Our Approach to Addressing Encampments
Encampments create a public safety concern for people who live in the space, because of the exposure to human waste, drug paraphernalia and/or inclement weather. While we continue to invest in shelter and expand the types of sheltering available in Tacoma, we also invest in outreach to connect people, when they are ready, to available resources.
Effective November 14, 2022, Second Amended Substitute Ordinance 28831, prohibits camping and the storage of personal belongings in a 10-block radius around temporary shelters in Tacoma as well as Aspen Court (a City-permitted emergency and transitional housing facility) and all public property within 200 feet of Tacoma’s mapped rivers, waterways, creeks, streams, and shorelines.
It is the City’s priority that the least restrictive voluntary enforcement methods possible are used prior to enforcement of the ordinance, which has a maximum fine of $250 and the maximum allowable time for imprisonment of 30 days or less.
The City will continue to address encampments inside and outside camping prohibited zones with priority given to sites with health, safety or infrastructure needs; this aligns with how encampment removals are conducted throughout Tacoma.
We will notice each prohibited camping area as defined by TMC 8.19 no less than two weeks prior to initial enforcement, so that interested organizations and community groups can offer assistance and resources as needed.
Standard Operating Procedure for Enforcement and Removals in Prohibited Areas under Chapter 8.19 Tacoma Municipal Code
Information in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) shall apply to the unauthorized camping or unauthorized storage of personal property on public property within prohibited areas covered by Chapter 8.19 Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) only. Encampments outside of these prohibited areas shall be addressed under the City’s Encampment Removal Policy. Both policies can be subject to change.
Read the Enforcement and Removal Policies and Procedures
Encampments may be reported to the City through SeeClickFix. All requests are investigated by the City's Homeless Engagement Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) Team who determine the appropriate method for removing active sites.
View the Map of Prohibited Areas
Individual Maps per Restricted Camping Area
Encampment Removal
The City of Tacoma inspects and removes unauthorized encampments on a routine basis based on complaints received and the conditions of the encampment including with health, safety or infrastructure needs.
If items were stored, they will be kept at 1421 Puyallup Avenue (unless the owner of the items is otherwise notified) and an appointment to access items may be made by calling 3-1-1 and indicating that you with to retrieve stored items.
How Cleanups Work
City staff find or are notified of an encampment site. The City's Homeless Engagement and Alternative Liaison Team visit the site and determine next steps.
If the site is located within a boundary restricted by ordinance, the site is posted with at least 2-weeks notice (unless otherwise authorized) that the property will be cleaned up and those living in the encampment are offered assistance finding shelter and services.
Sites outside the restricted areas will be posted for a minimum of 72-hours.
On the scheduled cleanup day a private contractor or City services will clean up the site to meet Tacoma Municipal Code standards for public health and safety.
Site Reclamation may occur once the site has been cleaned to help prevent the encampment from returning.
Site Reclamation
It is common for encampments to re-populate or move to a nearby location after the City has conducted a cleanup. It is not unlawful for individuals to be homeless in public places, except in limited and specific circumstances.
Site Reclamation is the process of making public and private spaces safer and more welcoming for people who live or work in the area to be, while discouraging criminal activity and loitering.
Site Reclamation is used in conjunction with community outreach and service delivery to help individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness settle into more permanent housing options, as well as using it to reduce blight and increase public health and safety.