Any person wishing to operate a water recreation facility in Spokane County must obtain a permit to operate issued by Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD). For change of ownership of an existing establishment, applications must be submitted far enough in advance to allow adequate time for processing and approval prior to the ownership change. Permit processing time may vary according to the type of facility and if any changes are proposed.
Permits are categorized as:
Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) offers a permit fee discount to water recreation facilities employing either a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or an experienced operator with an outstanding inspection history (Good Operator Discount). Click here for details.
Under certain circumstances, the health district can transfer a water recreation facility’s existing permit to a new owner. Permits can only be transferred if the facility’s operation, equipment, etc. remain the same as approved for the previous owner. If you do plan to make changes, we may not be able to transfer the existing permit.
In addition, we must consider whether or not the establishment has been issued any variances (waivers). Since variances cannot be transferred between owners, you will have to reapply for each variance. If a variance is complex and/or requires that we reevaluate the proposal, a variance processing fee will be charged.
If the health district allows a permit transfer, the permit’s expiration date will stay the same; it is not extended. There is an administrative fee for a permit transfer. Prior to expiration of the transferred permit you will be required to renew it at the full permit fee. This fee varies based on the permit category. Permit, variance, and administrative fees are listed on our fee schedule.
If we determine that the ownership change does not qualify for a permit transfer, you must apply for a permit to operate at the full permit fee. In addition to these fees, there is a penalty fee if you operate without a valid permit.
Permit Processes
Spokane Regional Health District issues operating permits and inspects approximately 189 seasonal and 78 annual water recreation facilities in Spokane County. View a sample inspection form, the violation enforcement procedure summary and closure levels for disinfection and pH levels in the documents section below.
View the May 19, 2022 Sailing Through Your Pool Inspection virtual training given by SRHD’s Water Recreation program team. This training is for pool operators and covers:
SRHD presenters are joined by guest Ted Puryear, CPO instructor and Vice President of Sales, Pool World, who covers troubleshooting your pump room to avoid costly service calls.
