EDMONDS, Wash. – Public camping is now illegal in Edmonds.
The Edmonds City Council voted five to two in favor of the ordinance, which means homeless campers can now face fines or jail time if they refuse an offer of housing when space is available.
The council was set to vote on this earlier in the month but ran out of time before it could.
The city will still need to provide notice of up to 72 hours if crews are confiscating any property.
This measure sparks debates on both sides from supporters and those who say it is cruel and punitive.
However, City Council President Vivian Olson recently told KOMO News it was appropriate.
"This is not our solution to the homeless situation," Olson said. "This is one tool for a very intractable situation where there is a negative impact to public health and public access."
All available shelters officials can offer the homeless must be within a 35-mile radius of Edmonds City Hall.
Those caught could face a misdemeanor charge with a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. If someone can not pay, they will then have fines waived and do community service instead.