(The Center Square) – Spokane’s elected officials tabled another homelessness ordinance on Monday, which would have expanded the city’s “Sit & Lie” prohibitions, making it at least the fifth since mid-July.
The version currently on the books prohibits sitting and laying down on public sidewalks, in front of the entrance or exit to a building or parking lot, as well as on any object, such as a trash can, drinking fountain or others, “not designed primarily for the purpose of sitting.”
These restrictions only apply within the downtown area from 6 a.m. to midnight; Spokane City Councilmember Jonathan Bingle’s ordinance would’ve expanded enforcement citywide while removing the time aspect. Another modification also eliminates an exception to enforcement when shelter space is unavailable.
“If it’s good for one area,” Bingle told the rest of the council, “I think it should be good for the entire city.”
Councilmember Zack Zappone immediately attempted to defer the ordinance, noting that the council would discuss it with residents during the ongoing roundtable discussions, the first of which was last week.