Moving to Spokane, WA? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Spokane is a mid-sized city in Spokane County, Washington, with about 229000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 198 ordinances across 41 categories that affect daily life in Spokane.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Spokane regulates outdoor lighting under SMC 17C.110 with full-cutoff fixture requirements for new commercial development. No formal IDA Dark Sky designation, but light spillover onto adjoining residential property is restricted..

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Spokane for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Lot Coverage Limits: Spokane limits residential lot coverage under SMC 17C.110. RSF zones typically allow 45-50% building coverage.

Also covered: Structure Height Limits (moderate), Setback Rules (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Spokane for details.

Property Maintenance

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..

Also covered: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (moderate), Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Garage Sale Rules (permissive). See the full property maintenance guide for Spokane for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Spokane food trucks need a City mobile vendor license under SMC 10.36, a Spokane Regional Health District permit, and WA Department of Revenue registration. Commissary kitchens required.

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Spokane for details.

HOA Rules

Board Procedures: Spokane HOAs operate under the WA Homeowners Association Act RCW 64.38 which governs board procedures, meetings, and member rights. Condominiums fall under RCW 64.32 (old act) or RCW 64.34 (new act).

Also covered: Architectural Review (moderate), Assessment & Dues (moderate), CC&R Enforcement (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for Spokane for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Spokane prohibits dangerous exotic animals under SMC 10.04 consistent with RCW 16.30. Large cats, bears, wolves, non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and crocodilians are banned.

Also covered: Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Pet Limits (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Spokane for details.

Fire Regulations

Wildfire Zones: Eastern Spokane including the eastside hills, South Hill bluff, and Dishman Hills vicinity are designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones. Enhanced building codes, defensible space, and Class A roofing required..

Also covered: Smoke Detectors (moderate), Brush Clearance (moderate), Backyard Fires (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Spokane for details.

Landscaping Rules

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.

Also covered: Rainwater Harvesting (permissive), Artificial Turf (permissive), Native Plants (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Spokane for details.

Noise Ordinances

Aircraft Noise: Aircraft noise from Spokane International Airport (GEG) and Felts Field is preempted by federal FAA rules. Spokane International has a voluntary noise abatement program with preferred runway use and departure procedures..

Also covered: Amplified Music & Events (moderate), Industrial Noise (moderate), Vehicle Noise (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Spokane for details.

Parking Rules

Overnight Parking: Spokane allows overnight on-street parking subject to the 24-hour rule in SMC 16A.61.424. Snow-emergency routes and posted no-parking zones restrict overnight parking seasonally.

Also covered: EV Charging (permissive), Abandoned Vehicles (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Spokane for details.

Sign Regulations

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.

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Garage Sale Signs (moderate). See the full sign regulations guide for Spokane for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Spokane residential pools must comply with Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act anti-entrapment standards, IRC Appendix G barriers, and WA state electrical bonding. Public and semi-public pools (apartments, HOAs) are regulated by WA DOH under WAC 246-260..

Also covered: Pool Permits (moderate), Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Fencing Requirements (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Spokane for details.

Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management: Spokane enforces strict stormwater rules under SMC 17D.060 and the NPDES Phase II MS4 permit. The Spokane-Rathdrum Aquifer (sole-source aquifer) and Spokane River require infiltration-based treatment.

Also covered: Erosion Control (strict), Grading & Drainage (moderate), Climate Emergency Mobilization (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Spokane for details.

Trash & Recycling

Pickup Rules & Schedules: Spokane Solid Waste Collection provides weekly garbage and every-other-week recycling pickup to residential customers. Carts must be placed curbside by 6 AM on collection day and removed within 24 hours under SMC 13.02..

Also covered: Bulk Item Disposal (moderate), Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Recycling Requirements (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Spokane for details.

Home Business

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..

Also covered: Home Daycare (moderate), Cottage Food Operations (permissive), Home Occupation Permits (moderate). See the full home business guide for Spokane for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Swimming pools in Spokane require a barrier at least 48 inches tall per the WA State Building Code and IRC Appendix G. Self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward from the pool are required..

Also covered: Material Restrictions (permissive), Fence Requirements (strict), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Spokane for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Noise Rules: Spokane STRs must comply with SMC 10.08D noise standards and general quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM. Operators are responsible for guest behavior.

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Insurance Requirements (moderate), Night Caps (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for Spokane for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Spokane has a juvenile curfew under SMC 10.10: minors under 18 may not be in public places between midnight and 6 AM, or between 10 PM and 6 AM for those under 14, with limited exceptions for work, school events, or parental accompaniment..

Also covered: Park Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Spokane for details.

Drone Rules

Recreational Drones: Spokane recreational drone users must follow FAA Part 107 and Recreational Flyer rules, avoid Spokane International Airport Class D airspace, and obey SMC 12.06.0103 prohibiting drone operation in city parks without a permit..

Also covered: Commercial Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Spokane for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Spokane requires door-to-door commercial solicitors to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor License under SMC 8.02. Religious, political, and charitable canvassers are exempt under First Amendment protections but must respect No Soliciting notices..

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Spokane for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Home cultivation of cannabis for adult recreational use is prohibited in Washington State and therefore in Spokane. Only registered medical patients and designated providers may grow up to 6 or 15 plants under RCW 69.51A..

Also covered: Dispensary Zoning (moderate), Cannabis Delivery Rules (strict), Buffer Zones (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Spokane for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: Spokane residential garage sales require no permit. Sales are limited to 3 per household per calendar year, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days, during daylight hours on the residential property..

Building Safety

Elevator Maintenance: Elevator inspection and maintenance in Spokane is regulated by WA Department of Labor and Industries under RCW 70.87 and WAC 296-96. Annual operating permits and periodic L and I inspections are required.

Also covered: Pest Control (moderate), Lead Paint (strict), Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Spokane for details.

Rental Property Rules

Just Cause Eviction: Spokane landlords must comply with Washington HB 1236 (2021), which requires just cause to terminate any residential tenancy. Sixteen enumerated reasons include nonpayment, lease violations, owner move-in, and substantial renovation, each with specific notice periods..

Also covered: Rent Control (permissive), No-Fault Evictions (strict), Relocation Assistance (moderate). See the full rental property rules guide for Spokane for details.

Solar Energy

HOA Restrictions: Washington RCW 64.38.055 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar panels. HOAs may regulate placement and appearance but cannot effectively ban rooftop solar or significantly reduce output.

Also covered: Panel Permits (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Spokane for details.

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Tiny homes on foundations can qualify as ADUs under HB 1337 in Spokane. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are regulated as RVs and generally cannot be permanent dwellings outside designated parks.

Also covered: Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Permits (permissive), ADU Owner Occupancy (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Spokane for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

Sit-Lie Rules: Spokane Municipal Code provisions restrict sitting, lying, or camping on downtown sidewalks and rights-of-way during business hours, enforced by SPD with referrals to shelter services where available..

Also covered: Encampment Sanitation (strict), Bridge Housing Siting (moderate). See the full homelessness & encampment rules guide for Spokane for details.

Public Health Rules

Syringe Disposal: Spokane bans throwing used syringes in household trash and supports SRHD's syringe services program, which exchanges used needles for sterile ones to reduce disease transmission and improperly discarded sharps..

Also covered: Rodent Control (moderate), Food Handler Certification (moderate), Restaurant Grade Cards (moderate). See the full public health rules guide for Spokane for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Tobacco Age Restrictions: Washington raised the minimum legal age to buy tobacco and vapor products to 21 under RCW 70.155.010, and Spokane retailers must verify age for any buyer who appears under 30..

Also covered: Vape Retail Rules (moderate), Flavored Tobacco Bans (permissive). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for Spokane for details.

Single-Use Items

Polystyrene Foam Rules: Washington's RCW 70A.245 phased out expanded polystyrene foam food containers, coolers, and packing peanuts statewide by 2024, applying in Spokane without a separate local ordinance..

Also covered: Utensils-On-Request (moderate), Plastic Bag Rules (strict). See the full single-use items guide for Spokane for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Spokane Tree Code SMC Chapter 12 requires a permit before removing, topping, or significantly pruning any tree in the public right-of-way or on city property, with replacement requirements for removed mature trees..

Also covered: Urban Forest Equity (permissive), Parkway Planting (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Spokane for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC): Spokane's Comprehensive Plan and SMC Ch. 17C designate transit-oriented zones along STA's City Line bus rapid transit corridor, allowing higher density, mixed use, and reduced parking minimums to support walkable neighborhoods..

Also covered: Density Bonus Law (moderate). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Spokane for details.

Water Use Rules

Lawn Watering Restrictions: Spokane Water Department asks residential customers to follow an odd/even address watering schedule from May through September, avoiding watering between 10am and 6pm to reduce evaporation and protect aquifer drawdown rates..

Also covered: Leak Reporting Duty (moderate), Turf Replacement Rebates (permissive). See the full water use rules guide for Spokane for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Shared E-Scooter Rules: Spokane permits shared e-scooter operators like Bird and Lime under a city pilot program with rules on parking, riding zones, and speed caps to keep sidewalks clear and protect pedestrians downtown..

Also covered: Bike Lane Rules (moderate). See the full mobility & curb rules guide for Spokane for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Pawnbrokers: Spokane pawnbrokers operate under SMC Chapter 13 and Washington RCW 19.60. Operators must hold a city license, fingerprint employees, and report all transactions daily to Spokane Police via electronic property reporting..

Also covered: Adult Entertainment (strict), Massage Establishments (moderate), Tobacco Retail License (moderate). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Spokane for details.

Immigration Policy

Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Spokane Ordinance C-35601 adopted in 2017 limits city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Washington's Keep Washington Working Act, RCW 10.93.160, extends similar limits statewide for state and local agencies..

Public Conduct

Public Marijuana Use: Although Washington legalized recreational cannabis under I-502, public consumption is prohibited statewide under RCW 69.50.445. Spokane enforces this as a civil infraction with $103 ticket plus possible additional municipal sanctions..

Also covered: Public Alcohol Use (moderate), Aggressive Panhandling (moderate), Public Urination (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Spokane for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Spokane hotel guests pay roughly 14.5% in lodging taxes: a 6.5% Washington sales tax plus city and county lodging components totaling approximately 8% locally. Funds support tourism promotion and the Spokane Public Facilities District..

Employment Preemption

Paid Leave Preemption: Spokane workers receive Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits under RCW 49.86, plus city-mandated earned sick leave under SMC Chapter 1.06 since 2016. Both layer onto state Paid Sick Leave under RCW 49.46.210..

Also covered: Minimum Wage Preemption (moderate). See the full employment preemption guide for Spokane for details.

Holiday Decorations

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).

Also covered: Inflatable Display Rules (permissive), Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Spokane for details.

Outdoor Cooking

Smoker Rules: Spokane treats outdoor smokers as open-flame cooking devices under International Fire Code 308.1.4 as adopted in SMC Chapter 17F.080. Multifamily balcony 10-ft setbacks apply.

Also covered: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (moderate), BBQ & Propane Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Spokane for details.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Spokane, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Spokane's city hall or code enforcement office.