How Spokane Handles Business Licensing & Operations: A Practical Guide

Spokane maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Spokane falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Pawnbrokers

Spokane pawnbrokers operate under SMC Chapter 13 and Washington RCW 19.60. Operators must hold a city license, fingerprint employees, and report all transactions daily to Spokane Police via electronic property reporting.

Key details: City code: SMC Ch. 13. State law: RCW 19.60. Hold period: 30 days minimum. Interest cap: 3% monthly state cap.

Unlicensed pawn operation is a misdemeanor under RCW 19.60.020; failure to report daily transactions can suspend the city license under SMC Ch. 13.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Spokane actively enforces its pawnbrokers requirements.

Adult Entertainment

Spokane adult cabarets and bookstores require special business licenses, mandatory buffer zones from schools, churches, and residential zones, and four-foot performer-patron separation under longstanding SMC adult business regulations.

Key details: Buffer: 1,000 feet sensitive uses. Performer separation: 4 feet minimum. Zoning code: SMC Ch. 17C. Background check: Required.

Unlicensed adult business operation, lap dancing in violation of separation rules, or operating in restricted zones is a misdemeanor with potential license revocation under SMC Ch. 10.

Compared to other cities, Spokane takes a harder line on adult entertainment. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Massage Establishments

Massage businesses in Spokane need a city business license plus state-issued individual practitioner credentials from the Washington Department of Health under RCW 18.108. Spas combining massage with other services need both licenses.

Key details: Individual license: WA DOH. State law: RCW 18.108. City license: SMC Ch. 1.05. Zoning code: SMC Ch. 17C.

Operating without a city business license can result in citations and closure orders; using unlicensed practitioners can trigger state DOH discipline plus loss of the city license.

Tobacco Retail License

Spokane tobacco and vape retailers operate under Washington state licensing through the Department of Revenue. Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited under RCW 70.155.010, with state-level enforcement and penalties.

Key details: Minimum age: 21 statewide. State law: RCW 70.155.010. Retail license: WA Dept of Revenue. City license: SMC Ch. 1.05.

First sale-to-minor violation $50 fine, escalating to license suspension after repeated violations under RCW 70.155.100; city business license can also be revoked.

Towing Companies

Spokane tow operators need Washington State Patrol registration under RCW 46.55 plus a city business license. Police-rotation tow contracts require additional city qualification, posted maximum rates, and 24-hour vehicle release access.

Key details: State registration: WSP under RCW 46.55. Vehicle release: 24/7 access. Property release: Reasonable hours. Rate caps: WAC 204-91A.

Unregistered tow operation violates RCW 46.55.020; predatory non-consent tows can trigger triple damages plus state license suspension under RCW 46.55.110.

Smoke Shop Rules

Smoke shops in Spokane need a city business license plus state tobacco and vapor product retailer licenses. Cannabis retail is regulated separately by the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board with strict zoning buffers.

Key details: City license: SMC Ch. 1.05. Indoor smoking ban: RCW 70.160. Cannabis buffer: 1,000 feet from schools. Cannabis regulator: WA LCB.

Operating without a city business license or state tobacco license can lead to citations under SMC Ch. 1.05; indoor smoking violations carry $100 fines under RCW 70.160.

Secondhand Dealers

Spokane secondhand dealers in precious metals must register, retain seller identification, and report transactions to police under RCW 19.60. General thrift and consignment stores are exempt unless dealing in jewelry or precious metals.

Key details: State statute: RCW 19.60. Hold period: 30 days. City license: SMC Ch. 1.05. Mobile events: Also covered.

Unregistered precious metal buying is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 19.60.060; failure to report transactions can result in license revocation.

The Bottom Line

Spokane is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Spokane, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Spokane's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.