Spokane City Council to Consider New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

Spokane City Council will vote on the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance during its 6 p. m. Legislative Session on October 27, 2025. The proposed legislation grants Spokane Police Department officers discretion to either offer services or cite individuals for violations related to camping and obstruction on public property. Council members discussed the ordinance during a recent Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting, where they suspended rules to include it in the agenda for the evening session.

If enacted, the ordinance would make camping on public property illegal and establish escalating penalties for repeat offenders. This legislation is part of broader efforts to address public safety and community health concerns in Spokane. Residents interested in providing input can sign up via the City Council Public Comment Sign-up Form. The legislative session will be streamed live on Channel 5 and the Spokane City Council Facebook page, ensuring transparency and community engagement. The ordinance’s potential impact on local homelessness and public spaces underscores its significance for Spokane residents.