Most wild birds in Spokane are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Washington state law RCW 77.15, with WDFW and federal authorities, not the City, leading enforcement against killing, harassment, or nest destruction.
Spokane sits along the Spokane River corridor where bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and many migratory songbirds nest. Killing, capturing, or possessing a protected bird, egg, or nest is illegal under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and RCW 77.15.130, with limited permits issued by WDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for specific damage situations. Property owners removing trees with active nests can face liability and should schedule work outside the breeding season. Spokane City urban forestry coordinates with WDFW when nesting conflicts arise on right-of-way trees.
Disturbing nests or killing protected birds can result in WDFW gross misdemeanor charges, federal MBTA penalties, and fines reaching thousands per bird or nest destroyed.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Spokane, WA
Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard art on private property. HOA architectural guidelines under RCW 64.38 apply in m...
Spokane, WA
Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting inflatable holiday decorations on private property. HOA architectural rules under RCW 64.38 apply in master-plann...
Spokane, WA
Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting holiday lights on private residential property. Restrictions come from HOA architectural rules under Washington's...
Spokane, WA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Spokane require building, plumbing, electrical, and/or gas permits under SMC Chapter 17F.040 (which adopts the International Re...
Spokane, WA
Spokane treats outdoor smokers as open-flame cooking devices under International Fire Code 308.1.4 as adopted in SMC Chapter 17F.080. Multifamily balcony 10-...
Spokane, WA
Spokane adopts the International Fire Code under SMC Chapter 17F.080. IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of ...
See how Spokane's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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