Spokane County, WA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Civil infraction
- $250 per SCC 6.13.090(3)
- Notice period
- 14 days to abate voluntarily
- Chronic nuisance threshold
- 3 times/60 days or 4/12 months
- Minimum admin fee
- $5,000 if county abates
- Interference penalty
- Up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine
- Enforcing agency
- Spokane County Code Enforcement
Summary
Unincorporated Spokane County treats an unsecured, uncontrolled vacant lot or abandoned building as a nuisance under SCC 6.13.040(2)(K). Code enforcement can issue a $250 civil infraction after a 14-day notice, or bypass notice entirely for repeat or chronic cases, then bill abatement costs plus a $5,000 minimum administration fee.
"Abandoned property" means a property over which a person in charge no longer asserts control due to death, incarceration, or any other reason, and which is either unsecured or subject to occupation by an unauthorized individual. ... The following specific acts, omissions, places, conditions, or otherwise, are hereby declared to be nuisances which annoy, injure, or endanger the comfort, repose, health, safety, and welfare of others, and are violations of this chapter. ... K. Any abandoned property. ... A statement that the failure to remedy the violation(s) within fourteen days of receipt of the notice of nuisance violation may result in the issuance of a civil infraction for two hundred fifty dollars in accordance with section 6.13.090 of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
020(1) defines "abandoned property" as a property over which a person in charge no longer asserts control due to death, incarceration, or any other reason, and which is either unsecured or subject to occupation by an unauthorized individual. 040(2)(K) then lists "any abandoned property" among the specific conditions the county declares a nuisance, alongside solid waste accumulation, unpermitted vehicle dismantling yards, and unsecured hazards. 050, a new owner inherits an existing violation and cannot cure it by claiming the condition predated their purchase. 090. 040(3), three occurrences in 60 days or four in twelve months.
080, secure or clear it, and bill the owner by certified mail; unpaid bills after 30 days become a lien against the property ranking equally with county taxes. Incidental expenses recoverable include labor, hauling, storage, and a minimum $5,000 administration fee. 080(5). A person cited can obtain a certificate of compliance from the issuing officer if they abate the violation before a Spokane County District Court finding, which can result in dismissal of the infraction.
Violations & Fines
Failing to secure or clear a vacant lot after a notice of nuisance violation is a class 1 civil infraction carrying a $250 penalty per SCC 6.13.090(3), with each day the condition continues counting as a separate infraction. Chronic or emergency cases skip the notice step entirely. Unpaid county abatement bills become a property lien with a minimum $5,000 administration fee, and interfering with abatement crews is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an abandoned vacant lot under Spokane County's nuisance code?
How much time do I get before a fine on a vacant lot violation?
Can the county clean up my lot and bill me?
Does a new owner inherit an old nuisance violation on the lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
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