Spokane City Council to Consider New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

The Spokane City Council is set to vote on the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance during a legislative session at 6 p. m. on October 27, 2025. This ordinance, which received attention during a Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting, will make camping and obstruction on public property illegal. The Spokane Police Department will be empowered to either offer services to willing suspects or issue citations to violators, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses.

The council suspended standard rules to include this ordinance on the agenda, underscoring its urgency. Community members can register to testify before the meeting through the City Council's Public Comment Sign-up Form. The legislative session will be accessible to the public via Channel 5, CityCable5 online, and the Spokane City Council Facebook page. This ordinance reflects an ongoing effort to address public space usage and improve community safety. The potential changes may significantly impact local residents and the approach to managing public property in Spokane.