Spokane Valley, WA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Spacing standard
- 1 medium tree per 75 linear feet
- Setback from ROW
- Planted within 10 feet of right-of-way
- Species source
- Appendix 22-A Recommended Planting List
- Exempt zoning
- Industrial-zoned projects
- Unauthorized removal penalty
- Class 2 infraction, SVMC § 6.01.090
- Permission needed
- Written city manager approval to remove/damage
Summary
Spokane Valley requires one medium tree or larger for every 75 linear feet of street frontage on multifamily, nonresidential, and subdivision projects, planted within 10 feet of the right-of-way and drawn from the city's Appendix 22-A recommended species list. Once planted, those parkway trees become public trees that residents cannot damage, remove, or attach anything to without the city manager's written permission.
A. Applicability. The provisions of SVMC § 22.70.060 shall apply to multifamily, nonresidential projects, and subdivisions adjacent to public streets. They shall not apply to projects located in an industrial zoning district. B. Development shall provide one medium tree or larger for each 75 linear feet, or fraction thereof, for the portion of the development abutting the right-of-way. Trees shall be planted in or within 10 feet of the right-of-way in sleeves designed to direct root development. Trees shall be evenly spaced. C. Trees may be grouped when conflicts such as utilities, site topography, vehicular maneuvering areas, and clearview triangle limitations exist and prevent the installation of evenly spaced street trees. D. Street trees shall be selected from Appendix 22-A, Recommended Planting List, Street Trees for Under Utility Lines.
Full Breakdown
060 sets the planting ratio for street trees along development frontages: one medium tree or larger per 75 linear feet, or fraction thereof, evenly spaced and planted in or within 10 feet of the right-of-way in root-directing sleeves. The requirement applies to multifamily, nonresidential, and subdivision projects abutting public streets, but industrial-zoned projects are exempt. Where utility conflicts, site topography, vehicular maneuvering areas, or clearview triangle limits make even spacing impossible, trees may be grouped instead. Species must come from Appendix 22-A, the Recommended Planting List, using the 'Street Trees for Under Utility Lines' category where overhead lines are present.
040(A). The city manager sets separate planting standards, spacing, and curb/sidewalk clearances for any public trees that are not street trees, in consultation with electrical utility providers. 060 bars anyone from damaging or removing a public tree without the city manager's written permission, attaching ropes, wires, signs, or handbills to one, or letting electrified wire (other than approved holiday lights under 45 days) or harmful substances contact its roots or leaves. 070 is likewise prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 6.01 SVMC, including unauthorized removal or damage of a parkway tree, is a class 2 infraction under § 6.01.090, enforceable through injunctive relief in Spokane County Superior Court if needed. Development-related street tree shortfalls under § 22.70.060 are enforced as Title 22 code violations through Chapter 17.100: a $500 civil penalty for a first violation, $1,000 for a second within three years, and $2,000 for each further violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to plant or remove a tree in the parkway strip?
How far apart do street trees have to be planted?
Can I hang a sign or lights on a city street tree?
What happens if I damage a parkway tree without permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.