Spokane Open Data API Rules - City Bylaw Guide

Technology and Data Washington 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane, Washington maintains open data resources for public use while balancing privacy, security and legal obligations. This guide explains city rules for API access and dataset publication, who enforces them, how to comply, and how to request data or appeal decisions. It is written for data publishers, developers, legal officers and members of the public using Spokane city datasets.

Check the city open data policy before publishing new datasets.

Overview

The City of Spokane publishes datasets through its open data program and portal. Publication requirements typically cover dataset metadata, update frequency, machine-readable formats, licensing and exemptions for restricted or privacy-protected records. Responsible offices include the city information systems or open data steward and the City Clerk for record-related questions.[1]

Publication & Access Requirements

Key expectations for datasets and API endpoints normally include clear titles and descriptions, field-level metadata, persistent identifiers, and machine-readable access (CSV, JSON/GeoJSON, API endpoints). Sensitive or exempt records must be redacted or withheld according to public records rules. When datasets contain personal or security-sensitive information, apply minimization and redaction before publishing.

  • Metadata: include description, update frequency, contact, and license.
  • Update cadence: indicate refresh schedule and last-updated timestamp.
  • Formats: provide machine-readable formats and stable API endpoints.
  • Privacy: redact or exclude exempt personal data per public records guidance.[2]

Data Standards, Licensing, and APIs

Use standard open licenses where permitted and document any permitted restrictions. APIs should offer rate limits, clear error codes, and versioning plans. Maintain provenance and change logs for published datasets to support reproducibility and legal accountability.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for noncompliance with open data publication rules or misuse of city APIs is handled by the responsible city offices (Information Systems, City Clerk, and Legal). Specific monetary fines or penalty schedules for open data publication violations are not specified on the cited city pages; see the official policy and municipal code for enforcement pathways and public-records obligations.[1][2]

Monetary fines for open data publication violations are not listed on the cited pages.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary actions: corrective publication orders, takedown requests, administrative review, and referral to city legal counsel or court.
  • Enforcer & complaints: Information Systems/IT or the City Clerk receive complaints and coordinate enforcement.[1]
  • Appeals: follow the administrative review or appeal routes described in municipal code or public records procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The City provides a public records request process and online request form for access to non-published records; for dataset publication, follow the open data submission guidance on the city portal. If no publication form is required, the portal documents the submission workflow.[3]

Submit public records requests through the city form to request unpublished data.

Common Violations

  • Publishing personal or exempt information without redaction - corrective order or takedown.
  • Failing to maintain published dataset metadata or update cadence - administrative correction.
  • Unauthorized automated scraping that violates API terms - rate limiting or access suspension.

FAQ

What city office manages Spokane open data?
The City of Spokane Information Systems or designated open data steward manages the open data program and portal.[1]
How do I request a dataset that is not published?
Use the City of Spokane public records request form or contact the City Clerk for assistance.[3]
Are there fees to access open data via API?
The city does not list API access fees on the open data policy page; see the portal or contact Information Systems for any applicable fees.

How-To

  1. Identify the dataset and determine if records are public or exempt.
  2. Prepare metadata, provenance notes, and choose machine-readable formats (CSV, JSON/GeoJSON).
  3. Submit the dataset via the city open data submission workflow on the portal.
  4. Redact or withhold exempt personal data per public records guidance before publishing.
  5. Monitor the dataset and respond to data quality reports or takedown requests.

Key Takeaways

  • Follow city metadata and format standards for reliable API access.
  • Redact exempt information and coordinate with the City Clerk for records issues.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane Open Data page
  2. [2] Spokane Municipal Code (Municode)
  3. [3] City of Spokane Public Records requests

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