Spokane City Council to Consider New Camping and Obstruction Ordinance

The Spokane City Council will vote on the “Safe and Accessible Spaces” ordinance during its 6 p. m. session on October 27, 2025. This legislation seeks to criminalize camping and obstruction on public property, which includes rights-of-way and private property entrances. Spokane Police Department officers would have the discretion to provide services to willing suspects or cite violators, with escalating consequences for repeat offenders.

The ordinance was reviewed during a recent Public Safety and Community Health Committee meeting, prompting the council to suspend rules for its inclusion on the agenda. Citizens interested in providing testimony can register through the City Council Public Comment Sign-up Form webpage. The legislative session will be streamed live on Channel 5 and the Spokane City Council's Facebook page, allowing residents to engage with the proceedings. As homelessness and public space usage remain pressing issues, this ordinance reflects a significant policy change in Spokane. The potential impact on community safety and quality of life is substantial, leading to heightened public interest.