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

RMC § 8.10.030 makes it unlawful to camp in city-owned or city-maintained rights-of-way, trails, parks and park facilities, publicly owned parking lots or areas, stormwater drainage facilities, or any other city-owned or maintained property, except where the code specifically allows it. RMC § 8.10.040 separately bars storing personal property, including tents, campers, sleeping bags and cooking gear, in those same areas, though it exempts unoccupied vehicles, trailers and RVs legally parked in a right-of-way. The chapter defines an "unauthorized encampment" as two or more camp facilities in an identifiable area, meaning camps in sight of each other or within 300 feet of one another.

RMC § 8.10.050 sets the cleanup procedure: if an encampment or unlawful camp creates an immediate, significant risk of harm or blocks pedestrian or vehicle traffic, police, city staff or a contracted agent may remove property immediately. Otherwise, the city must first post at least 72 hours' advance notice at the site stating the location, that camping or storage is prohibited under RMC §§ 8.10.030 and 8.10.040, and that continuing use may draw criminal penalties. After the notice period, removed personal property must be stored by the city for at least 60 days before disposal, with notice posted at the site telling people where to reclaim it, and the city must try to contact any identifiable owner directly.

Contraband is seized and may be held as evidence, and litter or solid waste is disposed of. Anyone who receives a notice or has property removed can request a meeting with the city manager or a designee to raise concerns; requesting that meeting before removal pauses the removal unless the property poses an immediate threat to public health, safety or welfare. RMC § 8.10.060 sets the penalty for violating the chapter.