City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

Home
Title 12
Chapter 12.02
Section 12.02.0203
 

Title 12 Public Ways and Property

Chapter 12.02 Obstruction, Encroachment of Public Ways

Article I. Vegetation Obstruction – Nuisance

Section 12.02.0203 Traffic Control Device Visibility

Owners of property within the City must prune all trees, plants, shrubs, or vegetation, or parts thereof, which are growing thereon in such a manner as to obstruct or impair the visibility of traffic control devices as shown in Table 12.02-1. In most instances the trunk of the tree is exempt from this requirement.  If tree or shrub pruning or relocation of the traffic control device (non-priority signs only) cannot remedy the obstruction, the Urban Forester will determine if removal of the tree will be required. Such condition is declared a nuisance and subject to the process and provisions under SMC 12.02.0210.

Table 12.02-1

Traffic Control Device Visibility

 

Minimum Visible Distance1 (feet)

Speed Limit (mph)

Traffic Signals, PHB2

Priority Signs3, RRFB4

All other signs5

20

175

115

75

25

215

155

90

30

270

200

110

35

325

250

130

40

390

305

145

45

460

360

165

Notes:

1 Measured longitudinally along the roadway, line of sight from the center of the nearest vehicle travel lane to the traffic control device using driver’s eye height of 42 inches.

2 Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon.

3 Includes stop, yield, do not enter, crosswalk, stop here for ped, no motor vehicle signs.  Sign codes include R1-1, R1-2, R5-1, R1-5, R1-5a, R5-3, and W16-7P (arrow plaque) combined with a W11-2, W11-15, or S1-1.

4Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon.

5Parking signs, No Parking Bike Lane, transit stop signs are exempt from this table and shall be visible for 30 feet.

Date Passed: Monday, May 2, 2022

Effective Date: Sunday, June 5, 2022

ORD C36186 Section 1