SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – The Spokane Valley City Council has passed a new ordinance . The change amends the current city code, which previously classified camping in parks as an infraction.
The vote passed unanimously on Tuesday’s meeting, though council members engaged in lengthy discussions before the decision was made.
The proposed ordinance seeks to address the growing issue of encampments in public areas, a concern raised by longtime resident Bill Harris, who has observed these encampments, especially during the summer months.
The amendment aligns the city code with regulations for other public properties, where camping is already considered a misdemeanor, with the exception of parks.
The Spokane Valley Police Department requested the amendment, as noted in the city council agenda. However, Councilmember Merkel expressed concerns that the ordinance does not provide a comprehensive solution.
