Spokane's Holiday Decorations: The Rules That Matter

Spokane maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with holiday decorations. 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.

Holiday Light Rules

Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting holiday lights on private residential property. Restrictions come from HOA architectural rules under Washington's HOA statute (RCW 64.38). Lights are exempt from SMC sign rules. Lights creating a sustained nuisance can be cited under SMC Chapter 10.08C (Chronic Nuisance).

Key details: City Ordinance: None on private property. Sign Code: Holiday displays exempt (SMC 17C.240). HOA Authority: RCW 64.38 (HOA Act). Condo Authority: RCW 64.34. Nuisance Authority: SMC 10.08C (Chronic Nuisance).

There are no city fines for residential holiday lights themselves. Sustained light trespass causing demonstrable harm can trigger SMC Chapter 10.08C (Chronic Nuisance) enforcement with civil penalties under SMC 1.05. HOA violations are enforced by the HOA under RCW 64.38 and the recorded CC&Rs - typical fines run $25-$100 per occurrence depending on the governing documents.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Spokane gives residents more flexibility on holiday light rules.

Inflatable Display Rules

Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting inflatable holiday decorations on private property. HOA architectural rules under RCW 64.38 apply in master-planned communities. Right-of-way placement violates SMC Chapter 12.02 (Street Use). Continuous fan noise can trigger SMC Chapter 10.70 (Public Disturbance Noise) enforcement.

Key details: City Ordinance: None on private property. Sign Code: Holiday displays exempt (SMC 17C.240). ROW Restriction: SMC 12.02 (street use). Nighttime Noise: 10 PM - 7 AM (SMC 10.70.090). HOA Authority: RCW 64.38.

Inflatables placed in the public right-of-way can be removed and the owner cited under SMC Chapter 12.02 with civil penalties under SMC 1.05 starting around $100. HOA violations carry fines per the recorded CC&Rs, typically $25-$100. Inflatable fan noise during 10 PM - 7 AM quiet hours that disturbs a neighbor can trigger SMC 10.70.090 enforcement, which is a misdemeanor for repeat violations.

Spokane is more permissive than most cities when it comes to inflatable display rules. That said, there are still limits.

Lawn Ornament Rules

Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard art on private property. HOA architectural guidelines under RCW 64.38 apply in master-planned and condo communities. Yard art that obstructs driveway or corner sight triangles (SMC Chapter 17C.110) or encroaches on the public right-of-way violates city code.

Key details: City Ordinance: None on private property. Sign Code Exemption: SMC 17C.240 (decorative items). Sight Triangle: Required (SMC 17C.110). HOA Authority: RCW 64.38 / RCW 64.34. ROW Restriction: SMC 12.02.

There are no city fines for lawn ornaments on private property. Ornaments creating sight-line obstructions at driveways or corner-lot intersections can be cited under SMC Chapter 17C.110 with civil penalties under SMC 1.05 starting around $100. HOA violations are enforced by the HOA under RCW 64.38 per the recorded CC&Rs (typical fines $25-$100). Right-of-way encroachments can be removed and cited under SMC Chapter 12.02.

Spokane is more permissive than most cities when it comes to lawn ornament rules. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Spokane gives residents more room on holiday decorations. 3 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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.