Lynnwood Camping Ordinance

The Lynnwood Washington ordinance against camping is really quite clever and seems to be aimed at restricting transients, vagabonds, and general neer-do-wells (such as myself). It prohibits 'camping' in parks, public parking lots and streets. However, its definition of 'camping' includes parking any type of vehicle with the intention of occupying it overnight. That sounds more like an ordinance to get transients living in their cars to go elsewhere rather than anything against 'campers'. Further, camping includes the use of camping paraphenelia which includes tents, sleeping bags, and anything other object to assist in remaining overnight (you know, blankets, newspapers, cardboard, etc.). That also really sounds like it is aimed at homeless people. I made up a link to a page with the full text of the ordinance in case you are interested.

They clearly define most terms except for overnight. That is a somewhat vague term. It could mean from dusk to dawn, but that would be too easy as anyone 'parking' or 'camping' after dusk would not be there overnight. A most stringent requitement would me from midnight to 12:01, but that would many anyone occupying a parked car at midnight would be guilty of this misdemeanor. I would guess that they will refine it to from midnight to dawn, so if you park after midnight you are not there overnight just as if you get up before dawn it is not overnight. Of course they would probably prefer to keep it vague so that they can harrass whoever they choose and leave everyone else alone.

Anyway, I looked up the address of the local A.C.L.U. and sent them a letter to see if they are interested in pursuing this matter. According to their web site, they should respond withing four to eight weeks, I was hoping to see what they think. I never heard from them so I guess they weren't interested.

This page was last updated on August 14, 2004.