SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane City Council will vote Monday on a new ordinance that would allow people to camp on city streets for a maximum of seven days before handing out a citation.
The ordinance would replace Proposition 1, which Spokane voters approved but the Washington State Supreme Court later overturned.
Councilman Zack Zappone sponsors the amendment. He believes it will replace what he calls ineffective ordinances that currently govern camping in the city.
“I think this amendment is everything in Proposition 1 and more,” Zappone said. “The obstruction and unauthorized ordinance actually prohibits camping city-wide on all city properties at all times of day. Currently we have a patchwork of ordinances that prohibit camping at certain times of day in certain places.”
Council members Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart oppose the amendment. Bingle says the seven day maximum is too long.
“Seven days is a long time, why don’t we say up to three? Something like that, seven is just going to be too long,” Bingle said. “I didn’t think that was a crazy request. Our current code is less than that so it still gave them a little extra time.”
Zappone says law enforcement could still step in before the seven-day limit if there is drug use or other illegal activity in the camps. Bingle remains doubtful.
“Up to seven days certainly gives us the opportunity to do it faster than seven days. But based on past history, I think that gives us an indication of future performance,” Bingle said. “I’m not confident it’s going to happen before seven days.”
The City Council will vote on the amendment Monday.
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