and private landscaping
projects that reflect the natural environment of the Spokane region,
incorporating features that reflect local landforms.
Goal: NE-13, Natural Environment Education
Educate all ages of the community on the value the natural environment provides
to the community, engaging with the public and fostering greater stewardship.
Policy: NE-13.1, Protection and Recognition
Develop programs that formally recognize activities, development,
businesses, groups, and people that contribute to the protection and
improvement of Spokane’s natural environment.
Policy: NE-13.2, Natural Environment Information
Create a central source within City government to disseminate information
on anything affecting the city’s natural environment, programs to enhance
the natural environment, and environmental education opportunities.
Policy: NE-13.3, Critical Areas Education
Educate owners of properties which include critical areas in identifying,
recognizing, and planning for the use of their property while ensuring
compatibility with critical area protection and optimizing use of resources
and programs that may be available.
Policy: NE-13.4, Community Education and Awareness
Coordinate with local and regional agencies and organizations to educate
the community on the meaning and significance of cultural and historic sites,
fostering greater support for their protection and enhancement.
Review notes
A cross-reference to Policy NE-7.1 will
be provided here, as they relate to each
other (the themes are the same).
This policy was added in response to
public engagement.
A cross-refence to policies in the
Governance and Public Participation
Chapter is likely to be added here.
[Page 12]
Policy: NE-13.5, Environmental Education for Youth
Educate youth about the interrelationship between people and nature so
that an understanding and respect for human impacts and the benefits of
nature is developed.
Policy: NE-13.6, Volunteer Opportunities
Provide educational resources and volunteer opportunities for
environmental stewardship on City-owned property, including clean-up
events for trails, parks, and swales, and the planting of street and park trees.
Goal: NE-14, Tribal Collaboration
Ensure that environmental efforts and resources are resilient to the impacts of
extreme weather and other natural hazards by collaborating with local Tribes
and urban Native organizations to support traditional and sustainable practices.
Policy: NE-14.1, Traditional Ecological Management
Collaborate with Tribal partners to leverage traditional ecological
management strategies for natural areas.
Policy: NE-14.2, Culturally Relevant Conservation
Protect, enhance, and restore ecosystems in order to support Tribal rights
and conserve culturally important consumptive and non-consumptive
resources including foods, medicinal plants, and materials that could be
adversely impacted by climate change.
Goal: NE-15, Data and Monitoring
Support environmental efforts and monitor effectiveness of programs by
regularly collecting municipal and citywide data and tracking progress towards
established goals.
Policy: NE-15.1, Greenhouse Gas Monitoring
Regularly monitor progress and update interim targets for the city’s net zero
greenhouse gas emissions goal as set in municipal code.
Policy: NE-15.2, Water Conservation Monitoring
Set and regularly monitor progress for short- and long-term targets for water
conservation goals set in municipal code.
Policy: NE-15. 3, Ecosystems Inventory Database
Maintain an inventory of existing and potential natural lands, fish and
wildlife habitat, urban forest, and natural infrastructure in the city’s
Geographic Information System, evaluated for their ecological and climate
resilience values, and disseminate the information for decision makers and
the public in a useable, interactive format.
Review notes
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB) recommended policy.
Goal NE-14 and its attendant policies
based on Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB)
recommended policies.
Goal NE-15 and its attendant policies
based on CRSB recommended policies.
Existing Comp Plan policy NE-11.4 was
expanded to address CRSB recommend-
ation on collecting data on habitat in
addition to the urban forest.
[Page 13]
[INSERT PRIORITY AREAS FOR CONSERVATION MAP – NE-01]
POLICIES REMOVED FROM THE TEXT:
The following policies in blue have been removed from the text, largely due
to redundancy, unclear goals/success, and similar factors.
Policy: NE-1.4, Water Quality Report
Prepare an annual water quality report that identifies the year’s water
quality and quantity and compares these to prior years.
Goal: NE-3, Shorelines
Protect the natural state of shorelines while providing community access
that does not negatively impact riparian habitats, fragile soils, and native
vegetation.
Policy: NE-8.3, Urban Agriculture
Allow urban agriculture within more typical urban uses where appropriate,
ensuring impacts to more intense urban uses are minimized, to allow for
evolving best practices in local food production and security.
Goal: NE-9, Sustainable Economies and Employment
Support a sustainable economy and incentivize employment that enhances
the natural environment.
Policy: NE-9.1, Environment and the Economy
Identify, preserve, and enhance the natural environment elements that
define Spokane’s quality of life and help sustain the economy, including the
draw that the region’s natural beauty has on those that choose to live and
work here.
Policy: NE-9.2, Environment Supporting Businesses
Provide incentives for businesses that restore and benefit the natural
environment while providing jobs for residents.
Policy: NE-9.3, Local Business Support
Support and provide incentives for businesses that employ local people, use
local materials, and sell their products and/or services locally.
Policy: NE-9.4, Incentives for Ecologically Responsible Businesses
Identify and provide incentives for economic activities that combine the goals
and principles of economy, ecology, and social equity.
Review notes
Map can currently be found at the
end of this document. It will be
integrated into the Chapter once the
final template is available.
This is already a requirement of State
law—having a policy here is redundant.
This goal (which had no policies tied to
it) is redundant with Chapter 14,
Shorelines.
This was a new policy in previous drafts.
The concept is captured in GS-1.6
Goal NE-9 and its associated policies
have been removed, as their concepts
are addressed in Economic Prosperity--
see Goal EP-3 and associated policies
EP-3.7, and EP-3.13
[Page 14]
Policy: NE-9.5, Profit from Waste
Recruit industries that can make use of and profit from Spokane’s solid waste
in a manner that minimizes or mitigates environmental impacts while
maximizing reuse of materials.
Policy: NE-9.6, Packaging Reduction
Create and advocate for legislation, education, and other means that reduce
product packaging to reduce waste disposal.
Policy: NE-9.7, Spokane’s Youth and Green Economy Careers
Support the growth of the local ecologically responsible economy by
providing venues, coordination, and opportunities for green businesses to
connect with local youth through job training, job fairs, seminars, and other
outreach events.
Goal: NE-13, Incorporating Natural Designs in Public Spaces
Develop or revitalize plazas and public spaces using natural elements, including
water, native vegetation, and landforms.
Policy: NE-13.1, Plaza Inventory and Improvements
Inventory existing plazas that lack nature elements and that are not used
actively and identify natural element features that will improve them.
Policy: NE-13.2, New Plaza Design
Develop plazas with native natural elements and formations, such as basalt,
Missoula flood stones, stream patterns, river character, native trees, and
plants that attract native birds.
Policy: NE-15.2, Natural Aesthetic Links
Link local nature views, natural aesthetics, sacred areas, and historic sites
with the trail and path system of the city.
Goal: NE-16, Quality of Life
Compile social, natural environment, and economic indicators of a healthy
Spokane community on an annual basis and compare them to prior years in
order to assess Spokane’s progress.
Policy: NE-16.1, Quality of Life Indicators
Coordinate with other groups and agencies to develop quality of life
indicators based upon what others have previously identified.
Policy: NE-16.2, Benchmark Adoption
Develop quality of life benchmarks based on identified indicators that the
community wants to obtain over time.
Review notes
NE-9.5 concepts are captured in Climate
Resilience and Sustainability Board
(CRSB) recommended policy EP-3.13,
NE-9.6 removed as it is implementing
other existing policies.
Though previously proposed as a new
policy in earlier drafts, the policy has
been removed due to it being more of
an implementation action. Sustainable
jobs topic found in Economic Prosperity
Chapter.
This goal was an updated version of
Shaping Spokane Goal NE-13, relocated
to the Urban Design and Historic
Preservation Chapter as policy DP-3.9.
This policy is captured by DP-3.9.
This policy was incorporated into policy
DP-3.9 in the Urban Design and Historic
Preservation Chapter.
Concepts in this policy have been
captured in DP-3 and associated goals.
This goal and its policies were
condensed and added to Chapter 10,
Community Health as CH-6.4, Quality of
Life Indicators.
[Page 15]
Goal: NE-16X, Energy Conservation
Promote the conservation of energy in the location and design of residential, area
services, and workplaces.
Policy: NE-16.X, Innovative Development
Encourage innovative residential development techniques that produce low
energy consumption per housing unit.
Policy: NE-16.1X, Residential Development Techniques
Encourage new and evolving residential development techniques that
produce low energy consumption per housing unit, including development of
middle housing types, co-living, solar-enhancing site orientation, earth
sheltering, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Policy: NE-16.2X, Resilient Development Practices
Encourage and allow for new proven technologies and best practices that
increase building resiliency throughout the city for all use types, including the
reuse of materials, energy efficiency, less environmentally costly materials,
local building materials and supplies, and new methods for thermal
insulation and structural features.
Goal: NE-17, Flood Hazards Management
Protect life and property from flooding and erosion by directing development
away from flood hazard areas.
Policy: NE-17.2, 100-Year Flood Plain Reassessment
Coordinate with federal and state agencies in the reassessment of the 100-
year flood plain and adopt standards and mitigation that provides for
adequate protection in areas where flooding is more likely.
Policy: NE-17.3, 500-Year Flood Plain Considerations
Coordinate with federal and state agencies to explore and understand the
500-year floodplain and its effects on potential future limitations on land use
and development, with an eye towards being prepared to consider the 500-
year floodplain if regulations come forward concerning that area.
Policy: NE-17.4, Land Acquisition & Home Relocation Program
Consider and analyze a program for the purchasing and/or relocation of
homes in the 100-year floodplain, establishing those areas long-term for
natural area conservation and potential movement corridors.
Policy: NE-17.5, Discourage Development in the 100-Year Flood Plain
Discourage development and redevelopment of habitable structures that are
within the 100-year flood plain.
Review notes
Newly drafted Goal, recommended later
for removal as all related policies have
since been removed or relocated.
This policy is captured in H-2.11,
Resilient Development Practices.
This was a newly proposed policy in
previous drafts. It has been relocated to
the Housing Chapter, H-2.11
This was a newly proposed policy but
the theme is already captured in the
Urban Design and Historic Preservation
Chapter, where that discussion is more
appropriate.
Goal recommended for removal as
related policies will be relocated.
Language has been updated and
relocated to the Growth Strategy
Chapter, consolidated into GS-7.4.
This was a newly proposed policy, which
was relocated to the Growth Strategy
Chapter, GS-7.5.
Language was updated and relocated to
the Housing Chapter, H-6.5
Relocated to the Growth Strategy
Chapter, consolidated into GS-7.4.
[Page 16]
Policy: NE-17.6, Public Awareness and Education
Develop a public awareness and education program for residents living
within flood plains, highlighting the associated risks and ways to mitigate
their risk.
Review notes
Public awareness as a topic is addressed
in the Governance Chapter, with
floodplain specific awareness and
education found in the Growth
Strategies Chapter (GS-7.6).
[Page 17]
City of Spokane Comprehensive Plan | Map NE-01 Priority Areas for Conservation