Title
Temporary Encampment Regulations
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action requested.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Provide feedback and direction on the proposed revisions to the Temporary Encampment Regulations.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Director Community Planning and Development Director 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
Keith Stahley, Director Community Planning and Development Director
Colin DeForrest, Homeless Response Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has adopted its first Temporary Encampment Regulations in 2008. These regulations were adopted largely as a response to Camp Quixote’s occupation of City-owned property in downtown. These regulations were amended in 2011 to provide for a permanent encampment on County-owned property known as Quixote Village and a single temporary encampment.
Tiny house villages are now a commonly accepted practice for responding to homelessness with emergency and transitional housing. Both the City of Seattle and the City of Eugene have seen multiple camps established in the past three years.
The City of Olympia’s Temporary Homeless Encampment (THE) regulations are very limiting when it comes to these types of facilities. The only allow one facility on County property one additional camp that can move from church site to church site.
Proposed Amendments:
• Increase the number of THEs allowed
• Allow THEs to be operated by or hosted on faith based and governmental owned property.
• Reduce barriers for clients
• Reduce barriers for host organizations
Process
Staff proposes moving this forward and adopting these regulations as interim or emergency regulations. This would allow the regulations to go into effect immediately. City Council must then hold a public hearing with 60 days with the intention of adopting permanent regulations with six months.
Staff is actively working with religious institutions to create opportunities for siting tiny house villages on their property. Having regulations in place that allow for the creation of tiny house villages would help to facilitate these conversations.
Just Housing Comments
Two documents from Just Housing are attached that provide their feedback and perspective on the proposed amendments. Two of their most significant concerns center on the requirement for criminal background screening and they would like to see the ordinance amended to allow not for profits to host encampments.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
Homelessness is an issue that affects the entire City.
Options:
Provide staff with feedback and direction on the draft amendments to the Temporary Homeless Encampment regulations and consider next steps in moving this process forward.
Financial Impact:
None at this, however, the City may be asked to play a role in managing these facilities and in providing ongoing support services.
Attachments:
Proposed amendments to the Temporary Homeless Encampment Regulations
White Paper with links to additional information about approaches to temporary homeless encampments followed in other communities
Just Housing suggested revisions from representatives of Just Housing