Spokane Valley A-Frame & Historic Sign Rules

Signs and Advertising Washington 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane Valley, Washington regulates signs including temporary A-frame (sidewalk) signs and historic marker signage through its municipal code and local permitting processes. This guide summarizes where to find the controlling ordinance, how enforcement typically works, and practical steps for businesses and property owners to comply. For the controlling ordinance and sign definitions see the Spokane Valley municipal code - Sign regulations (Municipal Code)[1]. Where the code or department pages do not list specific fines or fees, the text below notes "not specified on the cited page" and points you to the enforcing office.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for sign code violations in Spokane Valley is handled by the city departments responsible for Planning/Building and Code Enforcement. The municipal code and related sign rules are the controlling documents; monetary fines, continuing violation penalties, and exact escalation amounts are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcing department for current schedules.
  • Escalation: the municipal code references notices and continuing violation remedies but does not list dollar escalation amounts on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, administrative correction notices, and court actions are available remedies under city enforcement procedures.
  • Enforcer: City of Spokane Valley Planning/Community Development and Code Enforcement (see Help and Support / Resources below for contacts).
  • Inspections & complaints: complaints are accepted by the city and may trigger inspection; inspectors document violations and issue orders or citations.
  • Appeals: appeal routes typically include administrative appeal to the City Hearing Examiner or appeal via municipal court; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a removal notice act quickly and contact Code Enforcement to learn appeal steps.

Applications & Forms

The municipal code and the city’s published pages do not list a distinct statewide A-frame permit form on the cited municipal code page; some sign permits or right-of-way encroachment permits may be required instead and are issued by the city’s permitting office. The specific application name, number, fees, and submission steps are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]

  • If a sidewalk (right-of-way) placement is requested, the city may require a right-of-way use or encroachment permit.
  • Deadlines: response and appeal windows are governed by the city’s administrative rules; exact time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited municipal code page; contact permitting for current fee schedules.

How this applies to A-frame (sidewalk) signs and historic signs

A-frame signs on sidewalks are typically treated as temporary signs and may be permitted if they meet size, placement, and safety requirements in the sign regulations. Historic signs (preservation, landmark signage) often have special allowances or review processes; check the municipal code definitions and historic preservation procedures. Where the municipal pages do not list exact dimensional limits or fee amounts, consult Planning/Community Development for site-specific guidance.[1]

Sidewalk signs that obstruct pedestrian or ADA access are subject to removal.
  • Common violations: blocking ADA routes, exceeding size limits, placing signs in the travel lane or intersections.
  • Typical penalties: monetary fines and removal orders may be issued; amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Compliance actions: corrective notices, re-inspection, and seizure/disposal of noncompliant signs are possible enforcement steps.

FAQ

Can I place an A-frame sign on a Spokane Valley sidewalk?
Possibly, subject to municipal sign and right-of-way rules; contact the city permitting office to confirm location, size, and any required encroachment permit.[1]
Are historic signs treated differently?
Historic signs may qualify for special review or exceptions under preservation provisions; consult the municipal code and planning staff for process details.[1]
What if my sign is removed by the city?
The city will typically issue a notice or citation with instructions; follow the appeal or retrieval process indicated in the notice and contact Code Enforcement immediately.

How-To

  1. Check the Spokane Valley municipal code sign section to find definitions and any dimensional rules.[1]
  2. Contact Planning/Community Development or Code Enforcement to confirm whether a permit or right-of-way approval is required.
  3. Apply for any required sign or encroachment permit and pay applicable fees as instructed by the city permitting office.
  4. Place the sign only in the approved location and maintain clear ADA-compliant pedestrian access.
  5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow instructions, exercise appeal rights within the stated time limits, and keep documentation of communications.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check the municipal code and talk to city staff before placing A-frame signs.
  • Obstruction of sidewalks or ADA routes is the most frequent cause of removal.
  • Contact Planning/Community Development or Code Enforcement promptly if unsure or after receiving a notice.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane Valley municipal code - Sign regulations

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