Spokane 311: Report Potholes & Sidewalk Damage

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

In Spokane, Washington, residents and property owners can request pothole repair and sidewalk work through the citys 311 reporting system. This guide explains who enforces street and sidewalk standards, how to file a request, what penalties or orders may apply, and where to find official forms and contacts. Use the official online report or phone line to document hazards immediately; priority and timelines depend on the problem type and location. The procedures below reference City of Spokane operational pages and the Spokane municipal code so you can follow the correct administrative and enforcement routes.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary operational units responsible for potholes and sidewalk condition are the City of Spokanes 311 service and the Public Works Streets division. To report repair needs use the citys 311 portal or Streets reporting tools City 311[1] and Streets division[2]. Legal standards for sidewalks, right-of-way maintenance, and owner responsibilities are set out in the Spokane municipal code Spokane Municipal Code[3].

  • Enforcers: City of Spokane Public Works / Streets and Code Enforcement handle inspections and orders; 311 accepts reports for triage and routing.[1]
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for routine pothole or sidewalk repair requests; see municipal code for potential civil penalties.[3]
  • Orders and corrective actions: city may issue repair orders to property owners or contractors under the municipal code; specific remedies and timelines are governed by code language.[3]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are handled per administrative code or through the procedures listed on official departmental pages; exact time limits are not specified on the cited operations pages.[2]

Escalation for repeat or continuing offences (for example, failure to comply with a repair order) is determined by code sections and departmental enforcement procedures; fine amounts, per-day or per-offence rates, and staged escalation are not specified on the cited operations pages and must be confirmed in the municipal code or by contacting the department directly.[3]

Report hazards promptly using 311 to create an official record for tracking and liability protection.

Applications & Forms

To request pothole repair or sidewalk work there is typically no separate permit form required from residents for reporting; use the Citys 311 online form or phone service to submit location, photos, and description.[1] If the work requires a permit (for example, a repair performed by a private contractor in the right-of-way), permit applications and fee schedules are available from Public Works or Permitting divisions; if a specific application number is required it will be listed on the departments permitting page, or you will be directed after initial 311 intake.[2]

Private contractor repairs in the right-of-way often require a right-of-way permit from the city.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Trip hazards from broken sidewalks  possible repair order to owner or city-conducted repair; penalties not specified on cited pages.[3]
  • Potholes causing vehicle damage  prioritized repair scheduling via Streets; claim procedures may be separate and are not specified on the operations pages.[2]
  • Obstructions in public right-of-way  removal orders and timelines per municipal code or departmental notice; fines or fees not specified on cited operations pages.[3]

FAQ

How do I request a pothole repair or sidewalk inspection?
File a report through City of Spokane 311 online or by phone with location, photos, and description; 311 routes the request to Streets or Code Enforcement for action.[1]
Do I have to pay to report a hazard?
No fee is required to submit a 311 report; permit or repair fees may apply if a private contractor seeks a right-of-way permit, details are provided by the permitting office.[2]
Will the city repair all sidewalk damage?
Responsibility depends on the location and ownership; the municipal code describes owner duties and city authority—specific obligations and timelines are in the code and departmental procedures.[3]

How-To

  1. Document the hazard: take clear photos, note the exact address or GPS coordinates, and record dates and any incidents.
  2. Submit a 311 report online or by phone including photos and location; retain the report number for follow-up.[1]
  3. Follow up with Public Works / Streets or Code Enforcement if you do not see action within the expected timeframe; request status using the report number.[2]
  4. If issued a repair order and you disagree, ask about administrative appeal procedures and applicable deadlines from the enforcing department.

Key Takeaways

  • Use 311 to create an official request and record for pothole and sidewalk issues.
  • Public Works / Streets and Code Enforcement are the primary enforcers; check municipal code for legal duties.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane 311 - Report a Problem
  2. [2] City of Spokane Public Works - Streets
  3. [3] Spokane Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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