Council Members to Introduce New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

Jackson Deese, Legislative Assistant, 509.625.6718 & Shae Blackwell, Legislative Assistant, 509.625.6224

Friday, October 24, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Members of the Spokane City Council will introduce a new obstruction and unauthorized camping ordinance entitled “Safe and Accessible Spaces” at Monday’s Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting.

The ordinance would give Spokane Police Department (SPD) officers discretion to offer services to a suspect who is willing to accept them and/or to cite violators, with increasing consequences for repeat violators. Camping and obstruction of all public property, including the right-of-way and entrances/exits to private property, would be illegal under this legislation. 

Included in the ordinance are other tools officers can apply, including an emphasis on protecting waterways and publicly owned trees, preventing illegal fires and potentially dangerous litter, and enforcing misuse issues in transit facilities and stops.

Most importantly, the ordinance clarifies that officers have the discretion to enforce any violation, which fixes an issue arising from the wording of the ordinance passed in June of this year. 

“We all want to see an end to public camping”, said Council Member Zack Zappone. “The Mayor introduced some of these ideas, and Council has been workshopping them. We want to get to a place to offer services to our most vulnerable while enforcing the law against those who refuse help. We need a balanced approach to address these issues. This will give more clarity to officers about our intent and the tools available to them.”

“What we are seeing on the streets is unacceptable,” said Council Member Michael Cathcart. “I’m grateful that my council colleagues are embracing a number of the recommendations that I and others have advocated for. This approach reflects a shared commitment to accountability, ensuring that while we connect people who want help to available services, we also provide the tools to uphold basic and consistent standards of safety and respect for everyone in our community.” 

Council is anticipated to discuss the ordinance at the Public Safety and Community Health committee on Monday, where the timeline for legislative action will be established. 

Members of the public can view the ordinance and sign up to testify at the committee meeting by using the following link PSCH Meeting