Request School Zone Signs or Speed Bumps - Spokane

Transportation Washington 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane, Washington residents who want school zone signs or speed bumps can work with the City of Spokane Public Works and Spokane Police. This guide explains who enforces traffic signage and traffic calming, how to submit a request, what forms or studies the city may require, typical enforcement steps, and how appeals work. It draws on official City of Spokane pages and the Spokane municipal code so you know where to apply, who to contact, and what to expect after a request is made.

Requesting school zone signs or speed bumps

To begin, review the city traffic calming program and any posted criteria on the Public Works traffic calming page City traffic calming information[1]. Requests commonly start with an online or emailed petition, an engineering study, or a traffic count ordered by the city. The Spokane Municipal Code governs traffic control devices; consult the code for regulatory context Spokane Municipal Code[2]. For enforcement and school crossing considerations contact Spokane Police Traffic Unit Spokane Police[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of speed limits, signage, and traffic control devices in Spokane is carried out by Spokane Police, with Public Works responsible for installing and maintaining signs and traffic calming measures. Specific fines or civil penalties for unauthorized removal or obstruction of traffic signs are not specified on the cited municipal code page Spokane Municipal Code[2]. Traffic violations such as speeding or failure to obey official signs are handled under state traffic statutes and enforced by Spokane Police.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see Spokane Police or state RCW citations for monetary penalties.
  • Escalation: first and repeat offence procedures are not specified on the cited municipal page; enforcement follows standard traffic citation processes.
  • Enforcer: Spokane Police Traffic Unit; Public Works installs signage on authorized request or after council/administrative approval.
  • Complaint pathway: submit requests or complaints to City Public Works Traffic Engineering; contact info on the city's traffic calming page.[1]
  • Appeals: specific appeal times or tribunal processes are not specified on the cited page; appeals typically follow administrative review or court contest of traffic citations.
Traffic enforcement and sign installation are handled by separate city units: Police enforce, Public Works installs.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a traffic calming overview; a specific "Traffic Calming Request" form or petition process may be linked from that page. If a formal application is required, the traffic calming page will detail submission method, fee, and study requirements; if the page does not list a form, it is not specified on the cited page City traffic calming information[1].

  • Common form: Traffic calming request or petition (name and availability not specified on cited page).
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; see the Public Works page or contact Traffic Engineering for current fees.
  • Deadlines: project timelines vary; submission-to-decision durations are not specified on the cited page.
If you cannot find a published form, contact Public Works Traffic Engineering to start the request.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: collect traffic counts, photos, and neighbor support or a petition.
  2. Contact Public Works Traffic Engineering to discuss the issue and confirm required materials. City traffic calming information[1]
  3. Submit any required form, petition, or request as instructed by Traffic Engineering; request a traffic study if needed.
  4. Await evaluation: the city may perform a study, solicit public comment, and prioritize projects based on criteria.
  5. If approved, Public Works schedules installation; enforcement of new signs is by Spokane Police.
Not all requests result in installation; approval depends on engineering criteria and available budget.

FAQ

How do I request a school zone sign?
Contact City of Spokane Public Works Traffic Engineering and follow the traffic calming/request procedure on the city's traffic calming page.[1]
Who enforces speed limits near schools?
Spokane Police enforce speed limits and traffic control devices; Public Works installs and maintains signs.[3]
Is there a fee to request traffic calming?
Fees or study costs are not specified on the cited Public Works page; contact Traffic Engineering for current fee information.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Start requests with Public Works Traffic Engineering and provide clear evidence.
  • Spokane Police enforce signs; Public Works handles installation and maintenance.
  • Many requests require a traffic study or petition and are prioritized by criteria and budget.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane Public Works - Traffic Calming
  2. [2] Spokane Municipal Code (Municode)
  3. [3] Spokane Police Department

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