Business Licensing & Operations in Spokane, WA (2026)
7 verified business licensing & operations rules for Spokane, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Spokane adult cabarets and bookstores require special business licenses, mandatory buffer zones from schools, churches, and residential zones, and four-foot performer-patron separation under longstanding SMC adult business regulations.
Adult entertainment licensing and zoning
Heavy RestrictionsMassage Establishments
Massage businesses in Spokane need a city business license plus state-issued individual practitioner credentials from the Washington Department of Health under RCW 18.108. Spas combining massage with other services need both licenses.
Massage establishment licensing in Spokane
Some RestrictionsTobacco Retail License
Spokane tobacco and vape retailers operate under Washington state licensing through the Department of Revenue. Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited under RCW 70.155.010, with state-level enforcement and penalties.
Tobacco retailer state license required
Some RestrictionsSmoke Shop Rules
Smoke shops in Spokane need a city business license plus state tobacco and vapor product retailer licenses. Cannabis retail is regulated separately by the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board with strict zoning buffers.
Smoke shop licensing and zoning
Some RestrictionsSecondhand Dealers
Spokane secondhand dealers in precious metals must register, retain seller identification, and report transactions to police under RCW 19.60. General thrift and consignment stores are exempt unless dealing in jewelry or precious metals.
Secondhand precious metal dealer rules
Some RestrictionsPawnbrokers
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.
Pawnbroker licensing under SMC Chapter 13
Heavy RestrictionsTowing Companies
Spokane tow operators need Washington State Patrol registration under RCW 46.55 plus a city business license. Police-rotation tow contracts require additional city qualification, posted maximum rates, and 24-hour vehicle release access.
Tow truck operator licensing
Some RestrictionsLooking for Spokane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Spokane city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Spokane County →