Council Members to Introduce New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

The Spokane City Council will introduce the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance during the Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting on Monday. This legislation empowers police officers to offer services to individuals willing to accept help while also allowing for citations against those who repeatedly violate camping and obstruction laws on public property. Council Member Zack Zappone stated, “We all want to see an end to public camping,” highlighting the council's commitment to balancing enforcement with support for vulnerable individuals. The ordinance includes measures to protect public spaces, such as waterways and trees, and aims to address safety concerns related to illegal fires and litter. Council Member Michael Cathcart noted the importance of upholding community standards while connecting people to available services.

The council will establish a timeline for legislative action during the meeting. Members of the public can view the ordinance and register to testify through a provided link. This ordinance follows an earlier measure passed in June, addressing concerns about officer discretion in enforcement.