How Spokane Handles Home Business: A Practical Guide

Spokane maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with home business. 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.

Home Daycare

Spokane allows family home child care as a permitted home occupation in residential zones per SMC 17C.315. State licensing through WA DCYF is required for caring for more than one unrelated family's children. Up to 12 children allowed in licensed family home care.

Key details: Permit: Home occupation allowed. State License: DCYF required. Max Children: 12 in family home. City Code: SMC 17C.315. Business Reg: City registration required.

Operating unlicensed family home child care: state enforcement by DCYF, potential civil penalties up to 250 dollars per day per RCW 43.216.325. City home occupation violations: notice of violation with 30-day cure period, then fines starting at 125 dollars per SMC 17G.075.

Cottage Food Operations

Washington Cottage Food Operations are legal statewide under RCW 69.22 and WAC 16-149. Spokane residents can sell approved low-risk homemade foods up to $25,000 gross annual revenue with a WSDA Cottage Food Permit.

Key details: State Law: RCW 69.22, WAC 16-149. Permit: WSDA Cottage Food ($230). Revenue Cap: $25,000/year gross. Allowed: Baked goods, jams, candies. Prohibited: Meat, dairy, custards.

Selling prohibited products: WSDA enforcement, permit revocation, possible FDA involvement. Exceeding $25,000: permit violation. Unpermitted sales: misdemeanor potential.

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

Home Occupation Permits

Spokane allows home occupations in all residential zones under SMC 17C.315 without a conditional use permit provided standards are met. A city business license from Taxes and Licenses Division is required. No employees outside the household, limited customer visits, and no exterior changes.

Key details: Permit: By right in residential zones. Code: SMC 17C.315. Employees: Household only. Area: 25 percent max of home. Sign: 2 sq ft max.

Operating a home occupation that violates standards triggers SMC 17G.075 code enforcement: notice of violation, 30-day cure period, civil penalties of 125 dollars per day escalating to 500 dollars for repeat violations.

Signage Rules

Home occupation signs in Spokane are strictly limited under SMC 17C.315 and 17C.240. One non-illuminated sign maximum, not exceeding 2 square feet, attached flush to the dwelling.

Key details: Max Signs: 1 per dwelling. Max Size: 2 sq ft. Illumination: Prohibited. Placement: Flush to dwelling wall. Yard Signs: Not allowed.

Oversized or illuminated signs: removal order, fines $250+. Repeat violations trigger $500/day fines and potential home occupation loss.

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

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Spokane home occupations must not generate traffic or parking demand exceeding typical residential levels. Client visits should be by appointment, limited in number, and not disrupt the neighborhood.

Key details: Traffic Level: Residential equivalent. Visits: By appointment, limited. Parking: Driveway, not street. Deliveries: Residential carriers only. Prohibited: Retail, restaurants.

Excessive traffic complaints: investigation and warning first, then fines $250-$500. Repeat violations can lead to home occupation revocation and cease-and-desist orders.

Zoning Restrictions

Spokane allows home occupations in all residential zones under SMC 17C.315. Must be secondary to residential use, no more than 25% of dwelling floor area, no more than one non-resident employee on site.

Key details: Code: SMC 17C.315. Max Area: 25% of dwelling. Outside Employees: 1 maximum on-site. Storage: No outdoor materials. License: City + WA B&O tax.

Operating without home occupation compliance: code enforcement, cease-and-desist, fines up to $500. Repeat violations trigger daily fines and business license revocation.

The Bottom Line

Spokane's home business 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.