Spokane Municipal Code

Title 10 Regulation of Activities

Division V. Code Enforcement and Animal Regulations

Chapter 10.63 Property Maintenance and Use Standards

Section 10.63.040 Vegetation Maintenance

1.  Owners and occupants of a property shall remove or eliminate grasses, weeds, shrubs, bushes, trees, vegetation, and debris on their property and any abutting planting strip or right of way areas that are deemed a nuisance, fire hazard, or danger to public health, safety, or welfare by a code compliance officer or Spokane Fire Department official.

2. All grasses and weeds greater than ten inches in height shall be removed, provided this requirement shall not apply to:

1. 1. Cultivated grasses and managed landscaping, such as fountain grasses;

1. 2. Parks and natural conservation areas;

1. 3. Properties in a designated agricultural zone and use; and

1. 4. Undeveloped vacant parcels over one-half acre provided overgrown vegetation shall be maintained to not obstruct the right of way, and a perimeter mow/cut of at least ten feet shall be in place.

3. Owners and occupants of a property shall prune all trees, plants, shrubs or vegetation, or parts thereof, to provide for the required clearance of sidewalks required by SMC 12.02.0202.

4. Enforcement of this section shall prioritize accumulations of unmaintained vegetation rather than sporadic or aesthetic considerations.

5. The City may cause the removal or destruction of such vegetation and debris by notice of violation and, as appropriate in each case, may issue a civil infraction for the violation. The City or a contractor designated by the City may remove vegetation and debris, which may be billed to the owners of the property or as a utility service to the property pursuant to SMC 08.02.0616.  

 

Date Passed: Monday, July 14, 2025

Effective Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

ORD C36701 Section 1