Chapter 8.25
UNLAWFUL CAMPING AND STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
Sections:
8.25.030 Unlawful camping or storage of personal property in public places.
8.25.040 Penalty for violations.
8.25.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to prevent harm to the health or safety of the public and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare by prohibiting camping and storage of personal property on public property, which interferes with the rights of others to use the area in the manner for which it is intended. (Ord. 20-1018 § 1)
8.25.020 Definitions.
The following definitions are applicable to this chapter:
“Available overnight shelter” means a public or private shelter, with an available overnight space, open to an individual experiencing homelessness at no charge. “Available overnight shelter” also includes a hotel or motel that is made available to an individual experiencing homelessness at no charge.
“Camp” means to pitch, use, or occupy camp facilities for the purposes of habitation, as evidenced by the use of camp paraphernalia.
“Camp facilities” include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, temporary shelters. “Camp facilities” does not include tents, huts, or temporary shelters when used temporarily in a park for recreation or play during daylight hours when the park is open to the public.
“Camp paraphernalia” includes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, blankets, mattresses, hammocks or cooking facilities or equipment.
“Park” means any publicly owned area controlled by the City or other governmental entity for park purposes. “Park” also includes all associated areas, including parking lots for parks.
“Public property” means any real property, building, structure, equipment, sign, shelter, vegetation, trail, and public open space, including all associated areas such as parking lots, controlled or owned by the City or any other governmental agency.
“Store” means to put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put for safekeeping, to place or leave in a location.
“Street” means any highway, lane, road, street, right-of-way, sidewalk, boulevard, alley, and every way or place in SeaTac open as a matter of right to public pedestrian and vehicular travel. (Ord. 20-1018 § 1)
8.25.030 Unlawful camping or storage of personal property in public places.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to camp or to store personal property, including camp facilities or camp paraphernalia, in the following areas:
1. Any park; or
2. Any street; or
3. Any public property, improved or unimproved. (Ord. 20-1018 § 1)
8.25.040 Penalty for violations.
A. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Notwithstanding, the maximum fine imposed for a first conviction for violation of this chapter shall be no more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).
B. Prior to imposing any fine for violation of this chapter, the Court shall make an inquiry into a person’s ability to pay. The Court is explicitly authorized to impose a requirement to perform community service in lieu of paying a fine. (Ord. 20-1018 § 1)
8.25.050 Enforcement.
A. Violation of SMC 8.25.030 shall be enforced at all times on any street located within one thousand (1,000) feet east or west of the International Boulevard South right-of-way, or at Angle Lake Park, Angle Lake Trail, and City Hall.
B. Except as provided in subsection (A) of this section, a violation of SMC 8.25.030 shall be enforced as follows:
1. Prior to issuing any citation or arrest pursuant to this chapter, the investigating officer shall inquire whether the unlawful camping and storage of personal property is due to homelessness. If the officer learns that such is the case, the officer shall determine, in accordance with relevant department policy, there is available overnight shelter to accommodate the subject of the investigation. If the officer determines there is no available overnight shelter, the officer shall not issue a citation.
2. If the officer determines there is available overnight shelter, the officer may, within his or her discretion:
a. Provide directions to the shelter location.
b. Offer one-time transport to the shelter locations.
3. Any individual who refuses to accept the shelter space offered is subject to citation or arrest pursuant to SMC 8.25.040. (Ord. 20-1018 § 1)