Landscaping Rules in Spokane Valley, WA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Spokane Valley, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Spokane Valley requires branches and vegetation to clear at least eight feet above a public walkway or sidewalk and 14 feet above a public street. SVMC § 7.05.040(A)(1) treats anything lower, or growth that blocks a clear-view triangle, as a public nuisance enforced through Chapter 17.100 code compliance.
Spokane Valley Tree Clearance Over Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsSpokane Valley Code § 7.05.040(A)(1)
Any vegetation, or parts thereof, which hang lower than eight feet above any public walkway or sidewalk; or hang lower than 14 feet above any public street; or which are growing in such a manner as to obstruct or impair the free and full use of any public walkway, sidewalk, or street; or violate City clear view triangle regulations. The City shall be responsible for maintaining all vegetation p...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Clearing five or more trees or removing more than six trees per acre per parcel in Spokane Valley requires a grubbing and clearing permit unless the work already falls under a grading or building permit. Routine landscape maintenance and small removals are exempt.
Spokane Valley Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSpokane Valley Code § 24.50.050
A grubbing and clearing permit is required for each of the following land disturbing activities: All grubbing and clearing activities disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of area; Any clearing on slopes, wetlands, erodible soils, critical areas, etc.; or Any removal of trees and vegetation that does not trigger the grading permit requirements... Exemptions... The removal of six trees or less pe...
Native Plants
Spokane Valley doesn't mandate native plants, but it rewards them. SVMC § 22.70.040(E)(1) lets a developer boost required landscaping point values by 20 percent for xeriscaping plantings drawn from Appendix 22-A's Recommended Planting List, the code's built-in incentive for low-water, regionally adapted vegetation in commercial and multifamily projects.
Spokane Valley Xeriscaping Landscaping Bonus
Light RestrictionsSpokane Valley Code § 22.70.040(E)(1)
An applicant may use any combination of planting materials to meet the requirements of SVMC § 22.70.040. Landscaping point values to meet the landscaping point requirements shall be calculated pursuant to Table 22.70-3. 1. The landscaping point values listed in Table 22.70-3 may be increased by 20 percent for xeriscaping plantings pursuant to Appendix 22-A, Recommended Planting List.
Composting
Spokane Valley does not license or restrict backyard compost bins, but a pile must stay properly maintained or code enforcement can cite it as a garbage or fire nuisance. SVMC § 7.05.040(D)(2)(c) excludes only "properly maintained residential compost piles" from the accumulation-of-matter nuisance ban, and § 7.05.040(E) gives the same pass from the fire-hazard nuisance rule.
Spokane Valley Compost Pile Rule
Light RestrictionsSpokane Valley Code § 7.05.040(D)(2)(c)
Garbage, Recyclables, Compost, and Infestations. ... Creating or maintaining any accumulation of matter, including but not limited to foodstuffs or dead vegetation (excluding properly maintained residential compost piles).
Looking for Spokane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Spokane Valley city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Spokane County →