The Tacoma City Council voted on October 21, 2025 to update Title 8 of the Municipal Code, relating to camping and storage of personal belongings on public property. The update includes new community buffer zones around public schools, public libraries, and public parks where camping and storage of personal belongings on public property will be prohibited. In addition, temporary or emergency shelters will have community buffer zones, ensuring that these locations remain accessible and safe for those seeking their services. Protected waters will also continue to have buffer zones where camping and storage of personal property are prohibited.
The new legislation also stresses that individuals who violate the law and who are qualified be considered for referral to therapeutic court. Tacoma has launched two therapeutic courts, including a Mental Health Court and a Community Court, where participants can be connected to treatment services and community resources, while maintaining a high level of accountability.
“This update to our camping ordinance is based on careful study and years of discussion about the community impact of encampments and our community buffer zones,” said District 1 Council Member John Hines. “This policy is not our sole response to homelessness and our conversation about how to address homelessness has not ended. I remain committed to continuing to think creatively about how we help all our residents have a place to call home. We must, however, also ensure that our public spaces are safe, accessible, and maintained for their intended use.”
“I supported this ordinance because it’s critical that we continue expanding access to services that work — especially our therapeutic courts, which provide meaningful, long-term alternatives for people in crisis,” said District 2 Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh. “This is about more than enforcement. We’re investing in low-barrier shelter options, building affordable housing, and working with partners across the region to fill the gaps in our housing system. Public spaces like sidewalks, parks, and school routes need to be safe and accessible for everyone and, at the same time, we are continuing to invest in the resources people need to find stability and support.”
“This is an issue my community has raised repeatedly. After a lot of thought, introspection and listening to my neighbors, I chose to support this ordinance,” said District 4 Council Member Sandesh Sadalge. “I agree with the sentiments of my district that areas near libraries, parks, and schools should be emphasized as places where we focus outreach and connection to services. This decision isn’t happening in a vacuum. We’ve invested in therapeutic courts, affordable housing, mental health services, and alternative response teams and I will continue to champion expanding these efforts. This ordinance reflects a balance — pairing enforcement in sensitive areas with continued investment in the compassionate resources needed to address homelessness in a meaningful way.”
The City’s Homeless Engagement and Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) team will continue to respond to encampment locations throughout Tacoma with compassion and a services first approach. Encampment reports or requests for outreach from the HEAL team can be made online, via the Tacoma FIRST 311 mobile app for Apple and Android devices, and by calling 311 within Tacoma city limits or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else.