Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Pierce County, WA (2026)
1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Pierce County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Pierce County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Encampment Sanitation
Pierce County bans camping and overnight parking on any county-owned property outside of areas the county specifically designates and posts for that purpose. The Sheriff's Department enforces the rule, and a violation is a Class 3 civil infraction under PCC 1.16.
Pierce County Camping Ban on County Property
Significant RestrictionsPCC 8.96.020
8.96.020 Parking and Camping Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to park or camp on any County property except in areas specifically designated and posted for those purposes. (Ord. 99-29 § 1 (part), 1999)
Homelessness & Encampment Rules by City in Pierce County
2 cities in Pierce County have their own homelessness & encampment rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Pierce County ordinances
See every category we cover for Pierce County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Pierce County Ordinance Hub →