Living on Your Lot: Temporary Occupancy Permits After the old trails fire

If you are reading this in the wake of the old trails fire, please know that our hearts are with you. Losing a home to a Spokane wildfire is a profound, life-altering disruption. The emotional toll of sifting through the ashes of your memories can feel overwhelming, and the road ahead might seem impossibly steep. But please hear this: there is hope, and there is a clear, guided path forward. You do not have to navigate this journey alone. Rebuilding is not just about replacing a structure; it is about reclaiming your sanctuary, healing your family, and creating a beautiful, resilient new beginning on the land you love.\n\nAs you take those brave first steps toward recovery, one of the most comforting options is finding a way to stay close to home. Living on your lot during the rebuild process allows you to remain connected to your property, oversee the construction of your dream home, and maintain a sense of grounding. In this guide, we will walk you through how to stay safe, where to find immediate shelter, and how to navigate temporary occupancy permits in Eastern Washington.\n\n## Finding Shelter and Staying Safe After a Spokane Wildfire\n\nBefore we discuss living on your lot, your immediate safety and well-being are the absolute highest priorities. The aftermath of the old trails fire and other regional wildfires leaves behind hazardous conditions that require careful navigation.\n\n* Prioritize Air Quality and Health: Wildfire smoke and ash can linger long after the flames are extinguished. Always check the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency for updates, and wear proper N95 masks when visiting your property. The Spokane Regional Health District provides essential guidelines for safely handling fire-damaged debris and asbestos.\n* Seek Immediate Temporary Shelter: If you need a safe place to sleep tonight, resources are available. The Spokane Housing Authority and the Spokane Region Long-Term Recovery Group offer community housing boards that list available rooms, RV spots, and short-term rentals for displaced families. Disaster case managers through local organizations like the Salvation Army are also standing by to help you secure immediate lodging.\n\nOnce your immediate safety is secured and the site is cleared, you can begin planning your return to your land.\n\n## What is a Temporary Occupancy Permit?\n\nWhen families decide to rebuild, they often want to live on their property in an RV, a tiny home, or a temporary modular unit while their new custom home is under construction. To do this legally and safely in Spokane County, you need the right permits. There are two main types of permits you will encounter during the rebuilding phase:\n\n### 1. Temporary Use Permit (Living in an RV or Tiny Home)\n\nA Temporary Use Permit allows you to legally reside in a temporary structure, such as an RV or a certified tiny home on wheels, on your property while your permanent residence is being built. Spokane County understands the urgency of disaster recovery, but they still require this permit to ensure your temporary setup is safe, sanitary, and environmentally sound.\n\n### 2. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)\n\nAs your new home nears completion, you might be eager to move in before every single detail (like exterior landscaping or final driveway paving) is finished. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) allows you to safely move into the partially completed home. The building department will only issue a TCO if the home meets all critical life-safety codes, including working smoke detectors, safe electrical systems, and functional plumbing.\n\n## Navigating Spokane County Regulations for Temporary Living\n\nEastern Washington is known for its stunning landscapes, but it is also known for its extreme weather. Living in a temporary structure here requires careful planning to meet local codes and survive the elements.\n\n### Securing Utilities\n\nBefore Spokane County will approve a Temporary Use Permit for an RV or tiny home, you must prove that you have access to essential utilities. This means:\n* Water: You must have a functioning well or a connection to a municipal water supply.\n* Septic/Sewer: You cannot simply discharge wastewater onto the ground. You will need an intact, inspected septic system or a sewer connection. If your septic system was damaged in the old trails fire, repairing it will be your first major infrastructure step.\n* Power: A temporary power pole will need to be installed and inspected by the utility company and the county.\n\n### A Note on Winter in Eastern Washington\n\nIf your rebuild extends into the winter months, temporary living requires serious preparation. Spokane winters bring heavy snow loads and freezing temperatures. If you are living in an RV, you will need heated hoses for your water supply, proper skirting to prevent pipes from freezing, and adequate propane or electrical heating. Always ensure your temporary setup is rated for four-season living.\n\n## Why Rebuilding is a Beautiful Investment in Your Future\n\nWe know that right now, the idea of building a house from scratch might feel daunting. But building a custom home is an incredibly rewarding journey. It is your opportunity to design a space that perfectly fits your family's lifestyle, incorporating modern energy efficiency, open-concept living spaces, and fire-resistant materials that provide peace of mind for decades to come.\n\nWhen you choose to build a custom home, you aren't settling for an existing floor plan that doesn't quite work for you. You get to choose the windows that frame your favorite view of the Spokane landscape. You get to design the kitchen where your family will gather for holidays. It is a profound act of resilience and hope.\n\n## How Raven Buildings LLC Makes the Process Smoother\n\nAt Raven Buildings LLC, we are deeply committed to helping our Eastern Washington neighbors rebuild their lives. We are more than just a licensed construction contractor; we are your partners, your advocates, and your guides through this complex process.\n\nWe understand that navigating the Spokane County SmartGov portal, coordinating with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), and managing zoning requirements can be exhausting when you are already dealing with so much. That is why we handle the heavy lifting. From securing your initial building permits to ensuring your new home meets the latest Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) codes for maximum fire resistance, Raven Buildings LLC is by your side.\n\nWe build homes that are not only breathtakingly beautiful but engineered to withstand the unique climate challenges of Eastern Washington. We will help you coordinate your temporary living situation on-site, ensuring your power and water are set up so you can comfortably watch your new dream home rise from the foundation.\n\n## Steps to Secure Your Temporary Living Situation\n\nIf you are ready to take the next step, here is a simple checklist to get you started:\n\n* Assess the Site: Work with professionals to ensure all hazardous debris from the old trails fire is safely removed.\n* Inspect Utilities: Have a licensed professional inspect your well and septic system for fire damage.\n* Choose Your Temporary Home: Decide whether an RV, a tiny home, or a modular unit makes the most sense for your family's needs and budget.\n* Apply for the Permit: Submit your site plan and Temporary Use Permit application through the Spokane County permitting portal.\n* Partner with a Trusted Builder: Contact a compassionate, experienced local contractor to begin designing your permanent home.\n\n## Let Us Help You Find Your Way Home\n\nYou have been through an unimaginable trial, but your story does not end here. The future holds a beautiful, safe, and custom-built home where new memories will be made. If you are ready to explore your rebuilding options, or if you simply need guidance on where to start with your permits, we are here to listen and help.\n\nTake a deep breath. You can do this, and we can help. Call Raven Buildings LLC today at (509) 350-2016 or request a quote on our website. Let's rebuild your sanctuary, together.