Spokane Valley, WA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SVMC § 19.70.050(A)(5)
- Zones covered
- R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 only
- What's allowed
- Walkways, driveways, driveway parking
- What's not allowed
- Garage/carport structure in setback
- Enforcement
- SVMC Chapter 17.100 compliance process
Summary
Spokane Valley bans most structures from encroaching into a required yard setback, but walkways and driveways, including cars parked in the driveway, get a specific carve-out: SVMC § 19.70.050(A)(5) allows them in the front yard setback of the R-1 through R-4 single-family zones only.
A. Structure intrusions into setbacks are prohibited except: ...
5. Walkways and driveways, including parking in the driveway, are allowed in the front yard setback of R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones only.
Full Breakdown
050(A) opens by prohibiting structure intrusions into required setbacks, then lists the narrow exceptions the City allows. Most of the list covers architectural features like window sills, roof eaves, and uncovered decks that can nudge partway into a setback. 70. The exception is limited to walkways and driveways themselves; subsections (A)(1) through (A)(4) cover unrelated features like eaves, chimneys, mechanical equipment, and fences, and none of them authorize parking. Subsection (B) separately blocks a garage, carport, or other vehicle storage structure's supporting members from sitting in the required front yard, so while the paved surface and a parked car can be in the setback, the garage or carport structure itself cannot.
Homeowners in the RC, CMU, MU, IMU, or I zones do not get this front-setback driveway allowance and must keep parking areas outside the required yard.
Violations & Fines
Parking a vehicle on an unpaved area of the front yard setback, or extending a garage or carport's supporting structure into that setback in violation of SVMC § 19.70.050(B), is enforced as a zoning violation under Chapter 17.100 SVMC. Code compliance can issue a warning, followed by a notice and order assessing civil penalties, and require the owner to relocate the parking or remove the offending structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my car in my driveway if it's in the front setback?
Does this driveway exception apply to commercial properties too?
Can I build a carport in my front yard setback since driveways are allowed there?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
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