Spokane Valley, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SVMC § 7.05.040(C), Sidewalks
- Also covers
- Right-of-way obstructions, § 7.05.040(R)
- Abandoned property deadline
- Nuisance after 48 hours in ROW
- Enforcement chapter
- Chapter 17.100, Compliance and Enforcement
- First violation penalty
- $500 civil penalty
- Repeat violation penalty
- $1,000 to $2,000
Summary
Spokane Valley treats anything that blocks a public sidewalk, from an overhanging awning to dirt and debris, as a public nuisance under SVMC § 7.05.040(C). The same nuisance chapter separately bars leaving refuse containers, storage containers, or abandoned property in the right-of-way, so sidewalk and shoulder encroachments both trigger code enforcement.
No person, firm, or entity shall erect, contrive, cause, continue, maintain, or permit to exist any public nuisance within the City including on the property of any person, firm, or entity or upon any public rights-of-way abutting a person's, firm's, or entity's property. Prohibited public nuisances include, but are not limited to: ... C. Sidewalks. 1. Any protrusion, awning, or overhang that inhibits or obstructs use of a public walkway or sidewalk. 2. Any object, construction, or damage that inhibits or obstructs the surface use of a public walkway or sidewalk. 3. Accumulations of dirt or debris not removed from a public sidewalk.
Full Breakdown
040 makes it unlawful to 'erect, contrive, cause, continue, maintain, or permit to exist any public nuisance' on private property or on the public right-of-way abutting it. Subsection (C), titled 'Sidewalks,' lists three specific obstruction nuisances: any protrusion, awning, or overhang that inhibits or obstructs use of a public walkway or sidewalk; any object, construction, or damage that inhibits or obstructs the surface use of a sidewalk; and accumulations of dirt or debris not removed from a public sidewalk. 040(R), 'Objects in Right-of-Way,' extends the same obstruction concept beyond sidewalks to the full right-of-way, naming landscape materials, equipment, machinery, portable toilets, storage containers, shopping carts, refuse containers, and signs as prohibited obstructions unless the City has authorized the use or issued a right-of-way permit covering it.
Property left in the right-of-way, other than vehicles and licensed trailers, is deemed abandoned and a nuisance after 48 hours, even if it landed there because of an eviction or unlawful detainer action. 100 SVMC: the city manager or designee investigates field-observed violations and may use any compliance tool in that chapter, including a notice and order, voluntary compliance agreement, or judicial abatement order through Spokane County Superior Court.
Violations & Fines
A sidewalk or right-of-way obstruction under SVMC § 7.05.040 is enforced through the Chapter 17.100 civil penalty schedule: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second within three years, $2,000 for each additional violation, and up to $10,000 if the obstruction gave the responsible party an economic benefit. The City can also seek a judicial abatement order and recover its abatement costs from the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the city cite me for a sign or planter blocking the sidewalk?
How long can I leave a dumpster or storage container in the street?
What happens if I don't clear an obstruction after a warning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.