Spokane County, WA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Encampment defined
- 2+ camp facilities within ~300 feet
- Advance notice
- 48 hours before removal
- Property storage
- 60 days before disposal
- Who determines
- Sheriff or designee
- Right to meet
- County official + written decision
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine and/or 90 days jail
Summary
Two or more camp facilities within roughly 300 feet of each other on public property meet Spokane County's definition of an "unauthorized encampment" under SCC 6.15.050(11). Once the Sheriff or a designee makes that determination, SCC 6.15.070 lets the county post 48 hours' notice, then remove and store the property for sixty days before disposing of it.
"Unauthorized encampment" means two or more camp facilities in an identifiable area which appears to be being used for unlawful camping. For purposes of this chapter an identifiable area includes areas where the camp facilities are in sight of each other and/or areas where each camp facility is located within approximately 300 feet of another structure. ...(1)Upon a determination made by the Spokane County Sheriff or his/her designee that an area constitutes an unauthorized encampment, as defined by this chapter, the personal property, camping paraphernalia, camp facilities, and all other property, contraband, litter, and solid waste may be removed subject to the following provisions.(2)(A)The county shall post a notice at least forty-eight hours in advance...(B)(i)Any personal property removed by the county shall be stored for sixty days prior to being disposed of.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
040. 050(11) defines an "unauthorized encampment" as two or more camp facilities in an identifiable area being used for unlawful camping, where identifiable means the facilities are in sight of each other or each sits within approximately 300 feet of another structure. 070 sets the removal protocol: the county must first post a notice at least 48 hours in advance identifying the location, stating that camping there is prohibited and which code section is violated, and warning that both criminal penalties and property removal can follow.
After the 48-hour window, county personnel may remove camping facilities, paraphernalia and other personal property; removed items must be stored for 60 days before disposal, with a posted notice of where to reclaim them, and staff must attempt direct contact when an owner can be identified. Any contraband found is seized and disposed of or held as evidence, and litter or solid waste is disposed of separately. 070(3) gives anyone who receives a notice, or whose property is removed, the right to meet with a county official and receive a written decision addressing their concerns. 080, was repealed by Resolution No. 2025-0087 on February 18, 2025, so the removal protocol is now in active use rather than paused.
Violations & Fines
Camping or storing property in a prohibited public area is a misdemeanor under SCC 6.15.060, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Property removed from an unauthorized encampment that goes unclaimed after the 60-day storage period is disposed of, and any contraband found during removal is seized outright rather than stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an "unauthorized encampment" in Spokane County?
How much notice does Spokane County give before clearing an encampment?
What happens to my belongings if the county removes an encampment?
Can I challenge a Spokane County encampment removal notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington homelessness & encampment rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.