Spokane Valley Sign Rules - Prohibited Content & Removal

Signs and Advertising Washington 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane Valley, Washington maintains municipal rules controlling sign content, placement, and removal to protect safety, aesthetics, and lawful speech. This guide summarizes what content the city treats as prohibited, how removal and enforcement work, and practical steps property owners, businesses, and residents can take to comply or appeal. It references official municipal code and the city enforcement office for filing complaints, permits, and appeals.

Scope & Prohibited Content

The city regulates sign content that conflicts with safety standards, obscures traffic control devices, contains obscene material, or violates specific zoning or permit restrictions. Prohibited content categories typically include:

  • Signs that create a traffic safety hazard or obstruct sight lines.
  • Obscene or sexually explicit material as defined by applicable code sections.
  • Signs placed without required permits or contrary to zoning conditions.
  • Temporary signs placed in public rights-of-way or on utility poles when prohibited.

The precise definitions and prohibited categories appear in the Spokane Valley municipal code and related sign permit standards municipal code[1] and are implemented by the city’s code compliance office Code Compliance[2].

Check permit conditions before installing a sign to avoid removal orders.

Penalties & Enforcement

Spokane Valley enforces sign rules through orders to remove or abate noncompliant signs, administrative fines, and, where applicable, civil or criminal actions. The exact fine amounts and escalation structure are not specified on the cited code summary page and must be confirmed in the specific municipal code sections or enforcement notices.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code for dollar amounts or daily rates.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are addressed by the enforcement procedure but specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal/abatement orders, seizure of signs, stop-work directives, and court enforcement.
  • Enforcer: City of Spokane Valley Code Compliance and Planning/Building departments; complaints and inspections are handled by the Code Compliance office.[2]
  • Appeal/review: administrative appeal routes exist; exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited summary page and should be confirmed in the municipal code or the appeal procedure posted by the city.[1]
  • Defences/discretion: permits, variances, or demonstrable reasonable excuse (e.g., emergency signage) may apply if provided by code or permit conditions.
Document dates, permit numbers, and communications to support appeals.

Applications & Forms

The city issues sign permits and may require applications for variances through Planning or Building Services; specific form names, fees, and submission instructions should be obtained from the Planning/Building permit pages or the Code Compliance office. If a published form is not available on the referenced pages, state law or the municipal code may require contacting the department directly for the correct application.[2]

Common Violations & Typical Outcomes

  • Unpermitted freestanding or wall signs - removal order and potential fine.
  • Political or commercial signs in right-of-way - impoundment and notice to owner.
  • Animated or illuminated signs violating lighting standards - compliance notice and schedule for mitigation.

Action Steps

  • Confirm whether your sign needs a permit with Planning/Building Services.
  • If you receive a removal order, contact Code Compliance immediately to review options.
  • File an appeal within the code-specified time frame if you disagree with an enforcement action; check the municipal code for deadlines.
  • If fined, follow payment instructions on the enforcement notice or pursue the appeal process before paying if advised.

FAQ

Who enforces sign rules in Spokane Valley?
Code Compliance and the city Planning/Building departments enforce sign rules and process permits; contact details are on the city website.[2]
Can political signs be removed?
Signs in violation of placement rules or in the public right-of-way may be removed; free-speech protections do not exempt signs from neutral, content‑neutral time, place, and manner restrictions.
How do I appeal a removal order?
Follow the appeal procedure in the enforcement notice or the municipal code; specific appeal timelines and forms are not specified on the general summary page and should be confirmed with the city.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm the alleged violation by reviewing the relevant municipal code or permit conditions.
  2. Gather documentation: photos, permit copies, and correspondence about the sign.
  3. Contact Code Compliance to request clarification and a copy of the enforcement notice.
  4. If eligible, submit a permit application or correction plan to Planning/Building Services to cure the violation.
  5. If you disagree, file the administrative appeal within the time limit stated in the notice or code.
  6. Comply with removal or mitigation orders while pursuing appeals to avoid escalating fines.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm permit requirements before installing signs.
  • Report or clarify violations through Code Compliance promptly.
  • Use administrative appeal options if you receive an enforcement action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal code - City of Spokane Valley
  2. [2] Code Compliance - City of Spokane Valley

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data