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Spokane County adopts code change to classify private camping as a nuisance
Summary
The Spokane County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted an amendment to Spokane County Code chapter 6.13 to add private camping as a listed nuisance, with stated exceptions for owner‑present camping and limits tied to health, safety and utility availability.
The Spokane County Board of Commissioners on May 12 unanimously adopted an amendment to chapter 6.13 of the Spokane County Code that designates private camping on private property as a specific nuisance and establishes enforcement standards.
Prosecutor Nathan Gwyn, presenting the proposal from the county prosecuting attorney's office, told the board the amendment “adds private camping and identify[s] it as a specific listed nuisance,” and that the change is meant to align with existing rules in the City of Spokane Valley and other county provisions. Gwyn said the change is not intended to punish camping that does not affect “the health, safety, welfare, comfort, or quiet enjoyment of others.”
Under the amendment, Gwyn said, one exception would allow camping where the property owner is among those camping and the site has no other residents, provided it does not exceed 14 days in a calendar year and does not otherwise create a nuisance. A separate exception would allow camping at or adjacent to a legally habitable residence when the property owner or tenant is physically present and gives permission. The proposal also includes limits on the number and type of vehicles, requirements for emergency access and consideration of onsite water and sewage facilities.
Commissioner French thanked legal staff for bringing the ordinance forward, saying it gives the board “the tools to be able to better control those negative activities in the community.” The chair noted there was no public testimony on the item before the board voted to adopt the amendment unanimously.
The ordinance references existing code sections that prohibit camping on public property and cross-references zoning rules that limit recreational-vehicle occupancy to 30 days. County staff said enforcement standards would be tied to nuisance definitions already in the code.
The board did not receive public testimony on the item; the amendment was adopted and will be incorporated into county nuisance enforcement procedures.
