Legal Challenge to Ordinance 832 Dismissed

The U. S. District Court for the Western District of Washington has dismissed a lawsuit filed by King County challenging the constitutionality of Burien's Ordinance 832, which prohibits unlawful public camping. The court ruled that King County lacked the necessary standing for federal jurisdiction, thereby rejecting the county's claims. Although King County argued that the ordinance contradicted constitutional protections, the court referenced a recent Supreme Court decision that affirmed local governments' rights to enforce camping regulations.

Sheriff Patricia Cole-Tindall's claims of potential harm were deemed subjective and insufficient to establish a case. Furthermore, the court underscored that King County would not incur financial liability in enforcing Burien's ordinance. The ruling effectively concludes King County's claims against Burien in federal court and remands Burien's breach of contract claim back to state court. Burien officials expressed eagerness to collaborate with King County on implementing the ordinance. This ruling marks a significant legal precedent regarding local governance and public safety regulations.