Spokane City Council to Consider New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

The Spokane City Council will vote on the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance on October 27, 2025, at 6 p. m. This legislation aims to empower Spokane Police Department officers with the discretion to offer services to willing suspects or cite violators for camping and obstruction on public property. The council discussed the ordinance in a recent Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting, where it was decided to include it on the agenda. If approved, the ordinance would criminalize camping and obstruction on all public property, including entrances and exits to private property.

The decision to create this legislation stems from ongoing concerns about public safety and community health related to these activities. Residents can sign up to provide testimony before the meeting through the City Council Public Comment Sign-up Form. The session will be streamed live on Channel 5, CityCable5 online, and the Spokane City Council Facebook page. This ordinance reflects a growing trend among local governments to address homelessness and public space usage through legislation.