Yakima County, WA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

08 governs use of county-owned real property, including land managed by public services or flood control districts. 020 defines 'camp' or 'camping' as using county property for temporary recreational habitation as shown by camp paraphernalia such as tarpaulins, cots, sleeping bags, mattresses or non-county cooking facilities, and defines 'camp facilities' to include temporary shelters, tents, vehicles, and accessory bathing or toilet setups. 030 makes it unlawful to camp, occupy camp facilities for habitation, or use or store camp materials on county property, or to remain or recreate there outside the hours of operation the county itself posts at the site, except where county-posted rules allow it or another Title 8 provision permits it.

It is separately unlawful to camp, occupy or use any county property that has been posted with a notice that the specific use violates the site's conditions. 010, to manage county property so it serves purposes that promote public health, safety and welfare and to preserve county land for future public benefit. 52 and other Yakima County Code provisions, and does not bar otherwise-lawful recreational uses of county or adjoining public land.