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1. What is Spokane Valley's sales tax rate?

Effective April 1, 2019, the retail sales tax collected on transactions within the City of Spokane Valley is 8.9 percent (0.089). The retailer forwards that sales tax to the Washington State Department of Revenue, which then distributes the taxes to the various agencies that have imposed them.

This is how the tax is allocated:

• State of Washington: 6.50%
• City of Spokane Valley: 0.85%
• Spokane County: 0.15%
• Criminal Justice (Spokane Valley receives a portion of this tax): 0.10%
• Spokane Public Facilities District (v): 0.10%
• Spokane Transit Authority (v): 0.80%
• Public Safety (Spokane Valley receives a portion of this tax) (v): 0.10%
• Juvenile Jail (v): 0.10%
• Mental Health (v): 0.10%
• Law Enforcement Communications (v): 0.10%

(v) - voter-approved

When you file a Washington Combined Excise Tax Return for retail sales transacted within the City's boundaries, use the City's 4-digit location code #3213 in Section III of the return form. The Spokane Valley local rate is 2.4 percent (.024) which reflects the combined total of the local jurisdictions in the chart above.

It is important to accurately record your sales tax collections so the appropriate sales taxes are allocated to help provide City services. If you have miscoded your rate on a previous return, or have questions, please contact us at 509-720-5041.

2. Can we pay our property taxes at the City?

The Spokane County Treasurer collects all property taxes for property located in Spokane County, including property located in the City of Spokane Valley.

3. How are property taxes calculated?

You'll find the answers on the Spokane County Assessor's Office's Calculating Your Taxes page.

4. How do I start a business in Spokane Valley?

See our Business Startup page for information on:

• City business registrations
• State business licensing
• Federal tax identification numbers
• Quarterly Gambling Taxes

5. How can I get on the City's Vendor List?

See our Public Notices/Request for Proposals page.

6. How can I bid on City projects?

See our Public Notices/Request for Proposals page.

7. What is the City’s total budget?

See a copy of the current City budget as well as copies of prior years' budgets.

8. How can I get a copy of the City’s budget?

A copy of the annual budget is available on our Budget and Finance Reports page. A print copy can be obtained by emailing the City Clerk or by calling 509-720-5102. You may also request a copy at City Hall.

9. Where does the City get its money (what are the revenue sources)?

Revenues include property and sales taxes, fees for services, direct funding from other governments and miscellaneous other revenues. Revenues supporting core services flow into the General Fund. Read more about revenue sources in our current year's budget.

10. What is the General Fund and what is it used for?

The General Fund is the accounting entity used to track the revenues and expenditures associated with City services. All of the City’s general tax revenue is accounted for in the General Fund as are expenses associated with police, parks, library services, planning, and building inspection services.

11. Are there other funds beside the General Fund?

The City uses a number of different “funds” or accounting entities to track revenues and expenditures. Most are required by state law to make sure revenues dedicated for a specific purpose are used appropriately. Examples include the Street Fund which accounts for revenues from gasoline taxes, and the Telephone Utility Tax, both of which are used to maintain city streets.

12. What types of expenses does the City have?

The City of Spokane Valley’s major expense categories are personnel, overhead/operating expenses, and capital projects. Because city government is primarily a service business, most of its expenses are associated with its employees. Operating expenses include rent, utilities, vehicle costs, basic supplies, and contracts for services, such as when the City contracts with Spokane County for various services.

13. Does the City have controls or limits on spending?

Yes. This spending limit is referred to as an appropriation, which limits how much the City can spend from each fund. An appropriation is established by City Council during the budget process. Each fund is required to have a balanced budget, the appropriation is designed to ensure that spending doesn’t exceed available resources.

14. How much debt does the City have?

The City of Spokane Valley has approximately $12.79 million in general-purpose debt outstanding as of January 2018. This debt was incurred to provide funding for one-time capital projects and represents just 1.98% of our total debt capacity. We keep this figure low due to our philosophy of "pay as you go," to avoid debt.

15. What is the process for preparing and updating the budget?

City departments begin developing their budget in April. Revenue forecasts are updated and public input is gathered during the summer to be reviewed in August. The City Manager submits estimates of revenues and expenditures to the Council in August. A preliminary budget is developed in September and hearings are held in October with Council approval of the budget in November. By law, the City must adopt a balanced budget by December 31.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. Do I need a City Business License?

Yes. The Spokane Valley Municipal Code Title 5.05 requires every person engaged in business or continuing business during the calendar year, to annually register with the City. To register your new business with the City of Spokane Valley and apply for Washington State business licenses, please visit the Washington State Department of Revenue website.

2. What are the criteria for a home business?

Home businesses are permitted as accessory uses, except adult retail use establishments, adult bookstores, or adult entertainment establishments; auto repair; welding or metal plating shops; large appliance/electronics or equipment repair or service; small engine repair; truck hauling and/or tow storage yard; vehicle sales; cabinet making; manufacturing and/or related storage; kennel or stables; wholesale or retail sales; and restaurants/drinking establishments, which are incidental to the property’s principal use as a residence, subject to the following requirements:

• Property shall retain a residential appearance and character;
• All storage shall be enclosed within the residence or accessory structure;
• There shall be a limit of two employees not residing on the premises engaged in the home business;
• One unlighted sign placed flush against the exterior wall of the principal structure not exceeding four square feet in area is permitted;
• There shall be no window display nor shall sample commodities with the exception of flowers and produce grown on the premises be displayed outside the building(s);
• The hours of operation of a home business are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.;
• The home business use shall not create electronic interference including, but not limited to, interference with radio, satellite reception, telephone or television reception, nor generate measurable levels at the property line of noise, dust, smoke, odor or glare. The home business activity shall not generate solid waste in volume or type which is not normally associated with residential use unless specifically permitted;
• Loading docks and mechanical loading devices are not permitted;
• No traffic or parking of vehicles shall be generated by a home business in greater volumes than normally expected in a residential neighborhood and any need for parking must be accommodated within the required off-street parking for the dwelling unit; and
• Uses which are detrimental to the existing residential appearance and character are not allowed as home businesses.

You may find the requirements and application process in Spokane Valley Municipal Code 19.65.180.

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1. When may sites be reserved?

Park reservations will be taken starting on the first business day of the calendar year in January at 8 am, for reserved dates of April 15 through October 15. (For 2022, reservation requests will be taken starting at 8 am on Monday, January 3, 2022.) Year-in-advance reservations are not given. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the activity. Park restrooms are open April 15 through October 15.

2. How can I reserve a shelter or ball field?

• Please submit a completed Facility Usage Application form (PDF) along with full payment of all fees and deposits.
• We accept cash, check (payable to the City of Spokane Valley), VISA, Mastercard, or American Express.
• Reservations may be made by walk-in, mail, or fax at 509-720-5250 during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
• Complete reservation requests are processed in the order in which they are received, and are subject to approval.
• The maximum number of people allowed per reservation is 400.

3. May I reserve by phone?

Sorry, we cannot make reservations over the phone. Reservations must be made in person at CenterPlace, 2426 N Discovery Place, by email to Parks and Recreation, by fax at 509-720-5250, or by mail at 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA, 99216.

4. What if it rains?

Sorry, we cannot give refunds due to inclement weather. 

5. How do I know my reservation has been made?

Upon approval of your application request from the Parks and Recreation Director or designee, a Facility Permit will be issued and sent to you. Please keep this permit with you as proof of your reservation. Your reservation will also be posted at the shelter, so other park users are aware the site is reserved.

6. Do I need an amplified sound permit?

An Amplified Sound Permit Application must be submitted to amplify sound of any type with a volume audible at a distance over 30 feet in a city park. There is no charge for this permit. Your application is subject to approval.

7. What if I must cancel?

• Cancellations must be made at least two weeks prior to the reservation in order to receive a full refund.
• Cancellations occurring within two weeks of the reservation will be refunded the damage deposit only.

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1. Why does Spokane Valley charge a fee for false alarm response? Don’t my taxes cover this?

Your taxes appropriately pay for police response to legitimate calls for police service.  False alarms, by definition, are not legitimate calls for police service.  In fact, false alarm response prevents our police from responding to legitimate calls for police service.  Requiring those responsible for false alarms to pay for false alarm response protects the majority of Spokane Valley citizens (those without alarm systems and those who operate their systems responsibly) from paying for the errors of others.

2. How is the recovery fee determined?

The recovery fee is not a fine.  It is specifically calculated to recover the cost of police response plus a small amount of administrative cost.  Periodic analysis of police dispatch data is used to determine the average amount of time for false alarm response.  The time is multiplied by the cost that Spokane Valley pays Spokane County for police service. 

3. Can I opt out of the program?

Yes.  Simply notify your alarm monitoring company not to request police dispatch to alarm activations at your alarm site.

4. Can I appeal an assessed recovery fee?

Yes. SVMC Chapter 7.20.170 defines an appeal process under a limited set of circumstances. Specifically, a cost recovery fee may be appealed only if there is credible evidence that the alarm activation was the result of actual criminal activity or an extreme weather event or natural disaster.

5. Is the False Alarm Reduction Program operated locally?

Yes.  Many of you may recall that in the past portions of the program were operated by a third party.  City of Spokane Valley staff and the Spokane Valley Police Department collaborated to simplify the program and bring it entirely within local control and administration.  This resulted in a program that has minimized government intrusion and reduced the cost to our citizens. 

6. What payment options are available?

The following payment options are available to you: online, telephone, by mail, and in person.

• Online: Refer to your false alarm notification letter. It contains a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Incident Number that you will need to enter to complete your online payment.
• Telephone: Phone payments may be made at 844-719-3085. Your false alarm notification letter will contain a CAD Incident Number that you will need to enter to complete your payment.
• By Mail: Payments (check only) may be mailed to the Spokane Valley Police Precinct Building at 12710 E Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, Washington, 99216. Be sure to include the lower portion of you notification letter. It contains the CAD incident Number that will allow the payment to be correctly applied to your false alarm incident.
• In Person: Credit card payments are accepted at the front counter of the Precinct Building. A receipt will be provided to you at that time.

7. Where does the money go?

All collected funds go to the Spokane Valley general fund.  It is from this fund that Spokane Valley pays for law enforcement services.

8. Where do I find more information?

The full text of SVMC Chapter 7.20

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1. How do I get a copy of a police report?

All SVPD law enforcement reports can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office Public Records Department at 509-477-1721 or online.

2. Who do I talk to about paying a traffic ticket?

For information on paying a traffic ticket or for other traffic ticket-related questions, contact Spokane Valley District Court either by phone at 509-477-3390 or in-person at 12710 E Sprague Avenue. Spokane Valley District Court is located in the same building as the Spokane Valley Police Department.

3. Who is assigned to my case?

For property crime cases that occurred within the city limits of Spokane Valley, call 509-477-3321.

For property crime cases that occurred outside the city limits of Spokane Valley but within unincorporated Spokane County, call 509-477-4760.

4. How do I obtain a concealed weapon permit?

Concealed Weapon Licenses, Firearms Dealer License, and Used Goods Dealer Licenses for Spokane Valley are issued through the City of Spokane Police Department Records Division. Please call 509-625-4030 to listen to recordings of detailed information regarding these licenses.

5. I have questions about no-shooting areas.

The city of Spokane Valley is a "No Shooting Zone" consistent with Spokane Valley Municipal Code 6.05.090 and 8.45.010.

6. How can I find out if someone is in jail?

Adults: Call the Spokane County Jail at 509-477-2278. Adult inmates currently in Spokane County Jail can also be found on the Spokane County Detention Services Inmate Roster, where charging data can also be found. For dates and times of visiting hours, please call the Spokane County Jail number above.

Juveniles under age of 18: Call Juvenile Detention Services at 509-477-2404, where you can also get the dates and time for visiting hours. Juvenile criminal records are confidential, but parents/guardians can obtain the information about their minor child from Juvenile Detention Services at the number.

7. How do I get back my property that was seized by the police during an investigation?

Police seize property for two reasons: For evidence and for safekeeping.

• Evidence - Property taken as evidence will not be released until the case is resolved in the courts. At that time, you will need to obtain a property release from the lead detective or the prosecutor. A letter will be sent to you when your property is authorized for release.
• Safekeeping - If we found your property or took it from you for safekeeping, you will be able to pick it up at the Property Room at 4010 E Alki in Spokane between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesday, or Fridays (except holidays). The Property Room is closed for the lunch hour from noon to 1 pm. Photo identification will be required.

8. I think there was a Police helicopter in my neighborhood. What was going on?

You can get a brief rundown of the Spokane County Sheriff's Helicopter Unit, which also serves Spokane Valley, on the Spokane County Sheriff's website.

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1. When must I clear the sidewalk?

When snow or ice accumulations are more than 3 inches. This applies to both residential and commercial areas.

2. How long do I have to clear the sidewalk?

48 hours after the end of the snow event, which may include snow deposited by plows from the roadway. 

3. Can I push the snow into the street?

No, depositing snow/ice in a manner which obstructs or creates an obstruction to traffic constitutes a misdemeanor.

4. Can the city provide resources to help me clear my sidewalk or driveway?

The city does not provide resources to help residents physically remove snow from their driveways or sidewalks. The city does, however, maintain a "Safe Routes to School" program that provides for clearing snow from 20 miles of sidewalk that is identified as safe routes for children who walk to school in various neighborhoods. 

5. How much snow/ice can accumulate before I receive a fine?

Accumulation of snow/ice exceeding 3 inches.

6. How frequently will I be fined if I don’t remove the snow?

After citation is issued you have 48 hours to clear snow/ice before an additional citation may be issued.

7. How much is the fine?

• First and second citation: $52 each
• Third-plus citation in 12 months: $103 each

8. Where does the money from the citation go?

The Street Fund.

9. If I see a sidewalk that is not being cleared of snow and should be, what can I do?

You can report your concern to the city via its SVexpress service. Please identify the general location of the sidewalk.

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1. When will my street get plowed?

Primary routes are plowed whenever there is snow accumulation. Residential streets are considered for plowing when traffic flow is significantly reduced. If the City starts a full residential plow, we will post on Facebook and Twitter and send an email to interested citizens. You can sign up to receive snow information. 

2. What streets are included in the primary routes?

Primary plowing routes include arterials, hillsides and critical intersections.

3. What streets are included in residential routes?

Residential routes are the streets on the valley floor in residential areas.

4. My street isn’t on one of the maps above. Who plows my street?

The City of Spokane Valley has areas that are not plowed by the City. Trent Avenue (SR 290) and Highway 27 are plowed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). For more information call WSDOT at 509-324-6000.

Privately owned roads within the City limits are not plowed by the City. To find out if you live on a privately owned road, check out our snow map.

5. Why doesn't the plow driver lift the blade so there isn't a berm left in my driveway?

Plow drivers in Spokane Valley don't lift plow blades at driveways because:

• Lifting plow blades isn't always effective to avoid leaving berms.
• Lifting the blade at each intersection would create a berm in the travel lanes, creating a safety issue for drivers.
• Lifting the plow blade at each driveway in the city would significantly delay completion of plowing.
• The additional time needed to complete plowing would increase the costs, placing more financial burden on taxpayers.

6. Why does the City of Spokane Valley not use gates on plows?

Gates are most useful in residential areas to avoid leaving berms across driveways. Currently, the City of Spokane Valley utilizes contracted graders to plow residential areas within the City. Since the City does not own the graders, implementing the use of gates would require contractors to purchase additional equipment. At this time the companies that the City contracts with do not own graders with gates. The approximate cost of a gate is $25,000.

The use of gates increases the time to be able to complete plowing since the grader has to operate at a lower rate of speed to be effective.

The City is observing the use of gates in our neighboring cities and will continue to evaluate the usefulness of this piece of equipment.

7. How long do I have to clear the sidewalk?

48 hours after the end of the snow event, which may include snow deposited by plows from the roadway.

8. Can I push the snow into the street?

No, depositing snow/ice in a manner which obstructs or creates an obstruction to traffic constitutes a misdemeanor.

9. How much snow/ice can accumulate before I receive a fine?

Accumulation of snow/ice exceeding 3 inches.

10. How frequently will I be fined if I don’t remove the snow?

After a citation is issued, you have 48 hours to clear snow/ice before an additional citation may be issued.

11. How much is the fine?

• First and second citation: $52 each
• Third plus citation in 12 months: $103 each

12. Where does the money from the citation go?

The money goes to the Street Fund, which pays for road repairs. 

13. What resources are available for those who physically cannot clear their sidewalks?

Unfortunately, the city does not have available resources to assist residents who need help with snow removal either on sidewalks or driveways. Residents are encouraged to reach out to area churches or service clubs for assistance.

In addition, there are companies that specialize in snow removal. Many local landscaping companies offer such services for residential customers. The Better Business Bureau has a list of companies that may offer services for snow removal.

14. Are there still fines for those physically unable to clear sidewalks?

You could still receive a warning notice or citation. However, there is a defense of violation process.

It shall serve as a defense to a violation of the sidewalk ordinance if all of the following are met:

• The subject property is occupied as a residence, regardless of zoning designation
• The violator is 65 years or older, or possesses a physical disability that has been verified by a medical doctor which prevents them from removing accumulations of snow and ice from the sidewalk and
• The violator can provide documentation that shows reasonable efforts to obtain snow removal services were made but were unsuccessful