HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORKSHOP Encampment Policy Resolution - FINAL
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of Adopting a Revised Policy
on Unauthorized Encampment Removal and
Repealing and Replacing Jefferson County
Policy No. 02.10.23-01
RESOLUTION NO.
WHEREAS, Article XI, section 11 of the Washington Constitution, confers upon county
legislative authorities a direct and extensive delegation of the police power to adopt such local
police, sanitary and other regulations as are not in conflict with general laws; and,
WHEREAS, RCW 36.32.120(7) provides that the county legislative authorities shall make
and enforce, by appropriate resolutions, all such police and sanitary regulations as are not in
conflict with state law; and,
WHEREAS, police power is that inherent and plenary power which enables prohibition of
all things hurtful to the comfort, safety and welfare of society; and,
WHEREAS, the scope of police power is broad, encompassing all those measures which
bear a reasonable and substantial relation to promotion of the general welfare of the people; and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County owns and maintains multiple buildings and building
complexes and conducts meetings during regular business hours; and,
WHEREAS, the safety and security of the public and county employees engaging in
business on county properties is important to the Jefferson County Board of County
Commissioners; and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County owns and maintains multiple public parks used by members
of the public for intended uses set forth in chapter 12.25 Jefferson County Code (County Parks);
and,
WHEREAS, the safety and security of the public’s ability to access and participate in
allowable uses at county parks is important to the Jefferson County Board of County
Commissioners; and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County owns and maintains over 400-miles of county road, in
addition to countless bike paths and trails, of which adjacent right-of-way properties are often
necessary for repair, maintenance, or public safety; and,
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WHEREAS, the safety and security of all those using Jefferson County roads, bike paths,
and trails are important to the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners; and,
WHEREAS, the county does not have the resources to respond to activities occurring on
county properties outside of normal business hours; and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County has a legitimate government interest in regulating
unauthorized encampments to promote public health and safety; and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County has invested in a permanent shelter for the unhoused by
purchasing land, providing funding and engaging in a comprehensive plan process to create a
permanent encampment for the unhoused called Caswell-Brown; and,
WHEREAS, for many years, Jefferson County provided funding for a homeless shelter at
the American Legion property in the City of Port Townsend; and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County adopted legislation for permitting temporary encampments
for the unhoused the ensures temporary encampments for the unhoused promote public health and
safety; and,
WHEREAS, ensuring unauthorized encampment removal procedures are carefully tailored
to meet legitimate government interests by requiring review of any health or safety hazards and
requiring notice whenever possible is important to the Jefferson County Board of County
Commissioners; and,
WHEREAS, treating all persons living in encampments with care, dignity, and respect is
important to the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners; and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County may remove unauthorized encampments posing threats to
public safety or public property use; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON
COUNTY, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses are Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of County
Commissioners hereby adopts the above “Whereas” clauses as Findings of Fact supporting this
resolution.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to adopt a revised policy addressing the
removal of unauthorized encampments on Jefferson County property.
Section 3. Repeals and Replaces Policy No. 02.10.23-01. This policy hereby repeals and
replaces Jefferson County Policy No. 02.10.23-01.
Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this resolution
or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this resolution
or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be affected.
Section 5. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This resolution is categorically exempt from the State
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Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800(19).
Section 6. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately
upon passage by the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners.
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
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ADOPTED this ____ day of __________ 2025.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
______________________________
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
______________________________
Greg Brotherton, Member
______________________________
Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________ ______________________________
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Date Philip C. Hunsucker, Date
Clerk of the Board Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney