Spokane, WA HOA Rules: CC&R Enforcement (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice
- Required RCW 64.90.510
- Hearing
- Required before fines
- Uniform
- Must enforce consistently
- Preempted
- Solar, flags, EV
- Attorney Fees
- Prevailing party
Summary
Spokane HOAs enforce CC and Rs through violation notices, fines, and civil action per governing documents and RCW 64.38 / 64.90. WUCIOA RCW 64.90.510 requires notice and a hearing opportunity before imposing fines. Selective enforcement is a recognized defense.
(1)(a) An association may not prohibit display of the flag of the United States, or the flag of Washington state, on or within a unit or a limited common element, except that an association may adopt reasonable restrictions pertaining to the time, place, or manner of displaying the flag of the United States necessary to protect a substantial interest of the association.
(b) The association may not prohibit the installation of a flagpole for the display of the flag of the United States, or the flag of Washington state, on or within a unit or a limited common element, except that an association may adopt reasonable rules and regulations pertaining to the location and the size of the flagpole.
(2) An association may not prohibit display of signs, including outdoor signs, regarding candidates for public or association office, or ballot issues, on or within a unit or limited common element, but an association may adopt reasonable rules pertaining to the placement and manner of those displays.
(4) The association may not prohibit a unit owner from storing containers for municipal or private collection, such as compost, garbage, and recycling receptacles, in any private garage, side yard, or backyard reserved for the exclusive use of a unit. However, the association may adopt and enforce rules requiring that such receptacles be screened from view and establishing acceptable dates and times that such receptacles may be presented for collection.
Full Breakdown
CC and R enforcement in Spokane HOAs follows the procedures in the governing documents, typically: written notice of violation, cure period (often 10 to 30 days), hearing opportunity, fine or lien assessment, and ultimately judicial enforcement. RCW 64.90.510 (WUCIOA) expressly requires notice and an opportunity to be heard before imposing fines. Fines must be reasonable and tied to the violation. HOAs must enforce rules uniformly; courts recognize selective enforcement and waiver as defenses when an HOA tolerates a violation then later tries to enforce against one owner. Injunctive relief and attorney fees are available under CC and Rs and RCW 64.90.675. State-preempted rules (solar panels, flags, EV charging) cannot be enforced regardless of what the CC and Rs say.
Violations & Fines
HOA can impose fines per CC and Rs (commonly 25 to 100 dollars per violation), lien for unpaid fines, and seek injunctive relief in Spokane County Superior Court. Prevailing party recovers attorney fees in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA fine me without notice?
What if the HOA ignored violations for years?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane
Compare Spokane to another location·View the Washington hoa rules overview
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