Seattle bars camping in parks under SMC 18.12 and on public rights-of-way under SMC 15.48, and the Unified Care Team applies a Multi-Departmental Administrative Rule (MDAR) protocol balancing notice, outreach, and obstruction-based removals after the 2024 Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling.
SMC 18.12.080 bans overnight camping or sleeping in city parks; SMC 15.48 prohibits obstructing sidewalks or rights-of-way. Following Martin v. Boise (2018) Seattle adopted MDAR 17-01 requiring 72-hour written notice and shelter offers before non-obstruction sweeps; obstruction encampments could be removed without notice. After the U.S. Supreme Court's 2024 Grants Pass decision lifted Eighth Amendment limits, Seattle retained the MDAR notice framework but expanded the Unified Care Team's pace of resolutions, prioritizing schools, parks, and arterials.
Camping after warning is a misdemeanor under SMC 18.12.080 with up to 90 days jail and $1,000 fine, though prosecutions are rare. Refusal to vacate during a removal can result in arrest, property impound, and 60-day storage of belongings.
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