Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.111 Residential Zones

Section 17C.111.250 Exterior Storage – Residential Zones

1. Purpose.

It is the intent and purpose of the City to regulate exterior storage of materials on residential land in a manner to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community including regulating the type and location of materials. The negative effects of unregulated exterior storage can endanger the health, safety and welfare of the community.

2. Regulated Materials.

1. 1. The following list of items shall not be stored outside of structures. Exterior storage means the physical presence of items not fully enclosed within a structure. Exterior storage means and includes, but shall not be limited to, the following:

1. vehicle parts including but not limited to, alternators, engines, transmissions, wheels, tires, body panels, auto glass, interior panels, front and/or rear seats, taillights, head lights, and other vehicle parts thereof;

2. household furniture including, but not limited to, mattresses, couches, recliners, tables, desks, bed frames, chairs, other furniture items, and parts thereof;

3. appliances including but not limited to dishwashers, stoves, televisions, computers, kitchen accessories, electronic equipment and parts thereof;

4. construction materials including but not limited to plaster, lumber, sheetrock, carpet, shelving, cement, bathtubs, toilets, pipe, and other such items that are not exempted under SMC 17C.111.250(B)(2);

5. metal including but not limited to iron, steel, aluminum, and other such metals; and

6. any other items similar in nature.

1. 2. Materials that may be stored outside of structures include:

1. 1. 1. construction materials that are maintained in a safe manner and in such a way that the materials do not create a hazard to the general public, or an attraction to children, and that are designated for projects on the parcel for which a building permit has been issued through the City of Spokane;

1. 1. 1. 1. Construction materials used for a public works project may be temporarily stored on residential zones up to one year after construction begins.

1. 1. 2. construction equipment including ladders, scaffolding, and other such items may be stored outside of structures as long as the equipment is maintained in a safe manner and in such a way that the materials do not create a hazard to the general public, or an attraction to children, and

1. 1. 3. items that are manufactured for exterior usage and are being maintained including but not limited to: lawn/patio furniture and décor, benches, play equipment; sandboxes, barbecues, and bicycles.

1. 3. Any items that are considered to be “litter” as according to SMC 10.08.010 including refuse, rubbish, garbage, discarded items and all waste material of every kind and description shall be regulated under Chapter 10.08 Offense Against Public Health.

2. Location.

1. 1. Exterior storage of any of the items listed in SMC 17C.111.250(B)(2)(a) and SMC 17C.111.250(B)(2)(b) shall take place from the rear of the main dwelling unit to the rear of the property line,

1. 1. 1. except permitted construction materials which may be stored up to thirty days in either side or front yard areas and are exempt from the fencing and screening requirements designated in subsection (C)(2) below.

1. 2. Exterior storage areas shall be screened from view of the public right-of-way as defined in SMC 17A.020.180(R) through the use of sight-obscuring fencing that meets height requirements set in SMC 17C.111.245 or through the use of screening pursuant to SMC 17C.200.070(A)(1)

4. Violation—Enforcement and Penalty

Violation of SMC 17C.111.250 shall constitute a class 2 civil infraction per SMC 1.05.160.

Date Passed: Monday, November 20, 2023

Effective Date: Monday, January 1, 2024

ORD C36459 Section 16