Renton City Council to vote on camping ban

Renton is poised to become the next Washington city to ban camping on public property.

Cities like Lakewood, Tukwila, and Burien took action after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled camping bans don’t amount to “cruel and unusual punishment” under the 8^th Amendment.

The Renton City Council is scheduled to vote on a similar ban Monday.

“I’ve been homeless for about three to four years. I’ve lost everything,” said Nicole as she wandered down a sidewalk in downtown Renton. Her belongings were piled on a child’s push car. She told KIRO 7 that she typically sleeps in parking lots. She does not like going to shelters.

“No, I don’t. Any shelters, I do not trust them. They are not good. They are unhealthy,” she claimed. “I’d rather be on the streets than be in the shelter.”

• Follow this link to read additional stories from KIRO 7

But under Renton’s proposed camping ban, no one could erect a tent or tarp on city property, including – but not limited to – parking lots, trails, and parks.

Also off limits: making fires, storing personal items, or stashing shopping carts there.

“Compassion with accountability can work together,” said Max Komar of Battlefield Addiction. The non-profit reaches out to people struggling with substance abuse, some of whom have ended up in homeless camps. But he says it’s not just the homeless who need help.

“We believe that families deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, so we support reasonable policies that protect the community from open air drug use and unsafe, unsanctioned camping while connecting those people to the proper resources they need,” Komar said.

Renton’s anti-camping law does state that the homeless should be offered outreach and services.

But it would also establish trespassing zones. Repeat violators could be charged with a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor laws are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. That leaves Nicole little choice about where she and her few possessions can stay.