Potholes & Encroachment Permits - Spokane Valley Laws

Transportation Washington 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Washington
Spokane Valley, Washington residents and contractors must follow city procedures for reporting roadway defects and securing encroachment or right-of-way permits. This guide explains how to report potholes, who enforces repair and compliance, how to apply for encroachment permits, what penalties or remedies may apply, and the steps to appeal or request review. It focuses on official city processes, required forms or applications, likely timelines for work and inspections, and practical action steps so you can file a complaint, secure a permit, or contest enforcement properly.

Reporting potholes & immediate repairs

To report potholes or hazardous roadway defects within Spokane Valley city limits use the City of Spokane Valley service and Public Works reporting channels. Timely reporting triggers inspection and, when appropriate, prompt repairs by city crews or contracted contractors. For an official report form and instructions, use the city reporting page City report-a-concern[1], which details how to submit location, photos and contact information.

Provide exact location and photos to speed up inspection.

Encroachment & Right-of-Way Permits

Work in the public right-of-way — including driveways, utilities, fences, or excavation — typically requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit from Spokane Valley Public Works. Permit requirements, submittal checklists and any insurance or bonding prerequisites are available on the city permit page Right-of-way and encroachment permits[2]. Private contractors must obtain permits before commencing work where city-owned pavement, sidewalk, curb, gutter or landscaping may be affected.

Applications & Forms

  • Right-of-Way / Encroachment Permit application (city form) — purpose: authorize work in public ROW; fee: not specified on the cited page; submit via the Public Works permit portal or in person per the city page [2].
  • Bonding/insurance documentation — purpose: protect public improvements; required when specified on the permit.
  • Typical review time — varies by scope; check the permit page for current timelines.
Always request the city-approved restoration standard before starting work.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of right-of-way rules and roadway maintenance obligations is performed by Spokane Valley Public Works and Code Enforcement under the municipal code and related regulations. Specific monetary fines, escalation for repeat or continuing offences, and statutory fine amounts are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page and must be confirmed in the official code or penalty schedule Spokane Valley Municipal Code[3]. When not specified, the city may issue repair orders, assess costs to property owners or contractors for corrective work, and refer matters to municipal court for enforcement.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code for exact amounts and daily penalties [3].
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat offences and continuing violations may trigger higher fines or corrective assessments; specific ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: repair orders, stop-work orders, revocation of permits, lien or cost assessment, and court action are possible under city authority.
  • Enforcer: Spokane Valley Public Works and Code Enforcement divisions handle inspections and complaints; use the city report page or Public Works contact for complaints Report-a-concern[1].
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits are governed by municipal procedures or municipal court rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page [3].
If you receive a repair order, follow it promptly to avoid further enforcement costs.

Applications & Forms

  • Appeal or variance request forms — if available, the municipal code or Public Works permit page lists the procedure; if a form is not published, contact Public Works for written submission instructions [2].

FAQ

Who fixes potholes inside Spokane Valley?
The City of Spokane Valley Public Works handles repairs on city streets; private property owners are responsible for on-site repairs.
Do I need a permit to dig across the sidewalk?
Yes — most work affecting sidewalks, curbs or the public right-of-way requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit from Public Works.
What if a contractor damaged my driveway during city work?
Report damage to the Public Works damage/concern form and request inspection; you may be provided a restoration remedy or a claim procedure.

How-To

  1. Document the issue: take photos, note the exact location, and record the date and time.
  2. Report potholes or damage using the City report-a-concern page and attach photos Report-a-concern[1].
  3. For encroachment work, review the Right-of-Way/Encroachment permit requirements and submit the permit application and required documents online or to Public Works Right-of-way and encroachment permits[2].
  4. Track permit review, respond promptly to plan review comments, and obtain city-signed permits before starting work.
  5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow instructions, document compliance, and file an appeal within the municipal timeline if listed; if not listed, contact Public Works for appeal procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes promptly with photos to speed inspection and repairs.
  • Obtain an encroachment/right-of-way permit before work that affects public improvements.
  • Contact Public Works or use the city report page for forms, inspections and enforcement inquiries.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane Valley - Report-a-Concern (Public Works reporting)
  2. [2] City of Spokane Valley - Right-of-Way & Encroachment Permits
  3. [3] Spokane Valley Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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