Spokane Ordinances: Obscene & Misleading Advertising

Signs and Advertising Washington 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane, Washington regulates signage and advertising through its municipal code and permitting process to prevent obscene, indecent, or misleading commercial displays. The city code sets standards for where and how signs may be placed and gives staff authority to require removal or correction of unlawful signs. For the controlling text see the Spokane Municipal Code hosted by Municode Spokane Municipal Code (Municode)[1]. For permit rules and design standards consult the city sign permit guidance Sign permit requirements[2], and to report violations contact the city Code Enforcement office Code Enforcement[3].

If an ad appears obscene or deceptive, document its location and time before reporting.

Scope of the Rules

The municipal code addresses commercial and noncommercial signs, restricted content, and deceptive practices relevant to advertising. Common prohibitions include signs that are obscene, pornographic, false or misleading about products or services, or that create traffic hazards. Some content restrictions depend on sign type, zoning district, or whether a permit was issued.

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties, timelines, and enforcement procedures are set by the municipal code and administrative rules. Specific monetary fines for obscene or misleading advertising are not specified on the cited page; consult the codes and enforcement page for exact figures and updates Spokane Municipal Code (Municode)[1].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code for current amounts and schedules.
  • Escalation: the code permits increased penalties or daily continuing fines for ongoing violations; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, abatement notices, seizure of unpermitted signs, and referral to municipal or superior court.
  • Enforcer: City of Spokane Code Enforcement and Planning/Building staff handle inspections and complaints; complaint procedures are on the Code Enforcement page Code Enforcement[3].
  • Appeals and review: the municipal code describes appeal routes to administrative review or hearings; time limits for appeals are set in the code and may vary by action.
Appeal deadlines are short; file promptly when you receive an order.

Applications & Forms

Sign permits and related applications are managed through the city permitting pages. The specific application name, form number, fees, and submission method are posted on the sign permit guidance page; if no form is listed on the cited page, state that no specific form is published there Sign permit requirements[2].

Common Violations

  • Obscene images or text displayed publicly without zoning or location exceptions.
  • Misinformation or false claims about goods, services, or prices.
  • Unpermitted temporary signs, banners, and off-premise advertising that violate permit terms.
Photograph signs and note dates to support enforcement requests.

Action Steps

  • Document the sign: photograph it, note exact location and time.
  • Report to Code Enforcement via the official complaint portal or phone as listed on the city site Code Enforcement[3].
  • If required, apply for a sign permit using the forms on the city permits page and correct noncompliant signs per inspector direction.

FAQ

What counts as an "obscene" sign under Spokane rules?
Obscenity determinations follow the municipal code definitions and may reference community standards; review the municipal code for the controlling language.
How do I report a misleading advertisement?
Document the ad and submit a complaint to City of Spokane Code Enforcement using the official complaint page or phone contact.
Are there temporary sign exceptions for events?
Temporary event signs often require permits or time-limited allowances; check the sign permit guidance for allowed durations and conditions.

How-To

  1. Identify the sign location, take clear photos, and note the date and time.
  2. Check whether a permit is posted or visible on site; note permit numbers if present.
  3. File a complaint with City of Spokane Code Enforcement online or by phone and attach your photos and notes.
  4. If you receive an enforcement order, follow instructions to correct or remove the sign, or file an appeal within the time limits stated in the order.

Key Takeaways

  • Spokane's municipal code restricts obscene and misleading advertising and enables removal or fines.
  • Sign permits and rules are available through city permitting resources; verify before installing ads.
  • Report suspected violations to City of Spokane Code Enforcement with documentation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Spokane Municipal Code (Municode)
  2. [2] Sign permit requirements - City of Spokane
  3. [3] Code Enforcement - City of Spokane

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