Spokane Valley council advances ordinance to restrict camping on private property after extended debate

The Spokane Valley City Council voted on Jan. 14 to advance Ordinance 24-018 to a second reading, a proposed amendment to the Spokane Valley Municipal Code that would generally prohibit camping on private property while carving out several explicit exceptions. Council also adopted an amendment requiring staff to deliver an annual review of the ordinance’s effects before a final vote.

The draft ordinance, introduced at tonight’s meeting, would prohibit private-property camping citywide but allow camping in four circumstances: legally established campgrounds and RV parks; short-term recreational-vehicle use approved through a temporary-use permit (up to three days for non-construction uses); temporary RV occupancy tied to an active building permit when a residence is under repair or construction; and limited, owner-authorized camping on private lots. The owner-authorized exceptions differ by…