Council Members to Introduce New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

Members of the Spokane City Council will introduce the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance at the Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting on Monday. This legislation grants police officers the discretion to cite violators of camping and obstruction laws or offer services to individuals willing to accept them. Under the ordinance, camping on all public properties becomes illegal, with an emphasis on protecting waterways and managing litter. Council Member Zack Zappone stated the need for a balanced approach to support vulnerable populations while enforcing the law against those refusing help. Michael Cathcart highlighted the shared commitment among council members to uphold community safety and accountability.

The ordinance aims to improve clarity for officers regarding enforcement options. This move comes after an ordinance passed in June that raised concerns about enforcement discretion. The council will determine the timeline for legislative action during the upcoming committee meeting.