Kent, WA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

040). 070 splits into two tracks. In sensitive or incompatible-use areas, defined to include developed park areas, picnic shelters, play fields, off-leash dog areas, restrooms, golf courses, critical areas and water supply properties, City Hall, the Centennial Center, Kent Police Station, Kent Municipal Court, Kent Corrections Facility, streets, sidewalks, and posted no-trespass city property, the city may immediately remove camp facilities, contraband, pollutants, and waste, though the owner may remove the property themselves if present when crews arrive. On all other public property, the city must post a written notice at least 48 hours before removal explaining the deadline to leave, the process to petition for more time, and available social service and shelter options.

If items remain after the notice period, the city removes them, again giving the owner a chance to grab property during the removal itself. Property of obvious value, such as legal documents, identification, or labeled medications, is inventoried and stored with an attempt to notify the owner; the city will not store anything it reasonably believes is stolen, illegal to possess, hazardous, perishable, or of no apparent value. 040 must first offer assistance before citing, and a police department policy directs officers to weigh factors like property damage, nearby criminal activity, proximity to schools or parks, and whether shelter was previously offered and refused.