How Spokane Handles Property Maintenance: A Practical Guide

Spokane maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with property maintenance. 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.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Spokane property owners must clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snow stops falling, per SMC 12.02.0806. Failure to clear results in city abatement billed to the owner.

Key details: Deadline: 24 hours after snow stops. Width: Full width or min 36 in. Code: SMC 12.02.0806. Fine: $53 infraction. ADA Focus: School and transit routes.

Warning first; $53 infraction per section of sidewalk unclear; abatement by city at $100+ per address.

Trash Bin Storage

Spokane requires garbage and recycling carts to be stored out of public view between collection days. Carts visible from the street or alley outside the collection window violate SMC 17C.110.230 property appearance standards.

Key details: Storage: Behind front building line. Code: SMC 17C.110.230. Curb Time: Max 24 hours after pickup. Commercial: Enclosure with closed gate. Fine: $100 after notice.

Notice of violation; $100 fine if uncorrected after 15 days. Commercial dumpster non-compliance: up to $500.

Property Blight

Spokane actively enforces property blight under the Chronic Nuisance Property ordinance SMC 10.08A and the International Property Maintenance Code. Junk, overgrown weeds, abandoned vehicles, and deteriorating structures trigger progressive enforcement.

Key details: Code: IPMC and SMC 10.08A. Weeds: Over 10 inches. Chronic: 3 violations in 12 months. Daily Fine: Up to $500. Lien: Unpaid costs attach.

Initial violations $100-$250; chronic nuisance $500 per day; abatement costs recovered via property lien.

This is one of the stricter rules in Spokane's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Garage Sale Rules

Spokane permits residential garage sales without a permit, limited to 3 sales per calendar year per residence lasting no more than 3 consecutive days each, under SMC 10.08 general nuisance standards.

Key details: Permit: Not required. Frequency: 3 per year. Duration: 3 days max each. Items: Personal used goods only. Code: SMC 10.08.

Exceeding sale limits triggers business licensing requirement; $100-$250 if operated as unlicensed retail.

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

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Spokane requires owners of vacant lots to maintain them free of weeds over 10 inches, junk, and debris under SMC 10.08.030. Vacant buildings must be secured and registered per the Vacant Building Monitoring Program.

Key details: Weed Limit: 10 inches. Vacant Registry: SMC 17F.070. Registration Fee: $250+ annual. Securing: Boarded to standard. Code: SMC 10.08.030.

Weed lien: abatement costs plus $150 administrative fee. Vacant building unregistered: $500 plus escalating monitoring fees.

The Bottom Line

Spokane's property maintenance 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.

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.