A closer look at Renton’s encampment policies

Between January 2023 and October 2023, the City of Renton cleared 19 encampment sites.

By Benjamin Leung • March 5, 2024 9:50 am

Renton has policies in place when responding to people living in encampments.

Individuals living on encampments in Renton have two days to move after receiving a notice. The notice, affixed to the encampment site or upon a stake located within 50 feet of the temporary shelter or site, will be accompanied by a verbal notice by city personnel if any occupants of the site are present at the time.

Two days after notice is given, the city will conduct a clean-up of the area, removing all persons, personal property, temporary shelters and campsites, as well as garbage, litter and waste.

Between January 2023 and October 2023, the City of Renton cleared 19 encampment sites, according to a letter from Melissa McCain, deputy city clerk of Renton.

According to an email from Laura Pettitt, a spokesperson for the City of Renton, the city approaches solving the “complex issue of our unhoused population” from multiple angles.

According to Pettitt, the city funds several programs through the city’s human services division; utilizes a design principle of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design throughout all of the city’s parks, keeping parks well-lit; and utilizes code enforcement to ensure spaces are used for intended purposes. The Renton Police Department also offers outreach and enforcement, Pettitt stated.

“It is the policy of the City of Renton to respond to complaints and concerns arising from the erection of temporary shelters and campsites in parks and upon public property, and the accumulation of garbage, litter and waste at such locations, and for public health and safety,” according to Renton policy.

Renton policy states the city will store personal property collected in clean-up projects for 60 days following the clean-up — disposing of any unclaimed property after 60 days.

The city disposes of personal property deemed to pose a health hazard, whether as a result of bacteria, excrement or urine, insects, or vermin.

Without any request for immediate or urgent law enforcement intervention, complaints regarding encampments are directed toward the city’s community services department.