FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.  Why isn't all construction done at night in order to minimize impact on drivers?
A.  There are a variety of reasons all construction projects aren't done at night.  Here are just a few of them:  overnight construction cannot be done in residential areas because of the noise; certain projects may not pose enough of a disruption to traffic to warrant working overnight; the pay scale is different for crews that work overnight, making it more expensive to complete overnight projects; and asphalt plants are not always willing to adjust their schedules to complete overnight work. If you have questions on a specific project, call Engineering Services' Construction Management office at (509) 625-7722.

Q.  How do I get my street paved?
A.  Over the next 10 years, the City of Spokane will pave 14 miles of unpaved streets via the Local Improvement District (LID) program, utilizing funds from the 10-Year Street Bond, as approved by the citizens.  That means 1/3 of the project cost to pave residential areas that form LIDs will be paid from Street Bond funds.  There is also a cost sharing fund available for low-income property owners who may qualify for 50%, 75% or 100% assistance with their street assessment costs. 

To start the LID process, call the LID Coordinator in Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700 or click here to check out the LID page of this web site.  The City will supply a district map, a property ownership list and a petition to gather neighborhood signatures.  Submit your petition with at least 50% approval of the proposed LID.  Projects with a higher percentage of approval will be given priority.

The City will complete a project estimate, send property owners their estimated assessment and hold required meetings and hearings.  If the project is recommended by the Hearing Examiner and approved by the City Council, the City will design and prepare the project for public bid, select a contractor and have the project constructed.

Q.  How is my Local Improvement District (LID) assessed?
A.  An equation is used to assess LIDs for property owners.  It is based upon the size of the property and its proximity to the improved street.  For more information on how an assessment amount is determined, contact Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700.

Q.  Can I close my street for a block party?
A.  Your block can be temporarily closed for a block party.  To do so, you must submit an application to Engineering Services at least 20 days before the event date.  A block party permit is $35.00.  To apply for a permit, contact Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700.

Q.  Is my house connected to City sewer and water?
A.  You can find out if your house is connected to City sewer and/or water by calling Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700 and providing your street address. 

Q.  Who is responsible for repair of the sewer line?
A.  Property owners are responsible for their side sewer (the sewer that runs from the street or alley to the house), while the City is responsible for the main line sewer that runs down the center of the street or alley.  A permit is required in order to do work on a side sewer.  A property owner can perform their own work on any part of the sewer line that is on their property, but the portion located in the City right-of-way must be repaired by a contractor who is bonded to work in the right-of-way.  For more information on repairing a side sewer or to obtain a permit to work on one, call Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700.

Q.  Who is responsible for repairing my sidewalk?  Can I do the work myself?
A.  The sidewalk adjacent to a property is the property owner's responsibility.  Because the sidewalk is on City right-of-way, a contractor who is bonded to work in the right-of-way must obtain a permit and do any repair work.  For more information, contact Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700.

Q.  Who can I talk to about a road construction project?
A.  If you have questions about construction work being done in the street, contact Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700 or the Engineering Services' Construction Management office at (509) 625-7722.  You can also click here to check the 'Construction Updates' page of this web site for the latest information.

Q.  How do I find my property lines?  Who do I talk to about a property line dispute?
A.  Engineering Services can give you an approximate measurement from the curb to your front property line.  To find your side property lines, a measurement can be obtained from the closest side street.   This is an approximate measurement.  Call Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700 for more information. The only way to find out exactly where property lines are is to have a survey done.  Property line disputes between neighbors are a civil matter in which the City is not involved.  Property owners need to contact a private attorney to resolve disputes.

Q.  What is a street vacation?  How do you get a street vacated?
A.  A street vacation is when an unused or unneeded street, alley or other public right-of-way becomes private property.  The adjoining property owners can file a petition with Engineering Services to consider vacating a street.  After reviewing the request, a recommendation is submitted to the City Council for approval.  For more information, click here to check the 'Street Vacations' page of this web site or call (509) 625-6700.

Q.  How do I get wheelchair ramps installed?
A.  The City generally does not have funds available to install wheelchair ramps.  At times there is money available through the City's Community Development Sidewalk Program or other programs.   For more information on these programs, contact the Community and Economic Development Department at (509) 625-6325 or check their website by clicking here.  If a corner property is being developed, a wheelchair ramp may be required as part of that development.  You can contact Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700 for more information.

Q.  Can I remove a tree in the right-of-way in front of my house?  Do I need a permit?
A.   Removal of trees located in the right-of-way must be approved by the City prior to removal.  The Department of Engineering Services coordinates the requests with the Urban Forestry Supervisor to determine if removal of the tree is the best action to take.  This work does require a permit and must be performed by a contractor bonded to work in the City right-of-way.  If a property owner is removing a tree on their private property, a permit is not required as long as the tree remains on private property during the course of it's removal.  For more information, contact the Department of Engineering Services at (509) 625-6700.

Q.  Why is the addition of sidewalks not included in reconstruction projects paid for by the 10-Year Street Bond? 
A.  Before the 10-Year Street Bond was put on the ballot, it was taken to several public meetings for citizen input.  The consensus from the public was that Bond money should be used to pay for a greater amount of road reconstruction, rather than sidewalk repairs/installation accompanying Bond road projects.  The Bond was put on the ballot with very little money devoted to sidewalks, and passed that way.