HOA Rules in Spokane, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Spokane or are thinking about moving there, hoa rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Spokane has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of hoa rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Board Procedures

Spokane HOAs operate under the WA Homeowners Association Act RCW 64.38 which governs board procedures, meetings, and member rights. Condominiums fall under RCW 64.32 (old act) or RCW 64.34 (new act). WUCIOA RCW 64.90 applies to HOAs formed after July 1, 2018.

Key details: Main Statute: RCW 64.38. New HOAs: WUCIOA RCW 64.90. Condo (old): RCW 64.32. Condo (new): RCW 64.34. Annual Meeting: Required.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Architectural Review

Spokane HOA architectural review committees (ARCs) operate under CC and Rs and must follow reasonable procedures per RCW 64.38. WUCIOA associations (RCW 64.90) have enhanced due-process requirements. Owners have the right to written decisions and appeal. State law preempts bans on solar panels and clotheslines.

Key details: Governed By: CC and Rs plus RCW 64.38. Solar: Cannot ban (RCW 64.38.055). Flag: Cannot ban US flag. EV Charging: Protected. Decision: In writing.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Assessment & Dues

Spokane HOA assessments are governed by RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.90. Boards can levy regular and special assessments per CC and Rs. WUCIOA requires annual budgets and reserve studies. Unpaid assessments become liens under RCW 64.38.150 or RCW 64.90.485 and can trigger foreclosure.

Key details: Authority: RCW 64.38 or 64.90. Annual Budget: Required. Reserve Study: Every 3 years WUCIOA. Lien: Automatic on delinquency. Priority: 6 months super-priority.

Unpaid assessments accrue late fees, interest (often 12 percent per RCW 64.38), and legal fees. Lien attaches automatically. Foreclosure can follow after extended delinquency per statutory procedures.

CC&R Enforcement

Spokane HOAs enforce CC and Rs through violation notices, fines, and civil action per governing documents and RCW 64.38 / 64.90. WUCIOA RCW 64.90.510 requires notice and a hearing opportunity before imposing fines. Selective enforcement is a recognized defense.

Key details: Notice: Required RCW 64.90.510. Hearing: Required before fines. Uniform: Must enforce consistently. Preempted: Solar, flags, EV. Attorney Fees: Prevailing party.

HOA can impose fines per CC and Rs (commonly 25 to 100 dollars per violation), lien for unpaid fines, and seek injunctive relief in Spokane County Superior Court. Prevailing party recovers attorney fees in most cases.

Dispute Resolution

Washington does not have a state HOA regulator. Spokane HOA disputes are resolved through internal procedures, mediation, or civil court (typically Spokane County Superior Court). RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.90 provide member rights to records and enforcement of governing documents.

Key details: State Agency: None. Records Access: RCW 64.38.045. Court: Spokane County Superior. Small Claims: Under 10,000. Attorney Fees: Often awarded.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

Spokane's hoa rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Spokane is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Spokane can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.