How Spokane Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Spokane maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. 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.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting from rooftops is legal and encouraged in Washington under a 2009 Ecology policy. Spokane residents may collect rooftop runoff without a water right for non-potable use.

Key details: State Policy: Ecology POL-1017 (2009). Water Right: Not required for rooftop. Use: Non-potable, on-site. Small Systems: No permit. Incentives: Conservation District workshops.

None typical for small rain barrels. Potable reuse without proper treatment can trigger health department enforcement. Cross-connections with municipal supply prohibited.

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

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is allowed in Spokane for residential landscaping with no specific prohibition. Stormwater requirements apply for large installations. HOAs may have additional rules.

Key details: Allowed: Yes, no specific rule. Permits: Generally not required. Stormwater: Applies over 500 sq ft. Aquifer: Permeable base recommended. HOAs: Check separately.

Stormwater violations for large non-permeable installations: correction required, fines possible. Critical area violations: SEPA enforcement and restoration.

The rules around artificial turf in Spokane lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Weed Ordinances

Spokane property owners must control noxious weeds listed by the Spokane County Noxious Weed Control Board under RCW 17.10. Class A and B designate weeds require eradication. Complaints enforced by county and city code.

Key details: State Law: RCW 17.10. Board: Spokane County Noxious Weed. Class A: Eradicate immediately. Common Targets: Knapweed, starthistle. Enforcement: County + city code.

Class A violations: mandatory eradication, fines up to $1,000 per day. County abatement billed to owner with liens for unpaid costs. Repeat violations escalate.

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

Native Plants

Spokane encourages native plant landscaping through SpokaneScape rebates and technical assistance. Native-plant yards are exempt from typical lawn appearance expectations if registered.

Key details: Program: SpokaneScape. Rebate: Up to $500. Climate: Semi-arid eastern WA. Water Savings: 50-80% vs lawn. Sources: Conservation District sales.

None for compliant native landscapes. Unregistered unkempt yards may still trigger SMC 10.08 tall grass enforcement.

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

Tree Trimming

Property owners may trim their own trees in Spokane without a permit. Trimming into public right-of-way requires coordination with Spokane Urban Forestry. Overhanging branches into neighboring property may be trimmed to the property line.

Key details: Private Trees: No permit to trim. Street Trees: Permit required. Topping: Prohibited on street trees. Neighbor Overhang: Trim to property line OK. Code: SMC 12.02.

Illegal trimming of street trees: fines up to $500 plus tree replacement costs. Damaging neighbors tree: civil liability up to 3x damages under RCW 64.12.030.

The rules around tree trimming in Spokane lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removing trees on private residential property in Spokane generally does not require a permit, but heritage trees, street trees, and trees in critical areas are protected. Permits required in landslide, wetland, and riparian zones.

Key details: Private Yard: Generally no permit. Street Trees: Permit + replacement. Critical Areas: Permit + mitigation. Heritage Trees: Protected. WUI Exception: Defensible space allowed.

Illegal removal of street trees or heritage trees: replacement plus fines up to $2,000. Critical area violations: SEPA enforcement, restoration orders, and fines up to $5,000 per tree.

Water Restrictions

Spokane uses the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. Water conservation program encourages odd-even watering, avoiding midday irrigation, and efficient systems. Mandatory restrictions activated during drought.

Key details: Source: Spokane-Rathdrum Aquifer. Voluntary: Odd-even day watering. Peak Hours Avoid: 10 AM - 6 PM. Drought Triggers: Mandatory restrictions. Rebates: Smart controllers, lawn conversion.

During mandatory restrictions: warnings first, then fines $100-$500. Chronic over-use can trigger flow restrictors or service disconnection for extreme cases.

Grass Height Limits

Spokane Municipal Code 10.08.020 prohibits grass and weeds exceeding 10 inches on improved properties. Code enforcement issues abatement notices and can mow at owner expense plus administrative fees.

Key details: Max Height: 10 inches. Code: SMC 10.08.020. Compliance Time: 10-14 days. City Abatement: Cost + admin fee. Exception: Registered native landscapes.

First notice: 10-14 days to comply. City abatement: cost plus $250+ admin fee. Liens filed against title for unpaid costs. Chronic violators face daily fines.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Spokane gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 4 of the 8 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.

This guide is based on Spokane's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.