Code Enforcement

Common Code Questions

Animals

My neighbor has too many animals, what can I do?

In the City, citizens are allowed to keep 4 pets total. Citizens can report violations online. The online portal can be used via computer or using a smartphone or tablet. You may also contact My Spokane by dialing 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489).

My neighbor's dog is always barking, how do I report that?

For any animal noise call SCRAPS at 509.477.2532.

My neighbor has a dog that he/she lets run loose, how do I report that?

For loose animals call SCRAPS at 509.477.2532.

My neighbor's rooster/peacock is very loud, what can I do?

Roosters and peacocks are not permitted within city limits, unless in a residential agricultural zone. Citizens report violations online. The online portal can be used via computer or using a smartphone or tablet. You may also contact My Spokane by dialing 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489).

My neighbor is neglecting/mistreating his/her dog/pet, how do I report that?

For neglected or mistreated pets call SCRAPS at 509.477.2532.

My neighbor does not clean up his/her pet's waste, how do I report that?

If your neighbor does not clean up after his/her pet's waste, please call 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489).

Building Issues

I'm a renter and my house does not comply with the building code, what can I do?

If your building does not comply, contact the City of Spokane's Code Enforcement by dialing 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489). For further information on Landlord/Tenant rights contact the Washington State Attorney General's office at 509.456.3123 or their website.

My neighbor is building without a permit; can I do anything about that?

If you suspect that your neighbor is building without a permit contact The City of Spokane's Code Enforcement by dialing 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489).

Weeds and Air Quality

My neighbor has noxious weeds in his/her yard and I'm afraid they will spread to my yard, is there anything I can do?

If your neighbor has noxious weed, contact the noxious weed line at 509.477.5777 or visit their website.

I have an issue with the air quality, is there someone I can contact about that?

Yes, contact the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency at 509.477.4727.

Noise

My neighbor is making too much noise, how can I report him/her?

The quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, except noise restrictions apply all hours to live music and DJ systems. Noise complaints should be made to the Police Department. During evening hours call Crime Check 509.456.2233. For any noise other than that made by a commercial business/machine, call Crime Check 509.456.2233. For Commercial Industrial machine noise file a complaint form online..

Can I apply for a noise variance? How do I apply for a noise variance?

Variances are for large community-oriented events that are unable to meet the noise restrictions. To apply please call 509.625.6700. You will be asked to provide information pertaining to your event. Variances must be applied for at least 5 business days prior to the event.

Fire Hazard

There is a yard with tall dry weeds that I'm afraid will catch fire, what can I do?

You may fill out an online complaint form. In order for a property to be declared a fire hazard, it must meet certain criteria. View those criteria. Otherwise, unkempt yards are not a violation of the code.

Someone in my neighborhood is setting off fireworks, who do I call?

If someone is setting off fireworks in your neighborhood contact Crime Check at 509.456.2233.

Garbage, Debris, and Litter

My neighbor has trash/junk/debris/garbage all over his/her yard, what can I do about that?

Citizens can submit a code complaint online. The online portal can be used via computer or using a smartphone or tablet. You may also contact My Spokane by dialing 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489).

Garbage/debris/furniture etc. was dumped on my property or put in my garbage can, can I do anything about that?

For City (only):
Did you find anything in the debris that identifies the party that dumped it? Or did you witness the party that dumped the debris?

If yes, citizens can submit a code complaint online. The online portal can be used via computer or using a smartphone or tablet. You may also contact My Spokane by dialing 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489).
If no, property owner/tenant is responsible for cleanup.

Garbage/debris/furniture etc. was dumped in my street or in my alley, who cleans that up?

For State Highways contact the Washington State Department of Transportation at litter1@ecy.wa.gov or at their website.

Zoning Violations

My neighbor is running a business out of his/her home in a residential neighborhood. Is that legal?

It depends on what kind of business it is. If it is a business that is allowed, there are certain regulations that it must follow. Call 509.625.6300 for specifics or see SMC 17C.340.

There is someone in my neighborhood that runs a continuous yard sale, is there anything I can do about that?

Yes, file a complaint form with the Code Enforcement office. A home is only allowed to have 2 sales per year, 3 days maximum in duration.

There is a sign in my neighborhood that I think is illegal, how can I check that?

There can be no commercial advertising on residential homes, except one non-illuminated sign, up to three square feet in area, bearing the name and occupation of the occupant, placed flat against the building.

A non-residential building, like a church in a residential zone, may have one identification sign not exceeding fifteen square feet in area and not exceeding a height of twenty feet above average grade along the front of the building.

No advertising signs are allowed in the right-of-way. Violations may be reported to Code Enforcement. For additional information please call 509.625.6300 or see SMC 17C.240 – Signs

Right-of-Way Violations

There are branches blocking or infringing upon the sidewalk or street, how do I report that?

There is a basketball hoop/skateboard ramp on the sidewalk or in the street, who do I call about that?

Can I put a storage container in the street for my household items?

Yes, please contact Development Services Center at 509.625.6300 for an Obstruction permit.

My neighbor hasn't shoveled the snow off of his sidewalk, what do I do about that?

My neighbor is blowing his/her leaves into the street, can I do anything about that?

Small accumulations of leaves are not an issue, however, for large accumulations submit a code complaint online. The online portal can be used via computer or using a smartphone or tablet. You may also contact My Spokane by dialing 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489).