Photo courtesy: Chelan County.
Chelan County Commissioners have passed a new land use law that makes it illegal to camp on county-owned property.
The fast tracked action by the commissioners came in response to homeless encampments that the county says are becoming an increasing concern in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County.
The new code section applies to county parks, county buildings, county rights-of-way and roadways, county parking lots, and other county-owned land in the unincorporated areas.
Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay said the code section, when combined with a policy that addresses, in part, the needs of the people found illegally camping on county property, is a tool to protect county property while also reaching out to people in homeless encampments.
“We heard a variety of comments at our public hearing on this new code, which, when enforced using the policies and procedures we are working on now, will address all concerns,” Overbay said. “We are working to strike a balance between protecting taxpayer-owned assets and getting people the help they need.”
The new code also contains provisions addressing:
• If someone is found to be camping or living on a county property, a law enforcement officer can issue a written order prohibiting them from entering or being on that county property for up to five years.
• A person who receives a written order must remove their belongings within 24 hours or risk forfeiting the property.
• If someone violates the written order, they can be criminally charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of $1,000.
• The establishment of a hearing process for people who wish to have a written order reviewed.
The commissioners will continue to work on the policies and procedures that will be followed when enforcing the code section. A third workshop on the draft policy is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, during the regular commissioners meeting.
Among the issues the policy will address are:
• What agencies and services are contacted when an encampment is identified.
• Procedures for clearing the encampment and disposing of hazardous items, solid waste and any personal property left behind.
• Outreach services and agencies that will be available to offer and coordinate services to people in need. Among the information and services offered will be alternative shelter options.
• Procedures for the posting of removal notices and what information the postings will contain.
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