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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
GCC 6.46, Trespass on County Property
Camping cited at
§6.46.020(c)(5), example only
Covered property
County buildings, parks, trails, lots, open space
Excluded
Public streets and sidewalks
First warning
Up to 7 days exclusion
Repeat warnings
Up to 90 days, then 1 year
Violating a warning
Arrest for trespassing, §6.46.070(a)

Summary

Grant County has no stand-alone anti-camping ordinance for unincorporated areas, but GCC Chapter 6.46 treats camping on county-owned property, meaning parks, trails, parking lots, buildings and open space, as an example of behavior unreasonably disruptive to other users. County staff can respond with a written trespass warning excluding the camper from that property, rather than a citation for camping itself.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Grant County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(c)Behavior that is "unreasonably disruptive to other users" is behavior that is not constitutionally protected and that, in consideration of the nature, scope, use and purpose of the publicly owned property in question, unreasonably interferes with others' use and enjoyment of publicly owned property. Examples of behavior that may unreasonably interfere with others' use and enjoyment of publicly owned property include, but are not limited to, any of the following: ... (5)Behavior that is unreasonably inconsistent with the normal use for which the publicly owned property was designed and intended to be used (e.g., bathing, shaving, or washing clothes in a public bathroom ... or camping on county property where these activities are not appropriate).

View official code

Full Breakdown

010(c). 020(c)(5) lists camping on county property as an example of behavior unreasonably inconsistent with the property's normal use, alongside skateboarding in a parking area and bathing in a public restroom. 030. 040. 050. 060.

Violations & Fines

Camping itself is not charged as a crime; being found on county property in violation of an issued trespass warning is what exposes a person to arrest for trespassing under GCC 6.46.070(a). A person may ask the clerk of the Board, at least two business days ahead, for written authorization to enter excluded property to exercise First Amendment rights or conduct government business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to camp on Grant County property?
There is no direct camping ban. GCC 6.46.020(c)(5) lists camping on county-owned property as an example of unreasonably disruptive behavior that lets an authorized county employee or officer issue a written trespass warning excluding the camper from that property, rather than filing a camping charge.
How long can a trespass warning keep me off county land?
Under GCC 6.46.040, a first warning within the prior year can exclude someone for up to seven days, a second warning up to ninety days, and a third warning, or a prior yearlong warning within two years, up to a full year.
Can I challenge a trespass warning for camping?
Yes. GCC 6.46.060 lets the recipient deliver a written request for review to the clerk of the Board of County Commissioners within seven business days, and the chair reviews and rules within one to two business days depending on how long the exclusion runs.
Does this rule apply to sidewalks along county roads?
No. GCC 6.46.010(c) states the chapter does not apply to public streets and sidewalks, only to county-owned buildings, parks, trails, parking lots and open space.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Grant County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Grant County rules

Compare Grant County to another location·View the Washington homelessness & encampment rules overview

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