Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1. What neighborhood do I live in? (What is my neighborhood council?)

Answer: Log on to www.spokaneneighborhoods.org and click on the “What Neighborhood Do I Live In?” link to locate your neighborhood; or you can contact the Office of Neighborhood Services at 625-6730 and provide the staff with your street address (along with the nearest cross street) and they will provide you with your neighborhood of residence and the contact information for your neighborhood council.

Question 2. I heard that there is going to be a clean-up event in my neighborhood. When and where is this event?

Answer: If you know what neighborhood in which you reside, you can contact your neighborhood council chair or clean-up coordinator to determine that date and time of your event. If you know the name of your neighborhood but do not have contact information for your neighborhood council chair or clean-up coordinator you can log onto www.spokaneneighborhoods.org and click on the “Current Neighborhood News” link to locate their contact information. The “Current Neighborhood News” link also has the dates and times for every neighborhood clean-up event scheduled. You can also contact the Office of Neighborhood Services at 625-6730 and the staff will be happy to get you the clean-up information you need.

Question 3. I have noticed that there are a few properties in my neighborhood where there is a large amount of trash or debris in the yard or there are old disabled automobiles on the property or the property is completely unkempt and might be posing a hazard to others. What can I do to remedy these situations?

Answer: The City of Spokane has a Code Enforcement Department that is equipped to tackle just such problems. You can contact the Code Enforcement Department at 625-6083 or log onto www.spokaneneighborhoods.org or www.buildspokane.org/CodeEnforcement to download a complaint form with instructions. This complaint form is required to get the ball rolling on addressing a specific issue or property. If there is an abandoned vehicle located on the street, you should contact the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at 625-4246.

Question 4. What City Council District do I live in and who is my City Council Representative?

Answer: The City of Spokane is divided into three City Council Districts with two representatives from each district on the City Council (plus one City Council President that is elected citywide). You log onto www.spokanecity.org/government/citycouncil/ to learn more about each member of the Spokane City Council, which district they herald from, as well as locate which district in which you reside. If you live in an area in which you find yourself unsure as to which district in which you live, you can contact the Spokane City Council Office at 625-6252 or the Office of Neighborhood Services at 625-6730 and the staff will be happy to assist you.

Question 5. I heard that there might be funding available for help with my heating bill or help with home repairs. Where do I go to access these funds?

Answer: The Spokane Neighborhood Action Program (SNAP) does make funds available for heating assistance, winterization, and roof repair to those low-income individuals that qualify. Citizens should contact SNAP directly at 456-7111.

Question 6. My street has turned into the Indianapolis 500 speedway with drivers racing down my street. Is there anything I can do to get these drivers to slow down and pay attention to the posted speed limits?

Answer: Every year the Office of Neighborhood Services, in partnership with the Spokane Police Department, sponsors “Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Awareness Week” in which citizens across Spokane are encouraged to post yellow and blank speed limit sign indicating the appropriate speed for their respective street. These signs can be purchased for ten dollars a piece through the Office of Neighborhood Services 625-6730.

Question 7. There is an abandoned car that is parked on my street that has been there for months. Who can I call to have it removed? Also, I notice there are vehicles parked on the lawn of another neighbor’s home, and it is an eyesore for all of us who try to keep our homes looking nice. What can be done about those vehicles?

Answer: Vehicles that are left parked on the streets in the public right of way for more than 24 hours may be reported to the Abandoned Vehicle Hot Line at 625-4246. Junk/other vehicles parked on private property may be in violation of City ordinances and may reported to Code Enforcement at 625-6083. Code Enforcement Complaint Forms are available on the Neighborhood Services website at spokaneneighborhoods.org.