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Spokane Valley, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Permit trigger: Any obstruction of City ROW
Short-job exemption: 2 hours or less, no excavation
Insurance minimum: $2,000,000 per occurrence/aggregate
Permit term: 30 days, Apr-Sep, extendable once
Emergency filing window: 48 hours after work starts

Summary

Spokane Valley requires a right-of-way permit under SVMC § 9.50.010 for any construction work or activity that obstructs City rights-of-way, easements, or public property, with narrow exemptions for City work, short two-hour jobs, and routine residential landscaping kept out of the roadway.

Unless exempt under SVMC § 9.50.010(A), (B), or (C), a right-of-way permit is required of any person or entity who performs construction work or otherwise engages in activity that creates an obstruction within existing City rights-of-way, easements, or other City-owned property reserved for the travelling public.

View official code

Full Breakdown

010 requires a right-of-way permit from any person or entity performing construction work or otherwise engaging in activity that creates an obstruction within existing City rights-of-way, easements, or other City-owned property reserved for the traveling public. 05 SVMC. 020; those issued October 1 through March 31 run until the following April 30, with one or more 30-day extensions available at the city engineer's discretion. 030 requires the responsible utility or party to obtain the permit within 48 hours of starting work or by the next City business day after that period. 130.

Violations & Fines

Working without a permit, or violating permit terms, makes the activity a nuisance enforceable under Chapter 17.100 SVMC pursuant to SVMC § 9.50.150, covering notice and order, civil penalties, and abatement. If the permittee fails to restore the right-of-way, § 9.50.110 lets the City do the work and bill the permittee for every cost, and withholds new permits until that invoice is paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to dig a short utility trench in front of my Spokane Valley house?

Only if it takes more than two hours or requires excavation or cutting pavement, sidewalks, curbs, or gutters. SVMC § 9.50.010(B) exempts work of two hours or less that keeps 10 feet of travel width open and involves no excavation or pavement cutting; anything bigger needs a right-of-way permit.

How long does a Spokane Valley right-of-way permit last?

Permits issued April 1 through September 30 run 30 days with one 30-day extension available under SVMC § 9.50.020; permits issued October 1 through March 31 last until the following April 30, with one or more 30-day extensions at the city engineer's discretion.

Can utility crews start emergency repairs in the road before getting a permit?

Yes. SVMC § 9.50.030 lets a private or public utility begin emergency repair work immediately, but the responsible party must obtain the construction and right-of-way permit within 48 hours of starting work, or by the next City business day if that 48-hour window runs out first.

Sources & Official References

[1]Spokane Valley Municipal Code, eCode360

Other rules in Spokane Valley

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All Spokane Valley rules

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