SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – The Spokane Valley City Council is set to vote on Tuesday night regarding an ordinance crucial for the continuation of 911 operations by Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) as they move into a new facility.
SREC stated in an email to NonStop Local that the proposed ordinance is not related to the recent between City of Spokane and Spokane County in regards to the use of SREC services.
“The proposed ordinance is solely about ensuring uninterrupted 911 emergency communications as Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) prepares to move into its new, long-planned facility in Spokane Valley—a key milestone in our 2021–2026 Strategic Plan,” wrote SREC in their email.
The proposed Interim Ordinance 25-013 would allow SREC to construct a communication tower at 120 feet, surpassing the current 80-foot height restriction under city code. This change is necessary for maintaining uninterrupted emergency services as SREC’s lease on their current facility expires at the end of 2025.
Currently, the city code limits tower heights to 60 feet, with an additional 20 feet allowance for antennas. However, SREC’s new tower needs to be at least 100 feet, plus 20 feet for the antenna array, to ensure reliable emergency communications throughout Spokane County.
Background information included within the agenda item emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that the new tower must be operational before SREC loses access to its existing facilities. The documents states, “This situation presents a serious risk of harm to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.”
The proposed ordinance would allow SREC to proceed with tower design and construction, mitigating the risk of service interruption. If adopted the City Council could schedule a public hearing on the interim regulation on September 16, 2025.
In the meantime, SREC told NonStop Local that, while their lease in the current city-owned facility expires at the end of 2025, they are “actively collaborating” with the City of Spokane to ensure continued service and a smooth transition.
The efforts support the City’s efforts to build their own in their own facility, SREC said to NonStop Local.
“This is not about separation—it is about smart planning and capacity-building for the entire region,” they wrote.
