Good News for Spokane Wildfire Victims: Washington Approves New Rebuilding Flexibility

October 30, 2026 | Spokane Real Estate & Housing News

For homeowners who lost their homes in Spokane-area wildfires, rebuilding hasn't been easy. Between rising construction costs, insurance challenges, and changing building requirements, many families have faced difficult decisions about whether they can afford to rebuild.

But there's some encouraging news.

On October 30, 2026, the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) approved new energy-code flexibility designed to help homeowners rebuilding after qualifying natural disasters.

This change could help reduce construction costs and make rebuilding more achievable for affected families.

Why Is This Such a Big Deal?

Imagine purchasing your home 30 years ago, only to lose it in a wildfire.

When you begin rebuilding, you're generally required to meet today's building and energy codes, not necessarily the standards your original home was built under.

While energy-efficiency improvements have benefits, meeting newer requirements can add costs to an already expensive rebuilding process.

For families dealing with insurance limitations and increased construction costs, those additional expenses can become a major obstacle.

The newly approved exception gives local governments more flexibility to help qualifying homeowners.

What Did Washington Approve?

The State Building Code Council approved two potential approaches that local jurisdictions may use for qualifying disaster-related reconstruction.

Option 1: Reduce Energy-Efficiency Requirements

Local governments may reduce the energy-credit requirement under Section R406.3 by two credits.

This could reduce the number of additional energy-efficiency measures required during construction, potentially lowering costs.

Option 2: Allow an Older Energy Code

Local governments may allow homeowners to rebuild under the Washington State Energy Code that was in effect when the original home was constructed, but no earlier than the 2015 edition.

For example, a home originally constructed in 1985 might qualify to use the 2015 energy code instead of the current edition.

This could provide builders with more flexibility when designing and pricing a replacement home.

Who Is Eligible?

Not every property will qualify. The approved language includes several requirements:

• The property must have been damaged or destroyed by a qualifying natural disaster in an area covered by a governor's emergency proclamation.

• The reconstructed home cannot exceed the original floor area by more than 500 square feet.

• The permit application must be submitted within two years after the emergency proclamation expires.

• The exception generally ends if the property is transferred to a new owner, although certain family transfers are allowed.

These conditions are important for homeowners considering rebuilding or selling their property.

What Does This Mean for Spokane Wildfire Recovery?

For families impacted by the Spokane-area fires, this decision could be an important step toward making rebuilding more affordable.

Potential benefits include:

Lower construction costs: Builders may have additional options for meeting energy-code requirements.

More flexibility in home design: Homeowners may be able to rebuild a home similar to the one they lost without having to incorporate every energy-efficiency measure otherwise required under the current code.

Better use of insurance proceeds: Reducing certain construction expenses could help homeowners stretch the funds available for rebuilding.

More opportunities to return home: For some families, reducing rebuilding costs could make the difference between moving forward with construction and putting their plans on hold.

Actual savings will vary depending on the property, design, and requirements imposed by the local jurisdiction.

Is This Change Effective Immediately?

Not necessarily.

Although the State Building Code Council approved the exception on October 30, several steps still need to be confirmed.

The final rule must be filed, its effective date established, and local jurisdictions must determine whether and how to offer the flexibility.

The Spokane Home Builders Association is also seeking clarification about whether the exception will apply to the Spokane Complex Fires.

Homeowners should not assume they qualify until their local building department provides confirmation.

Why Local Housing Advocacy Matters

The Spokane Home Builders Association has been advocating for practical rebuilding solutions that balance affordability with safety.

This decision highlights how important it is for builders, real estate professionals, homeowners, and community leaders to participate in conversations about housing policy.

Building codes affect more than just new construction. They influence housing affordability, property values, rebuilding opportunities, and the long-term health of our communities.

What's Next?

If you're considering rebuilding a wildfire-damaged home, talk with your builder and local permitting department before making changes to your plans or budget.

The next steps will be especially important as Spokane-area jurisdictions determine how this flexibility may be implemented.

As a Spokane and North Idaho real estate professional, I'll continue following developments that affect housing affordability, rebuilding, and property ownership throughout our region.

Have questions about rebuilding, buying, or selling property in Spokane?

I'd love to help you navigate your options.

Abbey Parsons | REALTOR®

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson

Call or text: 509-939-0602

Source: Spokane Home Builders Association Government Affairs Special Update, October 30, 2026. This article reflects the Council-approved language reported by SHBA. Official implementation and local eligibility remain subject to confirmation.