Spokane requires property owners in the wildland-urban interface on the eastside hills to maintain defensible space. SMC 10.08 addresses fire hazard abatement, and SRCAA coordinates regional wildfire fuel reduction.
Under Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 10.08 and the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code adopted by reference, property owners in designated WUI zones must maintain defensible space around structures. Zone 1 (0-30 feet from structure) requires removal of dead vegetation, pine needles, and flammable materials. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires thinning of trees, removing ladder fuels, and maintaining spacing between tree crowns. The eastside hills including areas near Beacon Hill, Dishman Hills, and South Hill are considered elevated WUI risk. Spokane Fire Department conducts annual inspections and can issue abatement notices. The Washington DNR and Firewise USA program offer free property assessments. Outside WUI zones, weed and vegetation abatement follows SMC 10.08 nuisance rules requiring grass under 10 inches.
Notice of violation gives 14-30 days to comply. City may abate at owners expense plus administrative fee ($250+). Chronic violations: liens and fines up to $500/day.
Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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See how Spokane's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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