The Burien City Council recently enacted a 5-2 vote to strengthen its camping ban by extending it to prevent individuals from sleeping within 500 feet of designated critical areas.

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This amendment is part of Ordinance 827, which completely prohibits homeless individuals from living on any public property all the time. Previously, limited exceptions were made during specific hours in designated areas.

However, the recent update now includes a 500-foot buffer around certain locations like schools, daycare centers, libraries, parks, and other marked spots within Burien.

Homeless Crisis in Burien

Despite being known as one of the more affordable cities in King County, Burien has seen a significant rise in its homeless population.

Law enforcement officials have reported escalating criminal activities in and around unhoused encampments, including incidents of murder, sex trafficking, sexual assaults, drug use, theft, and trespassing.

Councilmembers Sarah Moore and Hugo Garcia were among the dissenting votes, expressing concerns about the lack of effective solutions to address the root causes of homelessness.

Legal and Community Response

Burien City Attorney Garmon Newsom II highlighted that the initial camping ban in parks in 2007 aimed to maintain public park integrity.

However, the recent extension of the ban faced backlash from community members and a lawsuit filed by the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness.

While most public comments opposed the ordinance, residents and business owners emphasized issues like theft, drug use, and public indecency attributed to unhoused individuals.

What Are Your Thoughts?

What are your perceptions of Burien's decision to expand the camping ban? Do you agree with the concerns raised by dissenting council members regarding the new ordinance? How should cities address homelessness while balancing public safety and individual rights? Are there alternative solutions that could effectively tackle homelessness and related issues in communities?

Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!