Re-code

One may not realize that there are two different zip codes in the Airway Heights city limits.

One is Airway Heights, WA 99001, serving the majority of the city. The other is Spokane, WA 99224, which is for properties in the eastern area the city annexed in 2012.

The city is hoping to change the latter. During its Oct. 3 meeting, the City Council passed a resolution that formally requests the United States Postal Service to change the zip code in the East Annexation Area from 99224 to 99001.

In 2012, the city annexed approximately one square mile area east of Hayford Road to Deer Heights Road and Sixth Avenue to the north of McFarlane Road. After securing that property, the post office did not change the 99224 zip code from that area.

According to Development Services Director Derrick Braaten, the city began working on the matter in 2012 when then-Mayor Patrick Rushing, a former Postal Service employee, was going to address the issue through his contacts at the USPS. After Rushing resigned in 2015, the city tasked Braaten to “pick things back up.”

“I started making phone calls and worked up the chain,” Braaten said. “They informed me that if the change is deemed cost prohibited to USPS, they won’t do it. When I told her that mail from 99001 and 99224 go to the same sorting station, they said ‘that gives you a better chance.’”

Braaten explained that one of the issues with the current system is that residents and businesses in the annexation area are confused as to what city they are in.

“We don’t know if we’ve lost tax dollars because of it,” Braaten said. “It’s an unnecessary burden to the residents and businesses.”

In a Sept. 30 interview, Ernie Swanson, Postal Service spokesman in Seattle, explained that the Postal Service does not change the zip codes after an annexation.

“We establish our zip codes based on geographical area,” Swanson said. “We don’t make the change unless we feel the need to do so.” One example Swanson gave for the Postal Service changing a zip code is if it would improve efficiency and mail delivery in the area.

“It’s also up to the customer to file the change of address.” Swanson said. “It shouldn’t be a hardship if everyone works together.”

Swanson said the Postal Service’s address management office would take Airway Heights’ request under consideration.

“If the change is feasible, we will put it in effect,” Swanson said. “If we have concerns, we would work with the city (to address them) so it works for everybody.”

Swanson added that the area management office would work with the office in Spokane to “get their input about changes.”

If the Postal Service approves the city’s request, the zip code change could take up to 12 months to occur. Braaten said the change would add close to 1,000 to 1,500 addresses, which would include apartment complexes, businesses and single-family homes.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com