Yakima's Homelessness & Encampment Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles homelessness & encampment rules a little differently. In Yakima, Washington, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sit-Lie Rules

Yakima fines anyone who sits, lies or stands on a sidewalk in a way that blocks passage badly enough that others must dodge to avoid contact: aggressive panhandling is a separate, tougher offense.

Key details: Trigger: Blocking passage requiring evasive action. First-offense fine: $95 civil infraction. Repeat fines: $150, then $250. Aggressive begging: Separate misdemeanor charge.

Ordinary obstruction is a civil infraction: $95 for a first offense within a year, $150 for a second, $250 for a third or later. Aggressive begging under § 6.75.020(A)(2) is a misdemeanor.

Encampment Sanitation

Yakima bans erecting tents, tarps, or other camping structures on any street, sidewalk, park, or other city-owned property without a permit, and treats unauthorized camp structures as a public nuisance the code enforcement officer can summarily abate.

Key details: Where banned: streets, parks, city property. Enforcement: code officer may summarily abate. Permits: available under YMC Ch. 5.98/9.70. Penalty: misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine.

Violating Chapter 6.91, including erecting unauthorized camp structures, is a misdemeanor under § 6.91.090, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Yakima actively enforces its encampment sanitation requirements.

The Bottom Line

Yakima's homelessness & encampment rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Yakima is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Yakima's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.