Spokane allows home occupations in all residential zones under SMC 17C.315 without a conditional use permit provided standards are met. A city business license from Taxes and Licenses Division is required. No employees outside the household, limited customer visits, and no exterior changes.
Spokane Municipal Code 17C.315 permits home occupations by right in all residential zones when all performance standards are satisfied. The business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an enclosed accessory structure and occupy no more than 25 percent of the gross floor area. No non-resident employees may work on-site. Customer visits are limited and must not create traffic or parking impacts exceeding a typical residence. No outdoor storage of materials, equipment, or inventory. Signs are limited to one non-illuminated nameplate not exceeding 2 square feet. No noise, vibration, odor, smoke, or electrical interference detectable at the property line. All Spokane businesses must obtain a city business registration and pay state B and O tax through Washington Department of Revenue.
Operating a home occupation that violates standards triggers SMC 17G.075 code enforcement: notice of violation, 30-day cure period, civil penalties of 125 dollars per day escalating to 500 dollars for repeat violations.
See how Spokane's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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