How Spokane Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

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

Political Signs

Spokane permits political signs on private property with owner consent, with no size or duration limits for residential displays. Placement in the public right-of-way is prohibited and signs are subject to Reed v. Gilbert content-neutrality.

Key details: Code: SMC 17C.240. Residential Cap: 32 sq ft aggregate. Right-of-Way: Prohibited. Permit: Not required. Duration: No time limit.

Signs in right-of-way removed by Public Works without notice. Private-property violations: $100 infraction after correction notice.

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

Holiday Displays

Spokane allows residential holiday decorations and lights without permits. Displays must not obstruct sidewalks or create safety hazards. Commercial electrical connections require licensed installation per the Washington Electrical Code.

Key details: Permit: None for residential. Location: On property only. Right-of-Way: No obstruction. Electrical: Licensed for hardwired. Tree Recycling: Clean Green or Boy Scouts.

Obstruction violations: $50-$100 if not corrected. Electrical work without licensed contractor: $500+ Labor & Industries penalty.

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

Garage Sale Signs

Spokane allows temporary garage sale signs on private property with owner consent. Signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic signs are prohibited and subject to removal under SMC 17C.240.

Key details: Permit: Not required. Max Size: 6 sq ft per sign. Location: Private property only. Removal: Within 24 hours after event. Code: SMC 17C.240.205.

Signs in right-of-way removed; $50-$100 for repeated unauthorized posting. Damage to street trees or poles: $250+ restitution.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Spokane gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 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.