Homelessness & Encampment Rules in King County, WA (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in King County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of King County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Encampment Sanitation

Unincorporated King County permits sanctioned homeless encampments only under a temporary use permit that mandates portable toilets, handwashing stations, refuse receptacles, a regular trash patrol, and full garbage disposal before the site closes.

King County Homeless Encampment Sanitation Rules

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 21A.45.060

D. The host and managing agency will assure all applicable public health regulations, including but not limited to the following, will be met: 1. Sanitary portable toilets; 2. Hand washing stations by the toilets; 3. Food preparation or service tents; 4. Security tents; 5. Refuse receptacles; and 6. Disposal of all garbage and debris before vacating the encampment site...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗