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Spokane Valley, WA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Aircraft in flight: Fully exempt from noise rule
Flight-related airport sounds: Fully exempt
Engine testing/maintenance: Exempt 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. only
Preferred testing location: Remote sites whenever possible
Base noise standard: Chapter 173-60 WAC
Governing clause: SVMC § 7.05.040(K)(2)(c), (K)(3)(d)

Summary

Aircraft noise is carved out of Spokane Valley's residential noise-nuisance rule entirely. SVMC § 7.05.040(K)(2)(c) exempts "sounds originating from aircraft in flight and sounds that originate at airports which are directly related to flight operations" from the maximum permissible noise levels the City otherwise enforces under Chapter 173-60 WAC.

The following shall be exempt from the provisions of SVMC § 7.05.040(K)(1): ... Sounds originating from aircraft in flight and sounds that originate at airports which are directly related to flight operations;

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Full Breakdown

040(K)(1) makes it a nuisance for noise from a residential zone to intrude on a neighbor's property beyond "the maximum permissible noise levels pursuant to Chapter 173-60 WAC," covering things like radios, sound amplifiers, and engine testing. " That blanket exemption has no time-of-day limit. " Outside that window, or away from a remote site, ground-based engine testing loses its exemption and can be cited as a noise nuisance like any other. 250 for any noise nuisance that isn't otherwise exempted.

Violations & Fines

Because in-flight and airport-related aircraft noise is fully exempt under § 7.05.040(K)(2)(c), it cannot be cited as a nuisance at all. Ground engine testing or maintenance loses its narrower exemption outside the 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. window under § 7.05.040(K)(3)(d), and if cited as a nuisance is processed under Chapter 17.100, with civil penalties starting at $500 for a first violation under § 17.100.250.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is aircraft noise banned in Spokane Valley?

No. SVMC § 7.05.040(K)(2)(c) exempts "sounds originating from aircraft in flight and sounds that originate at airports which are directly related to flight operations" from the City's residential noise-nuisance standard, so ordinary flight noise cannot be cited as a nuisance regardless of the hour.

What about ground maintenance of aircraft engines?

Engine testing and maintenance not tied to flight operations is only exempt between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. under § 7.05.040(K)(3)(d), and the code adds that such testing "shall be conducted at remote sites whenever possible" to limit the impact on nearby residences.

What noise standard applies when the aircraft exemption doesn't apply?

Non-exempt noise is measured against "the maximum permissible noise levels pursuant to Chapter 173-60 WAC" set out in § 7.05.040(K)(1), and a violation is enforced as a nuisance under Chapter 17.100 SVMC, with civil penalties starting at $500 for a first offense.

Sources & Official References

[1]Spokane Valley Municipal Code § 7.05.040 (eCode360)

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