Real Estate Sign Exemptions - Spokane City Law
In Spokane, Washington, homeowners and agents must follow city sign rules when placing real estate "for sale" signs on private property and in public rights-of-way. This guide summarizes how exemptions commonly work, where to confirm size, number and placement rules in the Spokane Municipal Code, and how to get permits, report violations or appeal enforcement decisions. For exact regulatory text and any numeric limits, consult the municipal code and permit pages linked below before installing signs on your property.[1]
What counts as an exempt real estate sign
The Spokane Municipal Code contains a chapter on signs that identifies categories of signs that may be exempt from permits or subject to limited requirements; exemptions often cover temporary real estate signs on private property, directional riders, and rider panels. Consult the code chapter for the exact definition and limitations that apply to residential and commercial properties.[1]
When a permit is required
Some freestanding, permanent, illuminated, or off-premises signs require a sign permit or zoning review even if temporary real estate signs are generally exempt. The Spokane Permit Center provides application instructions, permit types, and submittal requirements for sign permits.[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of sign rules is handled by city code enforcement and relevant permitting staff. The municipal code and enforcement pages describe remedies, though the exact monetary penalties and escalation schedules must be confirmed on the cited official pages.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcement section of the municipal code and Code Enforcement contact page for current fine schedules.[1]
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited permit or code summary pages; see the municipal code for details.[1]
- Non-monetary orders: typical sanctions include removal orders, stop-work or compliance orders, abatement at owner expense, and referral to municipal court when applicable; specific authority and process are in the municipal code and enforcement pages.[1]
- Enforcer and complaints: Code Enforcement and the Permit Center receive complaints and inspect signs; file a complaint via the City of Spokane Code Enforcement contact page.[3]
- Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are governed by the municipal code and administrative rules; if not listed on the permit page, the code provides appeal timelines and the forum (e.g., hearing examiner or municipal court). Not specified on the cited permit overview page.[2]
Applications & Forms
The City publishes sign permit applications and submittal checklists when a permit is required; fees, required site plans and drawings are listed on the Permit Center sign-permit page. If no permit is required for a specific real estate sign under the code exemption, no sign permit form is necessary. For forms and fees see the Permit Center.[2]
Common violations
- Placing signs in the public right-of-way without authorization.
- Exceeding size or height limits for temporary signs.
- Illuminated or permanent signs installed without a permit.
- Failure to remove temporary real estate signs within applicable time limits.
Action steps for homeowners
- Step 1: Review the Spokane Municipal Code chapter on signs to confirm whether your sign is exempt and note any size, placement or duration limits.[1]
- Step 2: If a permit is required, download the sign permit application and submittal checklist from the Permit Center and prepare required drawings and fees.[2]
- Step 3: If you discover or are cited for a violation, contact Code Enforcement to confirm the violation, follow removal or correction orders, and ask about appeal timelines.[3]
FAQ
- Do most "for sale" yard signs need a permit in Spokane?
- Often small, temporary on-premise real estate signs are treated as exempt or subject to limited rules, but you must check the municipal code chapter on signs and the Permit Center details to confirm for your property.[1]
- Where do I file a complaint about illegal signs?
- File complaints or request an inspection through City of Spokane Code Enforcement contact options listed on the official page.[3]
- What if my sign was removed by the city?
- Follow the notice instructions, contact the listed enforcement office immediately, and inquire about appeal and retrieval procedures; timelines are set by code or enforcement notices.[3]
How-To
- Identify whether your sign is on private property or the public right-of-way.
- Compare your sign dimensions and placement to the exemptions and standards in the Spokane Municipal Code chapter on signs.[1]
- If required, complete a sign permit application, submit plans and pay fees via the Permit Center.[2]
- If cited or if you observe noncompliant signs, contact Code Enforcement to report or respond to notices.[3]
Key Takeaways
- Check the Spokane Municipal Code first to see if your real estate sign is exempt.
- When in doubt, obtain a sign permit through the Permit Center to avoid enforcement action.
Help and Support / Resources
- Spokane Municipal Code - Signs chapter
- City of Spokane Permit Center
- City of Spokane Code Enforcement