Spokane Valley ADU, Vacant Property & Permit Rules

Housing and Building Standards Washington 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane Valley, Washington owners must follow local rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), building permits and vacant-property upkeep to avoid enforcement actions. This guide explains who enforces the rules, how to apply for permits, typical violations, and practical steps to stay compliant in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Overview of ADU and Vacant Property Rules

The Spokane Valley municipal code and the city planning and building rules set standards for ADU size, parking, setbacks, utility connections and maintenance of vacant buildings and lots. Property owners should check permit requirements before converting, renting or leaving a unit vacant; failure to obtain required permits or to maintain a property may trigger inspections and corrective orders. [1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the city departments identified below and proceeds under the Spokane Valley municipal code and applicable building codes. Exact monetary fines and civil penalties depend on the code section cited and are provided on official code pages or enforcement notices; where a fine amount or schedule is not posted on the cited page, this text states "not specified on the cited page."

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for many ADU or vacant-property infractions; consult the specific municipal code section or enforcement notice for dollar amounts.
  • Escalation: enforcement generally moves from notice to order to civil penalty or abatement for continuing violations; specific timeframes and increased penalties for repeat or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the city may issue corrective orders, require abatement or repair, secure the property, or pursue civil actions and liens.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Code Compliance and Building/Planning departments investigate complaints and perform inspections; see the Help and Support section for contact pages and online complaint forms.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are provided by administrative hearing or permit appeal processes in the municipal code; specific appeal deadlines and time limits may be stated in the code section cited or the notice of violation—if not shown, they are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: officials may consider permits, variances, or "reasonable excuse" defenses where the code or permit process provides discretion; consult the applicable code section for exact language.
Inspectors typically issue a notice of violation before fines are levied.

Applications & Forms

ADU and building work normally require a building permit application submitted to the city's Building Department; specific form names or numbers are provided on the city permit pages. If a formal vacant-property registration form exists, it will be listed on the Code Compliance or municipal permits pages; if no form is published, it is not specified on the cited page.

Common Violations and Typical Responses

  • Unpermitted ADU construction or conversion — response: stop-work order, permit requirement, possible fines.
  • Poor maintenance of vacant structures (open windows, graffiti, hazards) — response: corrective order, boarding, abatement.
  • Failure to obtain required inspections or certificates of occupancy — response: denial of occupancy, penalties or required retroactive permits.
Start permit review before any construction or rental to avoid stop-work orders.

Action Steps for Owners

  • Verify whether an ADU requires a permit by contacting the Building Department and reviewing municipal code provisions.
  • Respond promptly to any notice of violation within the time stated to avoid escalation.
  • Document repairs, maintenance and communications with city staff; keep records of permits, inspections and receipts.
  • If you disagree with an enforcement action, follow the appeal steps in the notice and the municipal code within the stated time limits.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to rent an ADU in Spokane Valley?
Yes—most ADUs require a building permit and must meet zoning, safety and utility standards; check with the Building Department for application details.
What happens if I leave a property vacant?
Vacant properties must be maintained to avoid nuisance citations; the city may issue notices, orders, and abatement if hazards or code violations exist.
How do I appeal a notice of violation?
Follow the appeal instructions in the notice of violation and consult the municipal code for filing deadlines and the appeals process.

How-To

  1. Contact the Spokane Valley Building Department to confirm permit requirements for ADU construction or conversion.
  2. Prepare and submit required permit applications and plans, and pay applicable fees.
  3. Schedule and pass required inspections; complete any corrections within deadlines.
  4. If you receive a notice, respond immediately, cure violations where possible, and use the appeal process if appropriate.

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain permits before altering or leasing ADUs to avoid enforcement.
  • Maintain vacant properties to prevent nuisance orders and abatement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Spokane Valley Municipal Code and code search

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