SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane City Council will likely pass an emergency ordinance Monday night that bans camping and obstruction on all public property, giving police broader enforcement powers than the city’s previous camping restrictions.
The proposed “Safe and Accessible Public Spaces” ordinance would prohibit camping on all public property, including right-of-ways and entrances and exits to private businesses. If passed, the measure would take effect immediately.
The new ordinance goes significantly further than the camping ban the city passed in June. Under the previous rules, people could avoid citations by simply moving to a different location or agreeing to go to treatment services. The new measure gives police full discretion on how they handle violations.
“This clarifies that any violation can be cited by an officer, but also encourages an officer to refer an individual to services, to navigation,” said Christopher Wright, council policy advisor.
Council members believe the clearer definitions and stricter penalties will create meaningful change across Spokane. The ordinance also bans all fires regardless of purpose, protects public trees and safeguards the city’s waterways.
“It clarifies that any kind of fire, regardless of its purpose, can be a violation,” Wright said.
The measure has drawn support from council members across the political spectrum, who want to pass it quickly so they can focus on other pressing city issues, including the budget.
“We really need to get to work figuring out the budget. So, I would love to see us get this done as soon as possible,” said Kitty Klitzke, City Council member for District 3.
Jonathan Bingle, City Council member for District 1, said the ordinance is the product of collaboration.
“I think that this is going to go down as a legacy piece. I think potentially for us as a council where there actually was serious collaboration here. And I think that’s how you create lasting policy,” Bingle said.
Michael Cathcart, also representing District 1, emphasized the urgency of the measure.
“As council member Bingle points out, and others agree, this is a legitimate emergency and that doesn’t come around very often,” Cathcart said.
The council was originally scheduled to vote on the ordinance next week, but moved up the timeline. Council members have already indicated they expect the measure to pass, meaning the new rules could take effect as early as Tuesday.
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