Moving to Spokane Valley, WA?

Spokane Valley regulates noise through its nuisance code, SVMC 7.05.040(K). Sound originating in a residential zone that exceeds the maximum permissible levels in Chapter 173-60 WAC is a prohibited public nuisance. There are no fixed citywide "quiet hours," but certain activities are only exempt between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Construction noise in Spokane Valley is exempt from the city's nuisance noise rules only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. under SVMC 7.05.040(K)(4), or when conducted more than 1,000 feet from any residence. Outside that window, construction noise can be cited as a public nuisance.

Spokane Valley adopts Spokane County's animal control code (SCC Chapter 5.04) by reference for animal regulations, and Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) enforces it. The county prohibits allowing an animal to unreasonably disturb people by habitually barking, howling, yelping or whining, with no fixed time-of-day limit.

Spokane Valley has no dedicated short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) permit or licensing chapter. Operators must obtain the city's standard business registration and comply with Washington's statewide short-term rental law (Chapter 64.37 RCW), which requires liability insurance, a guest contact, and safety compliance, plus state lodging tax registration.

Consumer fireworks are illegal in Spokane Valley. Under SVMC 7.15.030 it is unlawful to ignite, discharge, or sell fireworks anywhere in the city. Only permitted public displays under RCW 70.77.260 are allowed. The city used its authority under RCW 70.77.395 to fully prohibit consumer fireworks.

Residential outdoor burning of yard and garden debris is not allowed in Spokane Valley. Outdoor burning in the city is regulated by the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) and the Spokane Valley Fire Department, and yard-debris burning is prohibited; only recreational fires with approved fuel are permitted, subject to seasonal burn restrictions.

Recreational fires (fire pits, chimineas, portable fireplaces) are allowed in Spokane Valley with approved fuel, when no burn restriction is in effect. Regional fire-marshal guidance limits recreational fires to a fuel area no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, attended by an adult with extinguishing equipment ready.

Spokane Valley's street parking follows the Washington Model Traffic Ordinance (SVMC 9.05.010); there is no blanket ban on RVs or boats on residential streets. On private property, SVMC 19.65 limits an RV in a required front-yard setback to 15 consecutive days (30 days per year) and bars living in an RV without a permit.

Under SVMC 22.70.020, residential fences in the front yard are limited to 3 feet if sight-obstructing, or 4 feet if non-sight-obstructing (such as chain link). Fences in side and rear yards may be up to 7 feet without a permit, and 7 to 8 feet only with a building permit and engineering.

A standard residential fence in Spokane Valley does not require a building permit. Under SVMC 22.70.020 and the city's Fence Installation Guidelines, fences up to 7 feet in residential side/rear yards need no permit; only fences over 7 feet (up to 8 feet) require a building permit and engineering.

Spokane Valley allows backyard chickens under SVMC 19.65.020. A maximum of one chicken may be kept per 2,000 square feet of lot, up to 25 birds; roosters are not permitted. Larger poultry and livestock generally require a lot of at least one gross acre, with setbacks for animal structures.

Spokane Valley adopts Spokane County's animal code (SCC Chapter 5.04) by reference under Chapter 7.30 SVMC, enforced by SCRAPS. Dogs may not run at large; owners may walk a dog in public only on a leash, tether or chain not exceeding eight feet in length. City parks require pets to be leashed.