On the agenda: BOARD OF HEALTH meeting — flock camera (Sep 17)

Board of Health Meeting
September 17, 2026

Jefferson County
Board of Health

Agenda
&
Minutes

H
September 17, 2026

Regular Meeting Agenda
Jefferson County Board of Health
Thursday, September 17, 2026@ 2:30 PM
Jefferson County Courthouse - Commissioners' Chambers
1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA
To view agenda, click here: www.co.jefferson.wa.us -Agenda Center - BOARD OF HEAL TH ( date of meeting) - Download
To view meeting materials and public comments received, www co.jefferson.wa.us - Agenda Center BOARD OF HEAL TH - ( date of meeting) (below "Media")

This is a hybrid meeting: Virtual and In-Person Attendance
You can join this meeting by using these methods:
• Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378389363

This option will allow you to join the meeting live. You will need to enter an email address.
If you wish to provide public comment, click on the hand icon at the bottom of the
screen to "raise your hand." Participation will be up to the Chair and/or Clerk of the

meeting.
• Audio-only: Dial: 1-253-215-8782 and use Webinar ID: 823 7838 9363#
This option will allow you to listen to the meeting live. If you wish to provide public
comment, press *9 to "raise your hand." Participation will be up to the Chair and/or Clerk

•

of the meeting.
In-Person: You are welcome to join the meeting in-person .

In the event of technical difficulties, at least one of the methods above will be accessible to the public. Please try all
methods first before calling 360-385-9100 to report any issues.

Public comment will be accepted and can be emailed to: [email protected] until 5:00 PM the
evening prior to the start of the meeting.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER - Chair MickHager
I.

Public Comment (l O mins.)
Public Comment Periods are dedicated to listening to the public. Each person may address the Board one time
during these periods. To ensure equal opportunity for the public to comment, all comments shall be limited to 2 or
3 minutes per person, depending on the volume ofpublic in attendance.

II.

Approval of Agenda

AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE MEMBERS MAY ADD AGENDA ITEMS AND TAKE ACTION ON
OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Provided Upon Request

Ill.

Approval of Minutes of August 20, 2026 Board of Health Meeting

IV.

Old Business and Information Reports
1.

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report (Apple Martine) (10 mins.)

2. Jefferson Healthcare Report (Dr. Kees Kolff) (5 mins.)
3. Infectious Diseases Update (Dr. Allison Berry) (10 mins.)
V.

New Business
1. Review of Encampment Policy Implementation and Public Health Outcomes (Apple Martine,
Allison Berry) (60 mins.)
2. Updates to the Environmental Health Fee Schedule (Carter Erickson) (15 mins.)
3.

Summary of the 4-H program (Jessica Dehnert, Amber Miller) (10 minutes)

VI.

Announcements

VII.

Future Potential Agenda Topics:
JCPH Harm Reduction Program: Syringe Exchange Update
HB2442 Revenue tool for Local Government Part VIII - Public Health Clinic Property Tax
The County Strategic Plan
Opioid Settlement spending
Olympic Connect, the Community Care Hub model
Board of Health 101
Rural Reproductive Health
Emergency Fund for Public Health
The Child Development Center

ADJOURNMENT BY: 4:30 p.m.
Next Scheduled Meeting:

October 15, 2026
2:30 - 4:30 PM
Jefferson County Public Health
Hybrid Meeting

AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE MEMBERS MAY ADD AGENDA ITEMS AND TAKE ACTION ON
OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Provided Upon Request

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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Jefferson County Board of Health
Thursday, August 20, 2026 @2:30 p.m.
Jefferson County Courthouse - Commissioners' Chambers
1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA
Hybrid Meeting
Board Mem hers
Greg Brotherton, County Commissioner, District #3
Heather Dudley-Nollette, County Commissioner, District #1
Celeste Dybeck, Tribal Representative
Heidi Eisenhour, County Commissioner, District #2
Amanda Grace, Vice-Chair, Community Stakeholder
Dr. Kees Kolff, Public Hospital District #2 Commissioner
Monica MickHager, Chair, Port Townsend City Council
Gabrielle Vanwert, Consumer of Public Health

Staff Mem hers
Denise Banker, Community Health Director
Dr. Allison Berry, Health Officer
Lara Cittadini, CHIP Manager
Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Carter Erickson, Environmental Health Manager
Apple Martine, Public Health Director
Jenn Mitchell, Finance Manager
Veronica Shaw, Public Health Deputy Director

Chair MickHager called the August 20, 2026 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health to order at 2:30 P.M.
Members Present: Chair Monica MickHager, Vice-Chair Grace, Members Greg Brotherton, Heather DudleyNollette, Celeste Dybeck, Heidi Eisenhour, Dr. Kees Kolff and Gabrielle Vanwert.
Staff Present: Staff Members Denise Banker, Dr. Allison Berry, Lara Cittadini, Michael Dawson, Carter Erickson,
Apple Martine, Jenn Mitchell and Veronica Shaw.
PUBLIC COMMENT

Chair MickHager called for public comment.
There was none.
In the absence of public comment, Staff Member Martine asked to provide a response to some written public
comment. First, in response to a written public comment concerning Jefferson County's Encampment Policy, Martine
suggested that time be allotted for a discussion of the policy at the next regular meeting of the Board of Health,
September 17, 2026.
Staff Member Martine also responded to a written comment about the installation of a flock camera in the QFC
parking area. She mentioned that Public Health had little information concerning the camera, but that it has been
removed.

Respectfully submitted
G. Gilbert

Page 1 of 4

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Chair MickHager called for a motion to accept the agenda for August 20, 2026.
MOTION: Member Brotherton moved to approve the agenda. Member Dudley-Nolette seconded the motion,
which carried by a unanimous vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chair MickHager requested a motion to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2026 meeting.
Staff Member Martine suggested corrections to two scrivener's errors in the minutes.
MOTION: Member Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the minutes as edited. Member Brotherton seconded the
motion, which carried by a majority vote (with two abstentions).
OLD BUSINESS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1.

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report

Staff member Martine offered a recognition of the retiring Clerk of the Board of Health, and thanked him for his years
of "shepherding" the Board, as well as other responsibilities to JCPH.
Martine also alluded briefly to "a lot going on at Public Health," in particular work on the budget, due September l ",
2.

Jefferson Healthcare Report

Dr. Kolff also chose to use his time to thank the retiring Clerk "for all of the amazing shepherding he's done."
3.

Infectious Diseases Update

Dr. Berry reports that COVID-19 transmission in the community is currently very low, with minimal wastewater
detection and no hospitalizations. Clallam County is experiencing a significant pertussis outbreak - likely larger than
reported - and staying up to date on vaccines or seeking prompt care for severe coughs in children is strongly
encouraged. Nationally, the cyclospora outbreak continues to grow (to about 13,000 cases), fortunately not in
Washington State.
Concerning the recent executive order on vaccines (splitting of the MMR vaccine and encouraging the splitting of all
vaccines), there is no evidence to support the executive order, and it could take years for split MMR vaccines to be
available. Rely on the advice of your doctors; most will work with you, addressing your concerns.
NEW BUSINESS
1.

Local Sewage Management Plan (LSMP) Update

Emma Erickson, JCPH Environmental Health Specialist, and Carter Erickson, Manager of the JCPH Environmental
Health Department, described the updated plan which outlines how the county health department manages all onsite
septic system activities. Such plans have been required by Washington State since 2005. Following major statewide
code revisions in 2025, counties must update their LMPs by April 2027 and then every five years. New requirements
include addressing phosphorus concerns and sea level rise impacts. The county's septic and water quality programs
have expanded significantly since the 2007 LSMP - adding the Clean Water District, funding assessments,
homeowner inspection authorization, and broad education and outreach efforts.
The draft 2027 LSMP reviews progress since 2007, identifies current challenges such as financing and infrastructure
limitations, incorporates climate change considerations, and outlines recommendations that will be discussed with the
Board of Health and community stakeholders.
Discussion ensued.

Respectfully submitted
G. Gilbert

Page 2 of4

2.

OWL 360 YCCTPP Mini Grant Presentation

Kara Billenger-Hessom, who coordinates two youth substance abuse prevention grants for JCPH, introduced the
Youth Commercial Cannabis and Tobacco Prevention Program, which funds some local youth-serving organizations
and their activities, helping to prevent youth substance misuse in Jefferson County.
Derek Firenze, the resource navigator for OWL360, described the work of this nonprofit dedicated to supporting
Jefferson County youth and young adults, providing housing resource navigation, workforce development, education,
and mental health services. This mini-grant project provided a photo booth and sensory-friendly outdoor chill area for
the recent Pride Festival, allowing teens, including those without phones or those who are neurodivergent, to engage
in the festivities comfortably. He emphasized the importance that non-parent adults play in young people's lives,
offering stable, supportive relationships for youth who face adversity.

3. Scouting America YCCTPP Mini Grant Presentation
Lolo Sherwood spoke about efforts to rebuild Scout Troop 1479 following COVID, when the troop struggled with
only two scouts, making it hard to fundraise or run a full program. Camp remained essential for keeping youth
engaged in scouting. A grant allowed the troop to send four new scouts to summer camp, giving them opportunities
to bond, learn leadership skills, and choose their own activities. The experience helped the troop reestablish
momentum, strengthen youth connections, and support scouts in transitioning from adult-led Cub Scouting to
youth-led patrols.

4. Jefferson County Soccer Club YCCTPP Mini Grant Presentation
Rufina Garay, "Director of Generosity" for the Soccer Club, expressed gratitude for the mini-grant which made it
possible for a young "futsal" program to expand its spring tournament, providing quality equipment, shade, and
shared meals, improving the experience for over 100 families. A parent-powered effort has grown into an inclusive
community activity that strengthens kids' skills, confidence, and executive functioning through regular pickup games
and team planning. The support allowed the organization to better embody its values - fun, inclusion, growth, and
community - while offering more opportunities for children to engage, connect, and thrive.
"Futsal" - a modified form of soccer, played with five players per side on a smaller, often indoor, pitch.

5. Jefferson County Supports for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

I

The JCPH Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program was described by Cynde Marx, Program
Coordinator, and Dr. Melinda Bower, who does evaluations at Jefferson County school-based health centers. The
program, which uses the SMART (school medical autism routine) model- a multidisciplinary, collaborative
evaluation process - helps families access autism and developmental assessments locally and with fewer barriers. The
team gathers information from families, schools, and medical providers to build a full picture of each child and
determine whether an evaluation is appropriate. Over time, with two trained providers now conducting evaluations,
the SMART team has become a coordinated, accessible option for families who previously faced long waits, travel
challenges, and insurance barriers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Member Grace announced that the Port Jefferson School Board Fall Retreat was recently held. The Board reviewed
the Health Youth Survey. She expressed concern about reduction of funding for youth mental health. She announced
that demolition of the Lincoln Building was completed, with the intention of the space being the entrance for the
campus, including for busses.
Member Dudley-Nollette stated that this year's 1110th of l % fund allocations mostly went to youth and young adult
programs, and cautioned that the broader challenge is that programs continue to depend on unstable, pieced-together
funding sources. Sustainable funding - requiring advocacy at multiple levels - is essential to maintain vital services
and avoid repeated disruptions when grant cycles or eligibility rules change.
Discussion ensued.

Respectfully submitted
G. Gilbert

Page 3 of 4

FUTURE POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS

The clerk announced that there are already several requests for a place on the September agenda, mentioning another
YCCTPP Mini Grant Presentation.
Staff member Carter Erickson mentioned he will be bringing Environmental Health fee schedule updates for review
and discussion.
Staff member Martine will review the encampment policy implementation. She also ran through several other topics
that may appear on later agendas.
Member Eisenhour recommended addressing House Bill 2442 before Jeff Chapman is no longer part of the county
family, as he has a unique understanding of some of the mechanisms that could enable those funding sources and their
impacts.

AGENDA PLANNING CALENDAR

The Agenda Planning Meeting for the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on September 10, 2026 at 10:30
A.M.

The next regular Board of Health meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from
2:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair MickHager adjourned the August 20, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health meeting at 4:29 P.M. until
the next Regular Meeting or Special Meeting as properly noticed.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH

Monica MickHager, Chair

Glenn Gilbert, Public Health Assistant, ret.

Portions of these minutes were drafted with Al assistance.
Respectfully submitted
G. Gilbert

Page 4 of 4

Jefferson County
Board of Health

IV.
Old Business and Information Reports
Item 1
Jefferson County Public Health Report
[No hand-out]

Public He
September 17, 2026

Jefferson County
Board of Health

IV.
Old Business and Information Reports
Item 2
Jefferson Healthcare Report
[No hand-out]

September 17, 2026

Jefferson County
Board of Health

IV.
Old Business and Information Reports
Item 3
Infectious Diseases Update
[No hand-out]

IC H

September 17, 2026

t

Jefferson County
Board of Health

V.
New Business
Item 1
Review of Encampment Policy Implementation and
Public Health Outcomes

al
September 17, 2026

JEFFERSON COUNTY
WASHINGTON STATE
UNAUTHORIZED ENCAMPMENT REMOVAL POLICY

Adopted November 3, 2025

Page 2 of 19

JEFFER SO N CO UNTY
UN AUTH O R IZED EN CA M PM ENT REM O V A L PO LICY

Table of Contents
1.0

Introduction and Purposes

3

2.0

References, Authority , and Reporting

4

3.0

Definitions

5

4.0

Unauthorized Cam ping on County -O wned Property Prohibited

9

5.0

Rem oval of O bstru ctions or Im m ediate H azards fr om Unauthorized Encam pm ents 9

6.0

Prioritization of Unauthorized Encam pm ent Rem oval...

10

7.0

Unauthorized Encam pm ent Rem oval and Notice R equirem ents

11

8.0

Identifi cation and O ffering of Altern ative Shelter Options Befo re Rem oving NonObstru cting Unauthorized Encam pm ents
12

9.0

Outreach fo r Unauthorized Encam pm ent Rem ovals

13

10 .0

Unauthorized Encam pm ent Clean-up

13

11 .0

Post-Unauthorized Encam pm ent Rem oval Notice

14

12.0

Storage of Personal Property Rem oved fr om an Unauthorized Encam pm ent

14

13 .0

Recovering Stored Personal Pro perty after Rem oval of an Unauthorized
Encam pm ent.

16

14.0

Designation of Em phasis A reas

17

15.0

Lim itations

18

16.0

Am endm ents and Corrections to this Policy

19

17.0

Severability

19

Jefferson County Encampment Policy

1.0

Page 3 of 19

Introduction and Purposes
I. I

The purpose of this Policy is to establish uniform procedures for removal of
unauthorized encampments on county-owned property.

1.2

In accordance with Jefferson County Code (JCC) 2.01.080(2), the Jefferson County
Administrator shall perform "the full range of managerial oversight functions over
all county administrative operations, including financial management, planning,
policy development, performance management, and prioritization of fiscal, human,
and capital resources."

1.3

The lack of affordable housing and other resources have resulted in increasing
numbers of unhoused persons resorting to camping on public and county-owned
property in authorized and unauthorized areas. County officials shall be able to
enforce a common-sense policy to protect the health and safety of its residents and
maintain county public spaces. When county officials lack appropriate tools, and
encampments persist without monitoring and appropriate assessment, it may
increase the likelihood of endangering the health and safety of those living in and
alongside them. Jefferson County shall balance the need to operate county public
property for its intended purposes, as well as public health and safety, while
respecting the personal property and the right to privacy of those who camp on
public property. This Jefferson County Unauthorized Encampment Removal Policy
(this Policy) attempts to create that balance, consistent with existing law.

1.4

Being homeless is not a crime. Persons shall not be prosecuted for sleeping outside
on county-owned property, absent other circumstances that constitute criminal law
violations. Jefferson County shall not prohibit persons from sleeping outside
anywhere in the jurisdiction, which is not otherwise prohibited by the Jefferson
County Code provisions.1 Jefferson County recognizes that is both inhumane and
imposes additional hardships on the displaced persons and limited social services
safety network, which shall face the costs and challenges of an increased unhoused
population.

1.5

The County Administrator shall designate certain departments and county
personnel to keep track of available shelter space. If there is no available shelter
space, the County Administrator may designate an area on publicly-owned property
that temporarily may be used in lieu of a permitted shelter. To the extent possible,
temporary use of the area shall be consistent with the requirements for the location,
siting, and operation of temporary housing facilities in JCC 18.20.385.

1.6

The County Administrator shall ensure that a training program is developed for all
departments, county personnel, and subcontractors involved in unauthorized
encampment removal.

1
For example, chapter 12.25 JCC regulates County Parks. Nothing in this policy is meant to supersede county park
regulations.

Jefferson County Encampment Policy

2.0

Page 4 of 19

1. 7

County department directors for Central Services, Department of Community
Development, Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, Environmental Health & Water
Quality, Public Health, and Public Works, shall designate one or more staff
members as DCP who shall receive mandatory annual training lead by the
Prosecuting Attorney's Office to determine whether an item is personal property.

1.8

The Director of the Department of Public Health or their designee shall maintain a
current list of approved outreach providers on it its website, who in the opinion of
the director have established competency and training to engage to provide services
to the unhoused.

1.9

The County Administrator shall ensure that forms that document the unauthorized
encampment removal process shall be developed and used, as well as standardized
forms for notice. The training program, forms, and notice forms shall be reviewed
by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

1.10

Encampment Removal as Last Resort. Prior to any encampment removal
(immediate or otherwise), DCP shall review the encampment and document any
health and safety concerns. All newly identified encampments shall be reported to
the County Administrator consistent with Section 6.1, with notification also to
Central Services and Public Health. DCP shall consult with their respective
department director to determine whether the encampment shall be elevated for
review for potential removal. The Director of Public Health shall be consulted prior
to any encampment removal.

References, Authority, and Reporting
2.1

This Policy is adopted by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and shall
remain in effect until revised or replaced, or is superseded by action of the Jefferson
County Board of Commissioners, state, or federal law.

2.2

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners may issue additional regulations or
guidelines necessary to aid in the implementation or enforcement of this Policy.

2.3

Nothing in this Policy is meant to replace or take precedence over other JCC
provisions. Where other JCC provisions may be in conflict with this Policy, the
other JCC provisions control.

2.4

Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to limit or prohibit county officials from
enforcing any other county or state laws, including, but not limited to, laws
governing use of controlled substances or weapons, fire codes, and public nuisance
laws.

2.5

This Policy is intended to be consistent with Jefferson County's housing and equity
goals as reflected in the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan, Housing Element.

2.6

Consistent with Jefferson County's housing and equity goals as reflected in the
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan, Housing Element, Jefferson County has

Page 5 of 19

invested in a permanent shelter for the unhoused by purchasing land, providing
funding and engaging in a comprehensive plan process to create a permanent
encampment for the unhoused called Caswell-Brown Village. In addition, Jefferson
County has adopted legislation for permitting temporary encampments for the
unhoused the ensures temporary encampments for the unhoused promote public
health and safety. In response to HB 1220, Jefferson County adopted Ordinance

No. 05-0613-22 (Temporary Housing Facilities) on June 13, 2022. Ordinance No.
05-0613-22 has been codified in in JCC 18.20.385. For many years, Jefferson
County has provided funding for a permitted shelter for the unhoused at the
American Legion property in the City of Port Townsend.
2. 7

3.0

A report shall be presented to the BoCC annually on or before December 1st by the
Director of Public Health reporting on shelter and housing capacity, voluntary
demographic and outcome data for encampment removals, including but not
limited to use and impacts of Emphasis Areas, an analysis of equity and antidisplacement impacts, and any other data that may be relevant and appropriate
based on Public Health's review and understanding of the county's unauthorized
encampments.

Definitions
The following definitions apply to this Policy:
3.1

Abandon
"Abandon" means to give up or leave behind willingly.

3.2

Approved outreach provider
"Approved outreach provider" means a non-profit organization with the
competency and training to engage to provide services to the unhoused, that has
been approved by the Director of the Department of Public Health to provide
information and education to unhoused persons and has been listed as required by
Section 1.7 on the Department of Public Health's website.

3.3

Authorized or emergency shelter(s)
"Authorized or emergency shelter(s)" means temporary lodging and supportive
services for unhoused persons in licensed, registered, or permitted facilities run or
operated by county, city, or other community-based programs or non-profit
organizations.

3.4

Authorized encampment
"Authorized encampment" An area designated by the county on publicly-owned or
private property that is being used as a temporary housing facility (as defined in

Page 6 of 19

JCC 18.10.2002) in lieu of a shelter consistent with the requirements of JCC
18.20.385 or other applicable Jefferson County Code provisions.
3.5

Available shelter space
"Available shelter space" means a person has access to a bed in either a low barrier
shelter or a no barrier shelter.3

3.6

Camping
"Camping" has the same meaning as in JCC 12.25.020(3).4

3.7

County
"County" means Jefferson County, Washington.

3.8

County-owned property
County-owned property includes but is not limited to any real property owned by
Jefferson County, any county facility, and any right of way property maintained
by Jefferson County, including but not limited to any public street, road, bike
path, trail, or sidewalk.

3.9

Designated County Personnel ("DCP")
"Designated County Personnel" (or "DCP") means county employees designated
by department directors and trained to undertake inspections, initiate and oversee
removal of unauthorized encampments and storage of removed personal property,
and ensure compliance with this Policy and applicable laws by county personnel
and any contractors. DCP shall include law enforcement officers and county
employees from the various departments participating in the unauthorized
encampment removal.

3 .10

Encampment
"Encampment" means one or more tent, structure, or assembly of unauthorized
camping equipment or personal property located on county-owned public property,

2

JCC 18.10.200 states, "Temporary housing facility' means a facility providing temporary housing accommodations
pursuant to JCC 18.20.385. Temporary housing facilities include temporary structures as defined in this section and
may also include a safe parking area and common use structures." JCC 18.10.200 also states, "'Temporary structures'
includes tents, RVs, tiny shelters, and any other structure designed to provide personal and private shelter to an
individual or family."
3
This definition includes "low" and "no" barrier options. While "low" and "no" barrier definitions vary, a common
understanding of"low barrier" is there are no preconditions that the participant be clean and sober to obtain shelter.
A common understanding of "no barrier" means while someone may be asked to leave the shelter or authorized
encampment on a certain day due to unsafe behavior, they are welcome to try again the following day. "Low" and
"no" barrier shelter options embrace a harm reduction and housing-first approach.
4
JCC 12.25.020(3) states, '"Camping' means erecting a tent or shelter or arranging bedding or both or parking a
trailer, camper, or other vehicle for the purpose of, or in such a way as will permit, remaining overnight."

Jefferson County Encampment Policy

Page 7 of 19

which appears to a reasonable person is being used for camping or for the purposes
of habitation. Encampments do not include sites that have been abandoned. See
definition of abandon. Encampments may include vehicles and RVs, which may be
operational or non-operational. 5
3 .11

Emergency shelter
"Emergency shelter" has the same meaning as in RCW 36.70A.030(16)6 or as
subsequently amended.

3 .12

Emphasis Area
"Emphasis Area" means an identifiable area where the county has removed an
encampment and has designated an encampment-prohibited area by installing
signage as required in Section 14.

3.13

Habitation
"Habitation" means the appearance of currently residing in a location as evidenced
by the presence of bedding materials, campfires, cooking materials, storage of
clothing, or other personal property gathered together in such a manner that a
reasonable person would believe that the site is being used for residential purposes.

3 .14

Immediate hazard
"Immediate hazard" means an area that presents an imminent risk of serious injury
or death, beyond that caused by increased exposure to the elements, as determined
by a reasonable person. "Immediate hazards" include, but are not limited to danger
from vehicle traffic because the encampment is on the shoulder of a street or
highway or other areas exposed to moving vehicles; and natural hazard areas,
including but not limited to landslide-prone areas and special flood hazard areas.

3.15

Jefferson County Code (JCC)
"JCC" means the Jefferson County Code as currently adopted or as may be
amended in the future.

3 .16

Low-barrier shelter
"Low-barrier shelter" means a shelter for the unhoused where a minimum number
of expectations or requirements are placed on the people who wish to stay there.
With a focus on "harm reduction," low-barrier shelters encourage unhoused
persons to seek resources by eliminating obstacles such as substance abuse,

5

Removal of Vehicle and Public Right-of-Way Nuisances are subject to the provisions in chapter 19.25 JCC.
Currently, the definition is: "'Emergency shelter' means a facility that provides a temporary shelter for individuals
or families who are currently homeless. Emergency shelter may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an
occupancy agreement. Emergency shelter facilities may include day and warming centers that do not provide
overnight accommodations."
6

Page 8 of 19

criminal history, and other policies that make it difficult to enter a shelter, stay in
shelter, or access housing and income opportunities.
3.17

No barrier shelter
"No barrier shelter" means a shelter for the unhoused where no requirements are
placed on people who which to stay there, other than requirements that protect the
safety of persons, property or the environment. For example, if a person is asked
to leave a shelter one day due to unsafe behavior, the person may try again the next
day.

3.18

3 .19

Obstruction
(a)

"Obstruction" means personal property, garbage, debris, or other objects
related to an unauthorized encampment that substantially interfere with the
pedestrian or transportation functions of public rights-of-way; or
substantially interfere with other areas necessary for or essential to the
intended use of a public property or facility.

(b)

"Obstruction" includes obstruction of the county's public streets, roads,
bike paths, trails, or sidewalks also means in a manner that impedes passage
within the meaning of the American Disabilities Act.

Outreach
"Outreach" means an effort to provide information and education to unhoused
persons by an approved outreach provider.

3.20

Personal property
"Personal property" means the belongings of a person, as identified by the person
to whom the property belongs.
(a)

Personal property usually has apparent utility in their present condition and
circumstances and are not hazardous, but also include items that are not
hazardous that are kept in a manner that indicates a person regards the item
as personal property.

(b)

Examples of person property include, but are not limited to:
(i)

Items of apparent value of $50 or more; and,

(ii)

Items of apparent personal value, including but not limited to
personal identification and identity documents, personal papers and
documents (such as photographs, albums, bank statements, and legal
papers), tents, usable furniture, operational bicycles, scooters,
strollers, radios, electronic equipment, eyeglasses, prescription
medications and other medical equipment, books, jewelry,
backpacks, containers, any item used by a disabled person for

Page 9 of 19

mobility, and any item that could be ordinarily found within a home.
3.21

Unauthorized encampment
"Unauthorized encampment" means an encampment on county-owned property
that has not been permitted under the JCC or authorized pursuant to this Policy.

4.0

5.0

Unauthorized Camping on County-Owned Property Prohibited
4.1

Unauthorized camping on county-owned properties that are a threat to public health
and safety, or interferes with the public's ability to use county-owned property is
prohibited.

4.2

Unauthorized camping on county-owned property includes all day-use parks as
well as authorized campgrounds when posted rules are not being followed.

4.3

Camping on county-owned property is prohibited, unless expressly permitted by
the Jefferson County Parks Manager (see ICC 12.25.060), the Jefferson County
Administrator or their designee, or by an official act of the Board of County
Commissioners.

Removal of Obstructions or Immediate Hazards from Unauthorized Encampments
5.1

When notice is not required. Except in exigent circumstances involving an
immediate hazard, the notice provisions in Section 7 shall apply and shall be
followed prior to the enforcement and removal of any obstructions and immediate
hazards within unauthorized encampments.

5.2

Obstructions and immediate hazards within unauthorized encampments may be
removed immediately and without notice, provided there is a written determination
by a county department director or their designee that a real and imminent threat to
public safety exists unless the removal occurs. The Director of the Public Health
Department or their designee shall be consulted before any immediate removal.

5.3

DCP shall document why any personal property, garbage, debris or other objects
are classified as an obstruction, create a photo and journal log, and make bona fide
and documented efforts to locate any person who may believe that the personal
property belongs to, prior to removal.

5 .4

A decision to remove any personal property as an obstruction or immediate hazard
shall be reviewed and approved by a department director or their designee prior to
removal, including a determination of whether prior notice is required and if so,
how long it shall be posted.

5.5

Prior notice shall be given if it is safe to do so. The notice shall state:
(a)

the date the notice was posted;

Page 10 of 19

6.0

(b)

that the obstruction must be immediately removed because it is an
obstruction or an immediate hazard and is subject to removal by the county
without further notice;

( c)

where any personal property removed by the county will be stored;

( d)

how any stored property may be claimed by its owners; and,

(e)

how to contact the county's ADA Compliance Coordinator.

5.6

If the obstruction or immediate hazard is determined to be under the control of a
person who is present where the obstruction is observed, written notice shall be
given to the individual advising of the immediate removal of the obstruction or
immediate hazard.

5. 7

Any personal property removed as an obstruction or immediate hazard may be
relocated with the assistance of DCP to a location identified and requested by the
property owner, if and the county department director determine it is safe to do so.
Otherwise, personal property shall be stored by the county as provided for in
Section 12 and may be recovered as provided in Section 13.

5.8

Any material that is identified as hazardous waste or solid waste may be
immediately removed from an unauthorized encampment and disposed.

5.9

Upon removal of an obstruction or immediate hazard, DCP shall post a notice as
provided in Section 11.

5 .10

The department responsible for storing personal property shall notify the Central
Services Department of the storage on the same day that the personal property is
stored. Central Services shall post notice of the stored personal property with
Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Civil Division located at the Jefferson County
Courthouse and on the county website.

5 .11

DCPs regularly shall make good faith efforts to make sure all local community
providers working with the unhoused population are aware of the county's website
containing this information, specifically including where to find personal property
and process for obtaining a person's file or documents relating to the removal of
their personal belongings.

Prioritization of Unauthorized Encampment Removal
6.1

The director of each county department shall identify and report any unauthorized
encampment locations on county-owned property under its respective jurisdiction
by email to the County Administrator within one business day of discovering the
encampment. Failure to timely report an encampment location does not preclude
applying any other provision in this Policy.

Jefferson County Encampment Policy

6.2

Before removal of an unauthorized encampment occurs, except in exigent
circumstances, a county department, or their designee, shall assess and evaluate the
need for removal of unauthorized encampments in accordance with the need to
protect public health and safety. Inspection of the unauthorized encampment by
DCP shall occur prior to beginning of any removal process.

6.3

The prioritization of encampment monitoring and any assessment for possible
removal shall be approached through a public health framework and in consultation
between the directors of public health, central services, and the county
administrator.

6.4

The following criteria, in no order of priority, shall be considered when prioritizing
unauthorized encampments for removal:

6.5

7.0

Page 11 of 19

(a)

Objective hazards such as moving vehicles and steep slopes;

(b)

Criminal activity beyond illegal substance abuse;

(c)

Quantities of garbage, debris, human or other waste;

(d)

Other active health hazards to occupants or the surrounding neighborhood;

( e)

Difficulty in extending emergency services to the site;

(f)

Imminent work scheduled at the site for which the unauthorized
encampment will pose an obstruction;

(g)

Damage to the natural environment, critical areas, or the shoreline;

(h)

Unauthorized camping in a county campground or within county road right
of ways causing a safety hazard to the travel public; and,

(i)

The proximity of unhoused persons to Emphasis Areas.

The prioritization may be revised at any time as a result of identification of new
unauthorized encampments, inspection of other unauthorized encampments, or as
new information about an unauthorized encampment's condition becomes
available.

Unauthorized Encampment Removal and Notice Requirements
7 .1

DCP shall post a written notice on or near each tent, vehicle, or structure that is
subject to removal that contains at least all of the following information:
(a)

The day the notice was posted;

(b)

The date the removal is scheduled;

( c)

The time range in which the removal shall commence;

Page 12 of 19

8.0

( d)

Where personal property shall be stored if removed by the county; and,

(e)

How to contact the county's ADA Compliance Coordinator.

(f)

How personal property may be re-claimed by its owner; and,

(g)

Information concerning shelter alternatives and contact information of an
approved outreach provider that can offer more information. This
information shall also be updated and maintained on the county's
designated website page.

7 .2

If persons are present at the encampment, DCP shall give written notice to each
person if reasonably possible in addition to the posted notice, with the same
information contained in Section 7 .1.

7 .3

The notice shall be posted no fewer than seven (7) calendar days before an
encampment removal and the removal shall occur no later than seven (7) days after
the notice posting date.

7.4

If the action to physically remove an unauthorized encampment is not commenced
by DCP within the removal date and time range provided in the notice, DCP shall
re-post notice of unauthorized encampment removal before removal may occur.

7.5

The posted and written notices shall be printed in English and any other language
the county determines would further the purpose of the notice.

7 .6

The removal of a large encampment may occur over a period of several days,
provided each day's operations start during the period identified in the notice. Some
encampment sites include tents and structures separated by infrastructure such as
overpasses. Removal operations may proceed through such sites so long as they
start on some portion of the sites within the times specified on the notice.

7. 7

DCP may diligently pursue to completion a removal properly commenced during
the removal date and time range provided in the notice required by Section 7.1.

Identification and Offering of Alternative Shelter Options Before Removing NonObstructing Unauthorized Encampments
8.1

Prior to removing an unauthorized encampment, DCP shall identify and present
any available alternative locations, including any available shelter space, for
persons in the unauthorized encampment to seek shelter, available housing, or
authorized encampment areas.
(a) DCP is encouraged to check whether the alternatives are available to the
unauthorized encampment occupant starting on the date an encampment
removal notice is posted and are encouraged to continue checking
availability, as often as is practicable, until the unauthorized encampment
removal is completed.

Page 13 of 19

(b) The Jefferson County Department of Public Health shall maintain, or cause
to be maintained, a daily list of alternatives while encampments on countyowned property are active, which list shall be shared with the Jefferson
County Sheriffs Office, Central Services Department and approved
outreach providers.

9.0

10.0

8.2.

The daily list of alternative locations required by Section 8.1 may include
housing programs, emergency shelters with or without day programs, available
shelter space, and any authorized encampments.

8.3

To constitute a bona fide shelter alternative, the host of the offered location may
not require religious instruction in return for shelter.

Outreach for Unauthorized Encampment Removals
9.1

DCP shall visit each unauthorized encampment at least once between the time
that notice of removal is posted and the scheduled removal date. Approved
outreach providers shall be invited by DCP to be present during each
unauthorized encampment visit.

9.2

DCP shall be present at the commencement of removal activities on the date an
encampment removal is scheduled to start according to the posted notice and
are encouraged to check availability and facilitate the offer of shelter
alternatives and other services until the encampment removal is completed, as
frequently as can be reasonably and safely accomplished. Approved outreach
providers shall be invited by DCP to be present during commencement of
removal activities on the date an encampment removal is scheduled to start.

9.3

DCP may leave an unauthorized encampment removal operation if services by
approved outreach provides have been refused by all people present at the
unauthorized encampment. Approved outreach providers may return to a site if
a person requests services before the encampment removal is completed.

Unauthorized Encampment Clean-up
10.1

DCP necessary for an unauthorized encampment removal and cleanup shall be
present at the start of removal of an unauthorized encampment removal. The
county's designated ADA Compliance Coordinator or their designee shall be
present at the start of an unauthorized encampment removal and shall remain
available and on-call for the duration of the unauthorized encampment removal
process, should any person request assistance. Approved outreach providers shall
be invited by DCP to be present at the start of planned removal activities before the
date an encampment removal is scheduled to start.

10.2

Unauthorized encampment removal shall be documented in the log required by
Section 12.1. Central services shall designate an appropriate storage file for
documentation in Laserfiche and whichever department is responsible for
documenting and photographing the area shall be responsible for filing that

Page 14 of 19

information directly. All forms used to document the encampment removal shall be
on a form approved by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

11.0

12.0

10.3

Tents and structures that were not previously posted with a notice but are in the
immediate area of tents or structures that were posted with a notice may be removed
if the tent or structure was placed in the immediate area after notices were posted.

10.4

Personal property shall be stored as provided for in Section 12 and may be
recovered as provided for in Section 13.

10.5

DCP may remove and dispose of garbage, debris, waste, and hazardous substances
or items during the unauthorized encampment removal.

Post-Unauthorized Encampment Removal Notice
11.1

DCP shall prominently post a notice at the site where an unauthorized
encampment has been removed and the site cleaned up at the conclusion of the
removal.

11.2

The notice required by Section 11.1 shall contain, at a minimum, all of the
following information:
(a)

The date the cleanup was performed;

(b)

Whether personal property was stored by the county;

( c)

Where the personal property is stored and for how long, after which it shall
be destroyed;

(d)

How to contact the county's ADA Compliance Coordinator;

(e)

How any stored personal property may be claimed by its owner, including
contact information for DCP or the county department storing property;
and,

(f)

Contact information for approved outreach providers who can assist persons
with shelter alternatives and other services.

11.3

The notice required by Section 11.1 shall not be removed by DCP for a
minimum of 10 days.

11.4

DCP organizing the cleanup of the unauthorized encampment shall send
documentation of the cleanup to the Central Services Department for
recordkeeping within five business days of the conclusion of the cleanup.

Storage of Personal Property Removed from an Unauthorized Encampment
12.1

DCP shall maintain a log of personal property removed from an encampment. The
log of personal property removed from an unauthorized encampment shall state the

Jefferson County Encampment Policy

Page 15 of 19

location, date and time ofremoval of the personal property, a photo of the removed
property, and, if possible, the identity of the person who owns the personal property
removed, if known, or if not known, a physical description of the person. Each log
of personal property removed from an unauthorized encampment shall be kept in a
manner consistent with the county's record retention schedule.
12.2

DCP conducting the unauthorized encampment removal shall make arrangements
to store all personal property encountered when removing obstructions or
immediate hazards, or when removing unauthorized encampments, provided that
the county has no obligation to store personal property that is hazardous, or is
reasonably expected to become a hazard during storage, including but not limited
to:
(a)

Toxic sharps: needles, scissors, knives;

(b)

Chemicals: bleach, paint, oils, etc.;

( c)

Items (including bedding and clothing) soiled by infectious materials,
including human waste and bodily fluids;

(d)

Moldy, mildewed items;

(e)

Items that may be infested by rodents and insects: rats, mice, fleas, lice, bed
bugs;

( f)

Items that pose a risk of fire or explosion, combustibles and propane tanks;
any item containing fuel or corrosives or other unidentified liquids;

(g)

Backpacks and closed containers, such as totes, boxes and other storage
vessels that contain hazardous materials such as paint, flammable materials,
or materials that are not labeled or identifiable or not in their original
containers shall be discarded;

(h)

If personal belongings are co-mingled or littered with needles, human
waste, or other health risks, the entire pile of belongings may be disposed
of. The presence of clothing in a backpack or container shall not be the sole
reason to discard the backpack or container;

(i)

Drug paraphernalia as defined by RCW 69.50.120, unless used for lawfully
prescribed drugs;

(j)

Contraband and controlled substances, which should be handled by law
enforcement officers consistent with applicable law; and,

(j)

Perishable items such as food, controlled substances, contraband, and trash
or debris.

Jefferson County Encampment Policy

13.0

Page 16 of 19

12.3

Wh ere there is any uncertainty, under the totality of the circumstances, whether the
item is personal property, the item shall be considered to be personal property under
this Policy.

12.4

Personal property removed from an unauthorized encampment shall be stored at the
Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, located at 81 Elkins Road, Port Hadlock, WA
98339, which is a location commonly used by the county for storing property, and
is accessible by public transportation, unless the personal property is too large to
store at the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office.

12.5

Personal property too large to store at the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, such
as impounded vehicles, RVs, motorhomes, or tiny homes, shall be stored at an
alternative location as space allows. The location for any property at a location
other than the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office shall be made publicly available.

12.6

The unauthorized encampment shall be posted with a notice if personal property
is removed from the site pursuant to this Policy. All departments are required
to work in consultation with the Central Services Department who shall be
responsible for maintaining a record of the unauthorized encampment, the date
of the unauthorized encampment removal, and where any personal property is
being stored with contact information.

12.7

The Central Services Department shall maintain a webpage as part of the
County's main website where information can be obtained and made available
upon request to persons seeking information for how to find information about
an unauthorized encampment removal and personal property removed from an
unauthorized encampment removal.

12.8

Personal property that is not recovered after 60 days from and including the day
the personal property was stored shall be considered abandoned and may be
discarded or donated by DCP.

Recovering Stored
Encampment

Personal

Property after Removal

of an Unauthorized

13 .1

Persons claiming that personal property has been removed from an
unauthorized encampment may contact Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Civil
Division or the Central Services Department to retrieve personal property.

13 .2

A person seeking to recover stored personal property after removal of an
unauthorized encampment shall describe the personal property with
particularity. Identification of the person seeking recovery may be requested.
However, no identification is required for a person to recover the removed
property so long as the person can adequately describe their belongings and
where they would have been located prior to the removal.

13 .3

Personal property may be recovered by a person at the location where the
property is stored. Alternatively, persons with a documented disability may

Jefferson County Encampment Policy

Page 17 of 19

request that the property be delivered to the person at a location within 10 miles
of the removed unauthorized encampment, if that property is safe and
appropriate for delivery by vehicle. If delivery is requested and approved by
DCP, DCP shall make reasonable efforts to make delivery within five (5)
business days.

14.0

Designation of Emphasis Areas
14.1

By resolution of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, the county may
designate an area as an Emphasis Area. The Director of Public Health or their
designee shall be consulted before designation of an area as an Emphasis Area.

14.2

Except as provided in Section 14.6, an area may not be designated as an
Emphasis Area and no enforcement shall commence until: any existing
unauthorized encampment or obstruction removal in that area has occurred; the
area is otherwise free of unauthorized encampments; and, the area has been
designated as an Emphasis Area. Documentation for any proposed Emphasis
Area shall include review by the Department of Public Health.

14.3

An Emphasis Area shall be inspected by the Central Services Department at
least once each day. An Emphasis Area shall be identified by signage, and may
be fenced. The signage shall state:
(a)

The location on a map of the Emphasis Area;

(b)

That camping is prohibited in the Emphasis Area;

( c)

That any personal property found in the Emphasis Area may be removed
without further notice;

( d)

Where any removed personal property is stored; and,

( e)

How any stored personal property may be claimed by its owner.

14.4

Persons camping in an Emphasis Area and their associated personal property
may be removed as an obstruction pursuant to Section 5.

14.5

The Central Services Director or designee shall identify Emphasis Areas and
their locations on a map on the county's website.

14.6

The following county-owned property is hereby declared an Emphasis Area.
(a)

The Courthouse and its grounds are hereby declared an Emphasis Area.
Camping at and on the surrounding grounds of the Jefferson County
Courthouse, located at 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend,
Washington, is prohibited. Camping is unsafe for building security and
county operations that include visitation by members of the public, as
well as a secure and safe work environment for county employees.

Jefferson County Encampment Policy

Page 18 of 19

Permanent signage shall be posted as required by this section.
Furthermore, use of the Jefferson County Courthouse and Courthouse
grounds after working hours as defined by the Jefferson County Board
of Commissioners is only allowed in accordance with prior
authorization, as determined in Resolution No. 60-04 (11/15/2004).

15.0

(b)

County offices located on the "Castle Hill Campus" and its grounds are
hereby declared an Emphasis Area. This includes but is not limited to
County offices for Public Health (615 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend),
Environmental Health & Water Quality (617 Sheridan Street, Port
Townsend), Department of Community Development (621 Sheridan
Street, Port Townsend), and Jefferson County Public Works (623
Sheridan Street, Port Townsend). It us not safe to camp at the Castle Hill
Campus because it is surrounded by parking lots used by the county and
businesses, some of which are open at night. Also. camping is unsafe
for building security and county operations that include visitation by
members of the public, as well as a secure and safe work environment
for county employees.

(c)

All county-owned property within 1,000 feet from the perimeter of the
following locations or uses: (i) elementary or secondary schools; (ii)
playgrounds or play fields; (iii) recreation centers or facilities; (iv) child
care centers; (vi) public transit centers; and, (vii) libraries are hereby
declared an Emphasis Area.

Limitations
15.1

No Additional Legal Rights. This Policy does not create legal rights beyond those
obligations and rights created by statute or other laws binding on Jefferson County.
The provisions of federal and state law control, if there is any conflict with this
Policy.

15.2

No Affirmative Duty. Except where mandated by statute, any duties identified in
this Policy are discretionary or advisory only and shall not impose any affirmative
duty on Jefferson County.

15.3

No Basis for Liability. This Policy is not intended to and shall not be construed to
create or form the basis of any liability on the part of Jefferson County, or its
officers, staff, or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from any action or
inaction on the part of Jefferson County related in any manner to the enforcement
of this Policy by its elected officials, officers, staff, or agents.

15.4

Accountability and Review. Nothing in this Policy shall be construed as removing
Jefferson County's obligation and responsibility to uphold applicable state and
federal laws that provide legal rights and protections to persons residing in an
unauthorized encampment.

Page 19 of 19

16.0

17.0

Amendments and Corrections to this Policy
16.1

Jefferson County reserves the right to apply and interpret this Policy and to revise
or change this Policy at any time.

16.2

The Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners is authorized to make necessary
technical, non-substantive corrections to this Policy including, but not limited to,
the correction of scrivener's or clerical errors, references, numbering, section or
subsection numbers and any references to them.

Severability
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Policy is declared
unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining parts of this Policy.

[REPORT]
July 2025

The Public Health Impacts of

Encampment "Sweeps"

SM

NACCHO
National Association of County & City Health Officials

Public Health

Pr even l. Promote. Protect.

Introduction
Encampments and Their Residents
People live in encampments because they have no reasonable alternative.9
More than 650,000 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness on any given night in
2023. Far too few emergency shelter beds and transitional housing options exist to serve
1
the population in need, leaving hundreds of thousands of individuals-nearly 40% of the
unhouserf--with no option but to seek shelter in places not meant for habitation, including
sleeping outside in groups or encampments.3
Available evidence shows that residents of encampments are typically between 25 and
60 years of age.4•5 Encampment residents are often people of color; most are living with a
disability, and many are subject to systemic discrimination for their gender or sexuality.4•5 Most
encampment residents are also long-time residents of the neighborhood where they camp,
with deep ties to the local community.4
The vast majority of people living in encampments lack viable alternatives for shelter. A study
conducted in Denver, Colorado found that 70% of city residents living in unsheltered public
spaces had been turned away from emergency shelters due to lack of capacity.6 A similar study
in San Jose, California found only 508 year-round shelter beds available for the more than
5,500 unhoused residents in the city.7
Recently, encampments have become more visible as development takes place on previously
vacant spaces, or as the homeless population grows to exceed the capacity of unsheltered
spaces that are out of public view.4

Encampment Disruptions and Involuntary Displacement ("Sweeps")
Many U.S. cities have used disruptive methods to respond to visible encampments, often called
"encampment sweeps" Other names used for such sweeps include "clean-ups;"'abatements,"
"move-along orders;'"clearings;'"forced relocations;' and "involuntary displacements,":"
Encampment sweeps typically fall into three categories: spot sweeps, temporary sweeps, and
permanent sweeps.
• Spot sweeps typically involve service providers or other city authorities passing through
the camp to pick up trash, offer resources, and connect people with desired services. Spot
sweeps of this nature are often considered helpful and are appreciated by encampment
residents.11
• Temporary and permanent sweeps are inherently disruptive. In these sweeps, residents
are sometimes given one or two garbage bags in which to move a limited number of
personal belongings then forcibly displaced from the location by police while sanitation
crews remove and destroy everything left behind. In temporary sweeps, residents are
allowed to return to the location after it has been cleared; some encampment residents
may experience such sweeps as often as once per month. In permanent sweeps, residents
are barred from returning to the encampment location under threat of arrest.11 Some
municipalities take efforts to make the area unusable by blocking it off with concrete
barricades or closing the area to public entry entirely.12
Some municipalities provide encampment residents with a few days' notice of an upcoming
sweep;13 however, those timelines are not always followed, and some residents have
undergone sweeps of their encampment days before it was scheduled to occur.14 Many sweeps
begin very early in the morning and last most of the day, leaving residents little or no ability to
prepare.11 Some municipalities combine encampment sweeps with linkage to social servicesr'?

·

[1 l

however, the intended positive effects of these linkage attempts are usually undermined by
one or more of these common challenges: the absence of comprehensive outreach strategies
before, during, and after the sweep; the lack of available services to be offered in the first
place; lack of housing options that meet residents' needs; reliance on law enforcement officers
to carry out sweeps instead of a more suitable workforce; and increased criminal justice
involvement as a consequence of police involvement and systematic warrant checking during
the sweep.5•15
Encampment sweeps do not reduce homelessness. Nor do they improve housing access.
Instead, they usually erode viable pathways to housing by disrupting social ties, reducing
access to vital records, and creating barriers for housing services.16 More than 90% of people
who are displaced by sweeps remain in public spaces after displacement, and nearly two thirds
simply move down the street, because they have nowhere else to go.5

Encampment Sweeps Increase Overdose Deaths
Overdose is a leading cause of death among unhoused populations. Before COVID-19, about 25% of
all deaths among unhoused, unsheltered city residents were due to overdose.17 Since then,
several studies suggest that overdose deaths have nearly doubled among those who are
unhoused.4•18
Encampment sweeps may account for as many as 24% of all deaths among unhoused people who use druqs."
Studies have found that unhoused people who were forced to leave their encampment in the
past 30 days had 2.5-times higher odds of non-fatal overdose compared to those who had not
been displaced.19 Similarly, studies of death records show that unhoused people who were
regularly forced to relocate experienced 70-90% higher rates of overdose death compared to
those who were not."
Common causes of overdose death after encampment sweeps include: return to use due to
loss of medications for opioid use disorder, loss of naloxone for overdose reversal, and loss of
trusted social ties with people who are ready and willing to respond to an overdose.11 Losing
connections with trusted suppliers and/or a familiar drug supply can put people who use
drugs within the encampment and those who live in homes in the surrounding neighborhood
at higher risk of overdose.":"

Other Human Costs of Encampment Sweeps
Encampment sweeps are associated with negative health effects in addition to overdose.
Encampment residents often lose possession of essential medications (including HIV
medication, hepatitis C medication, and medications for opioid use disorder) in sweeps." Many
also lose possession of essential medical equipment that cannot easily be replaced, such as
walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and other medical devices,"

[2]

Encampment sweeps may
account for as many as 24%
of all deaths among unhoused
people who use druqs."
Studies of death records
show that unhoused people
who were regularly forced to
relocate experienced
70-90% higher rates of
overdose death compared to
those who were not."

Encampment sweeps worsen many substance use outcomes in addition to overdose. Recently
displaced encampment residents have nearly three times higher odds of using drugs or
alcohol and twice the odds of living with infectious disease.23 Those who used drugs before
displacement often lose possession of essential harm reduction supplies, including sterile
syringes and naloxone, during encampment sweeps." As a result, people who have been
recently displaced are more likely to share syringes and use substances in more dangerous
places (to avoid police contact).19•24 Forced displacement also reduces residents' access to
medications for opioid use disorder." People who are displaced are 40% less likely to receive
this live-saving treatment."
Encampment sweeps usually force residents into dangerous locations, such as sidewalks and
freeway underpasses." significantly reducing access to essential healthcare and social services.
After displacement, street medicine teams and other outreach service providers are often
unable to locate displaced residents for follow up; many residents also lose mobility aids (such
as wheelchairs and walkers), which can reduce or eliminate their ability to reach stationary
healthcare services, social services, and meal proqrarns.v" For all these reasons, encampment
sweeps place residents at immediate risk of injury, infectious disease, and exacerbations of
chronic conditions (including cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine, psychiatric, and behavioral
conditions, among others).8•23
Encampment sweeps also harm social support structures. Residents are often displaced to
nearby areas, risking conflict with new neiqhbors." These conflicts are often made worse
through the loss of trusted social contacts8·9 as well as complete loss of trust in police9 and
social services providers.25
The combined negative effects of encampment sweeps leave residents feeling powerless,
hopeless, anxious, traumatized, and convinced that obtaining permanent housing will never
be possible. 8·9·11•26

The Financial Cost of Encampment Sweeps
Municipalities spend millions of dollars on encampment sweeps each year, even though
sweeps often make the problems they aim to solve worse. For example, in 2019, the city of
San Jose spent about $4.8 million on encampment sweeps.4 In 2014, the City of San Francisco
spent about $3 million on encampment sweeps every month.'
In addition to the cost of conducting sweeps and the immediate harms to residents described
above, encampment sweeps also create new, long-term problems for local communities.
Sweeps drive up healthcare costs by worsening health conditions, reducing access to
outpatient healthcare services, increasing hospitalizations, and increasing emergency
department visits.8•23 Encampment residents also experience nearly twice the odds of criminal
justice involvement after a sweep, 19 often resulting in cycles of citations, warrants, and arrests
that can last for years, consuming significant time from local police departments and court
systems.5

[3]

Why Sweeps Don't Work
"Fundamentally, the vast majority of people who are unhoused are living in encampments because there is no
alternative when the cost ofliving is substantially higher than wages."
- Chang et al., 2022
Displacing residents from encampment sites typically leaves them living in the same public
spaces with fewer resources than before.'
Research has identified many common causes of these policy failures in U.S. cities. The most
significant and ongoing issue is the lack of affordable housing.4 Emergency and temporary
shelter capacity is grossly inadequate to meet current need, with some cities seeing their
unhoused population exceed shelter capacity by more than 1000%.6•7 Resources allocated
to encampment outreach and targeted efforts to connect residents to services are also very
limited compared to the resources spent to conduct sweeps.4 Finally, many cities do not track
the effectiveness of their outreach efforts, and some do not have any outreach plan in place at
all."

Evidence-Based Responses to Public Encampments
Without exception, encampment response of any kind (including outreach and service
delivery) should be planned and carried out through direct consultation and collaboration
with encampment residents.27·28
Encampment sweeps do not increase shelter use, because they do not increase shelter
capacity.29 To be effective in reducing the number of people living in unsheltered spaces,
encampment responses must create pathways to housing opportunities beyond the shelter
system, including access to permanent housing.4 Coordinated entry into housing services and
other support systems can be offered to encampment residents through targeted outreach
at any time, not simply in conjunction with planned sweeps that disrupt access to these
services.4•16•29

Key Elements of Effective Encampment Responses
Effective encampment responses begin with thorough needs assessments and collaborative
planning processes that include equitable input from both encampment residents and their
neiqhbors."
Strategies to consider include:
• Transparent prioritization strategies: Develop and publish plans for directing services
to the locations and/or individuals with the most acute health and safety needs first.
• Centralized tracking systems: Create or integrate a system to track available shelter
beds, transitional housing units, and permanent housing units to facilitate transitions to

Research has identified
many common causes of
[encampment sweep] policy
failures in U.S. cities. The
most significant and ongoing
issue is the lack of affordable
housing.4

stable, sheltered living.
• Coordinated case management: Implement coordinated case management to enable
trained and qualified professionals to perform outreach to encampment residents,
address barriers to healthcare and housing resources, and track person-oriented health
and housing goals.
• Ongoing health and social services: Continue providing health, hygiene, sanitation,
and nutritional services to the encampment while coordinated case management and
supportive housing services are underway.
• Provide wrap-around housing assistance. Provide dynamic support for residents'
transition to housing, including financial and case management assistance with moving

[4]

Emergency and temporary
shelter capacity is grossly
inadequate to meet current
need, with some cities seeing
their unhoused population
exceed shelter capacity by
more than 1000%.6.7

services, furniture, start-up kits with essential supplies for new renters, rent subsidies, and
other challenges with typical move-in expenses; educating landlords on more effectively
engaging renters with low credit scores, past evictions, criminal records, or other potential
concerns can also be helpful.":"

Housing First Strategies
Housing First strategies have very strong evidence for success. They produce better outcomes
than other housing approaches and are highly effective at helping residents with complex
mental and behavioral health issues (including substance use disorders) transition quickly
into permanent housing.4•27 For this reason, Housing First strategies should be central to any
encampment response effort.4

Temporary Supported Communities
For some city residents, Temporary Supported Communities (TSCs). also known as "sanctioned
encampments" can offer a short-term, safer alternative to living in unsheltered public spaces.29
TSCs are intended to be temporary in nature, typically lasting 6 to 36 months depending on
local need and service capacities." While they do not address the root causes of homelessness,
TSCs can create short-term, safer environments where outreach, healthcare services,
employment services, and housing navigation and support can be effectively delivered while
people are connected to housing.

Sanctioned Parking Programs

.

Well-planned, sanctioned parking programs can also offer safe options for people living in
vehicles (e.g. cars, trucks, or RVs) who need housing support and are at high risk of becoming
unsheltered and transitioning into encampments.29

Involuntary Displacement as a Last Resort
Some municipalities turn to the involuntary displacement of encampment residents as an
emergency measure. If a municipality determines that it is unsafe for residents to remain in a
particular location, even after taking into account the profoundly negative community-wide
impacts of forced displacement, the planned sweep should begin with coordinated planning
across multiple agencies to ensure that encampment residents have low-barrier access to
essential services and that this access is sufficiently reinforced against the disruptions that the
sweep itself will cause." Any encampment sweep deemed necessary should be preceded by
weeks-and, in some cases, months-of robust and regular outreach and service delivery to
encampment residents, including housing navigation and ongoing housing support for each
resident even after a successful transitioning to permanent housing.4

[s]

Examples from U.S. Cities
Durham, North Carolina has an Encampment Response Protocol that begins with a
demographic, health, and safety survey of each encampment to determine whether
intervention by the city is even necessary. If a formal response is appropriate, the city conducts
a census of encampment residents and develops an individualized housing and services
plan for each person. Before removal of solid waste from the campsite (i.e. to conduct a
"sweep") residents must receive 14 days' notice and be provided with the means to safely and
securely store their belongings at a location available by public transit. The city's protocol also
mandates an evaluation of the impacts of any intervention undertaken within 30 days."
Durham also recently introduced a non-police emergency response program called Holistic
Empathetic Assistive Response Team (HEART). HEART team members address community
concerns about homelessness and public encampments, providing a low-barrier, supportive,
and sustainable connection to city and county services.33
Bellingham, Washington has a similar policy focused on effective and equitable service
delivery in response to public encampments, with specific response plans tailored case-bycase. After a thorough assessment of the needs and concerns of encampment residents,
city-managed homeless outreach teams visit encampment residents, offering assisted access
to available services. Encampments are cleared only if they are determined to present a
risk to public health and safety, and only after residents have been given ample advance
notice. When shelter beds are limited or unavailable, the city restricts encampment sweeps
to instances of serious public health or safety concerns or planned construction on an
encampment site.34
St. Paul, Minnesota launched the Homeless Assistance Response Team (HART) in response to
growing concerns about public encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic. HART provides
a 24/7 response to unhoused city residents, including encampment residents, and helps
people navigate transitional housing or other housing services. As of August 2022, HART was
working with residents at 55 active encampment sites, connecting them with services and,
when necessary, preparing residents for the safe and sustainable encampment closure.35
Portland, Oregon has hosted the Dignity Village encampment since 2000, making it possibly
the oldest and longest-running sanctioned encampment in the United States.36

■
Additional Resources
On Homelessness and Public Encampments
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's "Exploring Homelessness Among
People Living in Encampments and Associated Cost"
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's "Understanding Encampments of
People Experiencing Homelessness and Community Responses"
U.S. lnteragency Council on Homelessness"? Principles for Addressing Encampments"
San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness"'Punishing the Poorest: How the Criminalization
of Homelessness Perpetuates Poverty in San Francisco"
National League of City's "An Overview of Homeless Encampments for City Leaders"
National Alliance to End Homelessness"'State of Homelessness Dashboard"
UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative's "Towards a New Understanding: The
California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness"

[6]

On the Harms Caused by Traditional and Punitive Approaches to Encampments
ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing's "Summary of Responses to Homeless
Encampments"
National Coalition for Housing Justice's "Policing- and Punishment-based Approaches: A
Really Expensive Way to Make Homelessness Worse"
• National Health Care for the Homeless Council's "Impact of Encampment SweeN.Q.Q..
People Experiencing Homelessness"

On Evidence-based Interventions for Unhoused City Residents
U.S. lnteragency Council on Homelessness"'l 9 Strategies for Communities to Address
Encampments Humanely and Effectively"
National Alliance to End Homelessness"'Critical Time Intervention Rapid Re-Housing
Toolkit"
National Alliance to End Homelessness"'CTI-RRH Model Program Description"
Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College of CUNY's "Critical Time Intervention
for Rapid Rehousing: Manual for Case Managers and Supervisors"
Seattle University Homeless Rights Advocacy Project's "It Takes a Village: A Practical Guide
for Authorized Homeless Encampments"
The UC San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative's "Encampment
Resolution Guide"
National Vehicle Residency Collective's "National Parking Program List"
Community Solutions'"What is Housing First?"
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's "Housing First Implementation
Resources"
The National Low Income Housing Coalitions"'The Evidence Is Clear: Housing First Works"
The City of Durham, North Carolina's "Encampment Response Policy"

■

[7]

References
1. Glassman B. New Survey Data Provides Demographic Profile
of Population Experiencing Homelessness Who Lived in Emergency and Transitional Shelters. Census.gov. February 27, 2024.
Accessed August 9, 2024. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2024/02/living-in-shelters.html
2. de Sousa T, Andrichik A, Prestera E, Rush K, Tano C, Wheeler M.
The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to
Congress. Published online December 2023. Accessed October
8, 2024. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/
pdf/2023-AHAR-Part-1.pdf
3. Adkins M. Homelessness in-America: Statistics, Analysis, & Trends.
Security.org. June 7, 2024. Accessed August 9, 2024. https://
www.security.org/resources/homeless-statistics/
4. Dunton L, Khadduri J, Burnett K, Fiore N, Yetvin W. Exploring
homelessness among people living in encampments and associated cost Published on line February 2020. Accessed May 6,
2024. https://www. h u du ser.gov /po rt al/ sites/ defa u lt/fi I es/ pdf/
Exploring-Homelessness-Among-People.pdf
5. Coalition on Homelesseness, San Francisco. Punishing the
poorest: How the criminalization of homelessness perpetuates
poverty in San Francisco. Published online 2015. Accessed May 6,
2024. https://www.cohsf.org/Punishing.pQf
6. Robinson T. No Right to Rest: Police Enforcement Patterns
and Quality of Life Consequences of the Criminalization
of Homelessness. Urban Affairs Review. 2019;55(1 ):41-73.
doi:10.1177 /1078087417690833
7. Office of the City Auditor. Audit of the City's Homeless Assistance
Programs: More Coordination and Better Monitoring Can Help
Improve the Effectiveness of Programs. City of San Jose; 2018.
Accessed May 6, 2024. https://sanjose.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file-saniose 3ae28bl ca45affl a33edc83a56618382.
pdf&view=l
8. Qi D, Abri K, Mukherjee MR, et al. Health Impact of Street Sweeps
from the Perspective of Healthcare Providers. J Gen Intern Med.
2022;37(14):3707-3714. doi:10.1007 /sl 1606-022-07471-y
9. Chang JS, Riley PB, Aguirre RJ, et al. Harms of encampment
abatements on the health of unhoused people. SSM - Qualitative Research in Health. 2022;2:100064. doi:10.1016/j.
ssmqr.2022.100064
10. Barocas JA, Nall SK, Axelrath S, et al. Population-Level Health
Effects of Involuntary Displacement of People Experiencing
Unsheltered Homelessness Who Inject Drugs in US Cities. JAMA.
2023;329(17):1478-1486. doi:10.1001 /jama.2023.4800
11. Goldshear JL, Kitonga N, Angelo N, Cowan A, Henwood BF,
Bluthenthal RN. "Notice of major cleaning": A qualitative study

[8]

of the negative impact of encampment sweeps on the ontological security of unhoused people who use drugs. Soc Sci Med.
2023;339:116408. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116408
12. Torres M. Concrete barriers blocking street where tents of homeless encampment used to be. wusa9.com. October 5, 2021. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/
loca I/d c/ comm u n ity-g rou p-pu shes-for-city-to-stop-creating-notent-zones-after-prog ram-to-remove-home less-encampmentspaused/65-df94fa94-f6fd-457d-a9c0-84cc693e4781
13. 5jostedt D, Greschler G. "Aggressive" homeless camp sweeps
begin in San Francisco. The San Francisco Standard. July 30, 2024.
Accessed August 9, 2024. https://sfstandard.com/2024/07 /30/
san-francisco-aggressive-homeless-camp-sweeps-begin/
14. Shen F. Baltimore razes an encampment two days before city said
it would. Baltimore Brew. October 9, 2024. Accessed October 9,
2024. https://www.baltimorebrew:com/2024/03/05/baltimorerazes-an-encampment-two-days-before-city-said-it-would/
15. Office of the City Auditor. Performance Audit of the City's Efforts
to Address Homelessness. City of San Diego; 2020. Accessed May
6, 2024. https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/20-009
homelessness 0.pdf
16. National Health Care for the Homeless Council. Issue Brief: Impact of Encampment Sweeps on People Experiencing Homeless.
Published on line December 2022. Accessed November 5, 2024.
https://n hchc.org/resou rce/te m porary-su pported-com mun itiesstrateg i es-fo r-servi ng-u n sheltered-people/
17. Fine DR, Dickins KA, Adams LD, et al. Drug Overdose Mortality Among People Experiencing Homelessness, 2003 to 2018.
JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(1 ):e2142676. doi:10.1001 /jamanetworkopen.2021.42676
18. Cawley C, Kanzaria HK, Zevin B, Doran KM, Kushel M, Raven MC.
Mortality Among People Experiencing Homelessness in San
Francisco During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Network Open.
2022;5(3):e221870. doi:10.1001 /jamanetworkopen.2022.1870
19. Chiang JC, Bluthenthal RN, Wenger LD, Auerswald CL, Henwood BF, Kral AH. Health risk associated with residential
relocation among people who inject drugs in Los Angeles and
San Francisco, CA: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health.
2022;22(1 ):823. doi:10.1186/sl 2889-022-13227-4
20. Carroll JJ, Rich JD, Green TC. The protective effect of trusted dealers against opioid overdose in the U.S. International Journal of
Drug Policy. 2020;78:102695. doi:10.1 0l 6/j.drugpo.2020.102695
21. Victor GA, Strickland JC, Kheibari AZ, Flaherty C. A mixed-methods approach to understanding overdose risk-management
strategies among a nationwide convenience sample. International Journal of Drug Policy. 2020;86:102973.

22. Ray B, Korzeniewski SJ, Mohler G, et al. Spatiotemporal Analysis
Exploring the Effect of Law Enforcement Drug Market Disruptions on Overdose, Indianapolis, Indiana, 2020-2021. Am J Public
Health. 2023;113(7):750-758. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2023.307291
23. Meehan AA, Milazzo KE, Bien M, et al. Involuntary displacement
and self-reported health in a cross-sectional survey of people
experiencing homelessness in Denver, Colorado, 2018-2019. BMC
Public Health. 2024;24(1 ):1159. doi:10.1186/sl 2889-024-18681-w

31. National Health Care for the Homeless Council. Temporary Supported Communities: Strategie for Serving Unsheltered People.
Published online July 24, 2024. Accessed November 5, 2024.
https:/ /n hchc.org/resou rce/tem pora ry-su pported-com mun iti esstrateg i es-fo r-servi n g-u n sheltered-peopl el
32. The City of Durham. Encampment Response Policy. Published
online 2019. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://www.durhamnc.
gov/DocumentCenterNiew/48492/encampment response policy final?bidld=

24. Wood E, Spittal PM, Small W, et al. Displacement of Canada's largest public illicit drug market in response to a police crackdown.
CMAJ. 2004;170(10):1551-1556. doi:10.1503/cmaj.1031928
25. Rizzo E, Caiola S. Kensington encampment cleanup: "There's a
whole bunch of cops out here, but there's nobody to help us"
Kensington Voice. May 9, 2024. Accessed August 12, 2024. https://
www.kensingtonvoice.com/en/mayor-parkers-kensington-encampment-cleanup-theres-a-whole-bunch-of-cops-out-here-but-

33. Durham County NC. HEART (Holistic Empathetic Assistive Response Team). Durham County. 2024. Accessed August 18, 2024.
https://mentalhealth.networkofcare.org/durham-nc/services/age
ncy?pid=holisticempatheticassistiveresponseteamheart 371 2 0
34. City of Bellingham. Unauthorized Encampments. City of Bellingham. 2024. Accessed August 18, 2024. https:/ /cob.org/gov/dept/
pw/services-pw/unauthorized-encampments

theres-nobody-to-help-us/
26. Darrah-Okike J, Soakai S, Nakaoka S, Dunson-Strane T, Umemoto
K. "It Was Like I Lost Everything": The Harmful Impacts of Homeless-Targeted Policies. Housing Policy Debate. 2018;28(4):635-651.
doi:10.1080/10511482.2018.1424723
27. U.S. interagency Council on Homelessness. 7 Principles for Addressing Encampments. Published on line June 2022. Accessed
August 21, 2024. https://www.usich.gov/sites/default/files/document/Principles for Addressing Encampments 1.pdf

35. The City of Saint Paul. Homeless Assistance Response Team. Saint
Paul Minnesota. 2024. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://www.
stpa u I .gov/ d epa rtm ents/ safety-inspections/re port-concern/
homeless-assistance-response-team
36. Abraham R. In Portland's Self-Governed Dignity Village, The
Un housed Make Their Own Rules. Next City. November 17, 2022.
Accessed August 18, 2024. https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/
in-portlands-self-governed-dignity-village-the-unhoused-maketheir-own-rule

28. U.S. lnteragency Council on Homelessness. 19 Strategies for Communities to Address Encampments Humanely and Effectively.
Published online April 2024. Accessed November 5, 2024. https://
www.usich.gov/sites/default/files/document/19%20Strategies%20for%20Communities%20to%20Address%20Encampments%20Humanely%20and%20Effectively 1 .pdf
29. Cohen R, Yetvin W, Khadduri J. Understanding Encampments of
People Experiencing Homelessness and Community Responses.
Published online July 19, 2019. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://
www.abtglobal.com/insights/publications/report/understandingencampments-of-people-experiencing-homelessness-and
30. Dones M, Espinoza M. Encampment Resolution Guide. Published
online September 2024. Accessed November 5, 2024. https://
homelessness.ucsf.edu/sites/default/files/2024-09/BHHl%20Encampment%20Resolution%20Guide 0.pdf

SM

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Acknowledgements
Author: Jennifer J. Carroll
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
[email protected]

The mission of the National Association of County and City Health Officials
(NACCHO) is to improve the health of communities by strengthening and
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© 2025. National Association of County and City Health Officials.

Jefferson County
Board of Health

V.
New Business
Item 2
Updates to the Environmental Health Fee Schedule

ublic

alth

September 17, 2026

Environmental Health Fee Schedule Summary of Changes
Change
Remove
Language

Remove
Language
Add and
Remove
Language
Add
Fee/Clarify
Language
Add
Language
Add
Language
Change
Language

Reestablish
Fee

Current Fee
NameNalue/Description
Late Fee for Invoices - "See
Resolution #88-20"

Proposed Fee
NameNalue/Description
Remove Language

Individual Conventional &
Alternative OSS Permit Fees "Valid for 3 years"
Commercial/Community
Conventional & Alternative
Permit Fees - "Base Fee
- Valid for 3 Years"
"Operating Permit- $190.05"

Remove Language

"Base Fee, Plus Each
Connection Fee"

ass

Subdivision Review Base Fee
- "Plus Per lot Fee"
Boundary line adjustment or
Lot Certification base review
fee - "Plus Per lot Fee"
Installer, Pumper, O&M
Specialist or Technician "Operation, Monitoring &
Maintenance (0, M &M)"

NA

"Initial Application $190.05"
"Base Fee, Plus Per lot
fee"
"Base Fee, Plus Per lot
fee"
Operation & Monitoring
(O&M)

Reason
Resolution #88-20 concerned a temporary pause of
the late invoice fee during covid. The resolution is
expired April 30, 2021 and this language has held
over unintentionally.
These fees apply to all OSS permit types, which
range for a valid period of 90 days to 3 years. This
language is a carry-over from older fee schedules.
These fees apply to all OSS permit types, which
range for a valid period of 90 days to 3 years. This
language is a carry-over from older fee schedules.
Added language clarifies what fees apply.
"Operating Permit" is now the section name with a
new fee name of "Initial Application" but no change
in fee value.
Adds clarity for DCD invoicing.
Adds clarity for DCD invoicing.

Improves consistency with JCC 8.15 (On site Sewage
Code)

.
0 & M Inspection Report
Manual Data Entry$59.85

This fee was once on the fee schedule but was
removed for unknown reasons. Staff are entering
many homeowner inspection manually even though
there is an online option available via the CSS

Change
Language
Change
Section
Name
Add new
Subsection

Operation Monitoring &
Maintenance (0, M &M)
"Food Service
Establishments"

Operation & Monitoring
(O&M)
"Food Service"

NA

Reconfigure
Fee

NA

"New Food
Establishment Permit
(FEP)"
"New Food
Establishment Permit
(FEP)"- $565.95 - "Due
at time of application.
Includes 2 hrs of food
service plan review."

Add
Language

Pre-opening inspection "Per Hour; 1 hour minimum"

Added
Language

NA

Added Fee

NA

"Per Hour; 1 hour
minimum; Due after
Plan Review
Approved/Prior to
Preopening Inspection"
"Annual Permit Fee" "Same as Annual Permit
Fees"
"Septic Review for Food
Service" - $122.85 - "Per
hour; 1 hour minimum,
for establishments on
septic systems."

portal. We hope this fee will incentivize use of the
portal.
Consistent language with JCC 8.15.
This section of the fee schedule applies to all food
service permit types, FEP and TFS. This improves
clarity.
Improves clarity for applicants and staff to invoice
correct fees for new FEPs.
Currently, at the time of application a new
establishment pays 2 hours of plan review and the
new establishment fee. The new establishment fee
is $282.45 and 2 hours of plan review is $283.50
($141. 75 x 2hrs). This new combined fee is the equal
to the amount that is currently being charged but
removed the "hidden fee" aspect of the application.
This clarifies fees to the applicant and staff.
Adds clarity of when fee is due.

Added to new section for clarity for new
applications.
Currently this fee is already charged to FEP
applications under "Other Food Fees" Section.
Added here for clarity to new applicants.

Change
Language

"Annual Permit Fees (Based
on menu Complexity &
seating - menu changes may
change category)"

Reorganize
fee
language

"Annual Permit Issued after
September 1 - 50% of Annual
Permit Fee"

Increase of
Fee

"Late Fee for Invoices" $71.40

Change of
Language
Change of
Language

"Temporary Permits
Application Fees"
"Low Risk Foods (Limited to
Specific Listed Foods)"

Change of
Language
Add
Language
Remove Fee

"Initial Event/Additional
Single Event"
"Recurring"
"Additional Event (Same
Menu only)" - $78. 75

"Annual Permit Fees for
FEPs (Based on menu
Complexity & seating menu changes may
change category)"
"Annual Permit Issued
after September 1 - 50%
of Annual Permit Fee Based on Permit
Category"
"Late Renewal Fee" $71.40- "Per Day.
Applies to renewal
applications submitted
after February 14th.
Accrual stops once
establishment is
closed."
"Temporary Food
Service (TFS) Permit"
"Low Risk Food (Limited
to Specific Listed
Foods)"
"Single Event (single
location)"
"Recurring Event"
NA

Adds clarity.

Adds Clarity

Changing late fee to a per-day late fee gives the
department more leverage to have establishments
renew on time. Current late fee does not provide
enough incentive for establishments to renew in a
timely manner.

Adds Clarity
Adds Clarity

Adds clarity, parallels language in rest of fee
schedule.
Adds Clarity
Duplicative of "Initial Event/Additional Single Event"
fee.

Change
Language

For Medium and High Risk
Food "Initial Application
(First Event)"
25% Reduction based on
indigency, public interest or
public benefit

"Single Event (single
location)"

Adds clarity.

NA

"Applicable to
applications submitted
less than 14 days prior to
the event."

Remove Fee

Late Fee for Temporary
Permits - "Additional 50%
(Paid when application is
submitted less than 10 days
prior to the event."
New Establishment

This was established in 2020 fee schedule and
stated "*with BOH resolution and backed with
general funds". The reimbursement from the general
fund never occurred, nor did the resolution.
Additionally, by reducing fees, the department is not
covering its expenses of administering the permit.
Removing the fee conforms to BOCCs requirements
for program fees to cover their expenses.
Provides better conformity to WAC 246-215-09200.

Remove Fee

Pre-opening inspection

NA

Remove
Language

Remove the description for
all of the Solid Waste Facility
fees

NA

Rename
Subsection

"Solid Waste Facility"

New

NA

Subsection
Added
Language

NA

"Annual Solid Waste
Facility Permit Fee"
"Other Solid Waste
Facility Fees"
"Due at time of
application, plus Plan,

Remove fee
reduction

Change
Language

NA

This fee is relocated into the New Food
Establishment Permit (FEP) section.
This fee is relocated into the New Food
Establishment Permit (FEP) section.
These fees are invoiced each year as the annual
permit fee. These descriptions indicate there may
be additional hours invoiced, however EH has never
invoiced for additional hours. Descriptions are
outdated and no longer relevant.
Improves clarity on what these fees are for.
These fees already exist but putting them in this new
subsection clarifies when they are applicable.
It was unclear when this fee was charged. This
language clarifies it.

Added Fee

NA

Added Fee

NA

New
Section
New Fee

NA

New Fee

NA

NA

Document, and
WaiverNariance Review
fee."
Water Review for Lang
Divisions - $122.85 - Per
Hour; 2 hour minimum,
For Subdivision Review,
Boundary Line
Adjustment and Planned
Rural Residential
Development Review
fees
"Water Review for other
Land-Use Cases" $122.85- "Per Hour; For
Zoning review,
Conditional Use Permits,
Etc."
"School Environmental
Health and Safety"
"Annual School
Environmental Health
and Safety Inspection" $122.85 - "Per hour; 1
hour minimum"
"Other School
Inspections" - $122.85 "For site inspections,
pre-occupancy
inspections, etc."

This fee is new to the fee schedule but is already
being charged to customers. Currently we charge 2
hours of general technical assistance for this
service. Adding this fee in a dedicated section
clarifies our review costs and addresses a DCD ask
for a more clearly defined fee schedule.

Currently We charge 1 hour of general technical
assistance fee for this. Adding this fee in a
dedicated section clarifies our review costs and
addresses a DCD ask for a more clearly defined fee
schedule.
We need a clearer section on the fee schedule for
our Schools program.
Same as fee we currently charge under general
technical assistance. Adding this fee in a dedicated
section clarifies our review costs.

Same as fee we currently charge under general
technical assistance. Adding this fee in a dedicated
section clarifies our review costs.

New Fee

NA

"School Plan Review" $122.85- "Per hour; 2
hour minimum, then
technical
assistance/plan review
rate."

Based on 122.85/hr for 2 hours. 2 hours of staff time
is consistent with other similar Plan Reviews such
as food plan review. We currently invoice this as
general technical assistance. Adding this fee in a
dedicated section clarifies our review costs.

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DMSION
2026 FEES
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

YEAR BASE
ri::i:: ,AAA~•

····""

INCREASE
--h•

2026 FEE

, A ..,

Technology 2026 TOTAL
FN5%
FEE•

Addttlon1I Fees and Ott,er lnform1Uon

GENERAL
All f•ea listed below, with the exception of the Food Handlers Permit (FHP), Include a 5% technology fff. •
Health Officer

e Hearin

&Monitorinn Fee
Non-Comotlance

434.37
434.37
303.44
113.42
65.63
43.39
85.11
438.26

12.77
12.77
8.92
3.33
1.93
1.28
2.50
12.88

447.14
447.14
312.36
116.75
67.56
44.67
87.61
451.14

22.35
22.35
15.60
5.85
3.40
2.25
4.40
22.55

742.75
1 082.64

21.84
31.83

764.59
1.114.47

38.25
55.70

469.35
469.35
327.60
122.85
71.40
47.25
92.40
473.55

TiUe8
TiUe8
TiUo 19
Per Hour; 1 hour minimum
~ Resoktt iotwl'88-2 0·

,

..

PJustheAuditorsOfficarec:ordin
Plus recordino fee and fee for filino & removino NoUce to Title

Unnrade

cot
Repair, uccreee

Assurance and svsrem O eratlon Anreements

Plan Chane

and Plannlna
Fee
Boundarv line aoiustrnent or Lot Certification base review fee
Planned rural residential develo□ment review fee

Review

444.01

13.05

457.06

22.85

603.25 1/altd
1,169.70 1/a!Kttof-3·YMfS
Issued in conjunction with en exisUng sewage disposal system
479.85 orcommunil evetem

939.08
1199.54
117.92
113.00
336.95
702.01
223.95
81.80
280.97

27.61
35.27
3.47
3.33
9.91
20.64
6.58
2.40
8.26

966.69
1 234.81
121.39
116.75
346.86
722.65
230.53
84.20
289.23

48.35
61.75
6.05
5.85
17.35
36.15
11.55
4.20
14.45

1 015.35--Connaction Fee--V~·fo,-a.vea1S
1,296.75
Connection Fee --Velid-f
s
127.05
122.85
364.35
759.15
242.55 Aoolies to oendin or active but not ins!alled
88.20
303.45

175.94
65.44
113.42

5.17
1.92
3.33

181.11
67.36
116.75

9.05
3.35
5.85

190.05
70.35
122.85

673.91
283.94
263.94

19.81
7.76
7.76

693.72
271.70
271.70

34.70
13.60
13.60

117.92
113.42
188.99
113.42

3.47
3.33
4.97
3.33

121.39
116.75
173.96
116.75

6.05
5.85
8.70
5.85

728.70 Base Fee, Plus Per lot fee
285.60 Base Fee, Plus Per lot fee
285.60
For Subdivision Review, Boundary Line Adjustment and Planned
127.05 Rural Residential Develooment Review fees
122.85 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum
182.70
122.85 Per Hour· 1 hour minimum

Revised Site Plan Review
Site Development Review with Soil Ana!vsis
Site Oevelooment Review without Soil Analvsis
Other
WaiverNariance Annlication
WaiverNariance Hearing

.-.

:~~:~=~:~:::_:_:~:-;~:~~:~~;~~~~:-~;~:~::-:~-:~:~::-::-~-=~~:-:-----<

85.11
224.95
113.42

2.50
6.67
3.33

309.06
505.94
702.01
113.42

,.
9.09
14.87 IAI i,
20.64
3."1"111

I.,.

11.47
14.76
0:37

28

oodE a

87.61
233.51
116.75'

1.-:;...'-.. ••

92.40 Review of resubmission before Buidinn Permit is issued
245.70
122.85

1'l.70
5"85

318.15
520.81
722.651,
116. 5 1111"

15.90
26.05
36.15
5.85

'11140"1,45
5t6.77.
13.00 ....

20.05
25.85
0.65

~~!~,~:•~::~,:;,~=ci=ao=======================jt::::~~~9===~1!4.~76g;,==.~,~..~,,~~==~,!S.~BSg===~g!;:~!1:d:~,~~•:,~'.~,:,~;~~hM~,:~:,mto~o::~,~:~&=M,.=.==
.....,=.,.=..=,_===◊,=M=-&=-M=l==:3

Wet season evaluation

e

-

1:_.
168.99
4.97
173.96
~8.70
2
----------------~-==--=~-==-~....,,.,_~
~
,7.35
3
336.95
9.91
346.86

Commercial

tent

er

/\\.K

t(FEPl

5

Pre-ooervncins eclion
Annual Perrmt Fee
--

to, FEP,

~~
~

I"
... - ...
<(

r Fcoc Service

- "'
Bmd on menu Como/ex IIV & ,eeuna. monu oh•nae• ~v

a
o
With loun e, add
JWith catering, add
I Annual Permit Issued arter Se !ember 1

,... -

c::''""

r

, '\..

Late Renewal Fee
Tern
Food Service TFS Permlt.-Aooliaati~
Low Risk Foods Limited to seeclnc Listed Foods
lf\ilial-6v~-ventSingle Event (single location)
Annual (Art Walks, Open House)
Recurring Event
Medium Risk Food
llttitiol-A~i6fl-t~Single Event (single location)
Recurring Event (per location)
Additional Event (Same Menu Onlvl
Hi h Risk Food
ff"lllial-Applieo!ioo,{fif~Single Event {single location)
g Event (per location)

-90.7.3

...,,.

.
~~~e:.limeofapplication.lnciudes2hrsofloodservicep!an
565 95

134.57

3.84

122.85 Per hour. 1 hour minirnim. for establishments 011 se tics stems.
141. 75 Per Hour· 1 hour minimum, for review andfor annroval

6.75

8.85
310.00
12.43
435.16
20.88
731.15
8.85
310.00
12.43
435.16
50% of Annual Permit Fee

15.50
21.75
36.55
15.50
21.75

325.50
456.75
767.55
325.50 Se arate loun a area
456.75
~ Based oo Permit cetecov
Per Day. Applies to renewal applications submitted alter
71.40 Februarv 14th. Accrual stoos once establishment is closed.

72.74
364.74
113.42

2.14
10.72
3.33

74.88
375.46
116.75

3. 75
18.75
5.85

78. 75 Same-menu-Ollly
393.75 I
122.85 I

I
I
I

161.38
195.47
93.22

4.74
5.75
2.74

166.12
201.22
95.96

8.30
10.05
4.80

174.30 INot to exceed 21 days at )'OUf a location
211.05 I Not to excoed 3 davs a woek at a singlo location
100.80 I Not to exceed 21 davs at your-a location

I

161.38
281.34
93.22

4.74
7.68
2.74

166.12
269.02
95.96

8.30
13.45
4.80

174.30 Not to exceed 21 days at yetK a location
282.45 Not lo exceed 3 davs a week at a sin le location

72.74
303.44
30.65

2.14
8.92
0.90

3.75
15.60
1.60

78.75
327.60
33.60

..._--.

# ..,

I

/{___

421.05
542.85
13.65

..,

..,._ "'-

,

-,, \
l I

..- 422.73

I
I
I

__,._,. I

)--------------+-~=---=-+-~---~=-+-~1"0-0S."BeOe+N-ot-to_•_"_•_•'_'_"_'_"_'_''°'_~_•'_"_''_'o_,

~
~
Add1t1onat Evonl(SameMenu_O_"_
'
~

ll

I

ooy,-publiG-tflteret.t-or-t)ubliG•benefit

Late Fee for Temporary Permits

-74.88
312.36
31.55

WWNGPH--Gireoler-HOf)fOYul
~ Applicable to applications
16 submitted less than 40 14 davs orior lo the event.

Based on Permit Fee lus additional 50% of nermit fee.

~ -----,,;a

~ !1i!!]E&labllshmeel
~Service Plan Review

130.73

3.84

---2 W,W
134.57

New Owner/Change of ONner

163.67

4.81

168.48

Minor Channa of Floor Plan and/or Enuinmenl
So lie Reviow for Food Service

163.60
113.42

4.81
3.33

168.41
116.75

.......__._..

4.81
3.84
3.84

168.41
134.57
134.57
----1'34;;1

5.75
9.59

201.22
335.67

-

or Stvle of Service

163.60
130.73
130.73

195.47
326.08

firal
Food Handler Card
FACILITIES

10.00

-i

-4-3,,46 ----282Ati
6.75
141.75 Per Hour; 2 hour minimum
If paying this fee AND for minor change of noor plan or
equipment or for change of menu or style of service, may need
8.40
176.40 to pay for Food Service Plan Review
If paying this fee AND for New OwnerfChange of Owner or for
change of menu or style of service. may need to pay for Food
8.40
176.40 Service Plan Review
5.85
122.85 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum
If paying this fee AND for New Owner/Change of Owner or for
minor change of floor plan or equipment. may need to pay for
8.40
176.40 Food Service Plan Rovlew
6.75
141.75 Per Hour· 1 hour minimum - for review and/or approval
8.75
141.75 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum
~t-floof--flttRlmtlfll

_...,,.

10.05
16.80

-

211.05
352.80

10.00

10. 00

Fao

acilities
aste

:1

609.16

105.58
79.65
37.49
36.99
17.91

1of2

II
627.07

184.85
139.45
65.65
64.75
31.35

H.

1
1

-~

1r
&,--!
./
,
658.35 For-the--f1r&t--S houf&;-Uie1HJS- sess--t he-4eo

ate
-rete
rate

J E F F E R S O N C O U N TY P U B LI C H EAL T H
E N VI R O N M E N T A L H EAL T H DI VI S IO N
2026

FE ES

E N VI R O N M E N T AL H E A L T H

2026 FEE

903.44

T e c h n o lo gy

2026 TO T A L

FN 5 %

Fe e·

2 7 6 8 .9 6

1 3 9 .4 5

947.55
930.00

47.40
46.50

738.51
560.91
113.42

21.71
16.49
3.33

760.22
577.40
116.75

38.00
28.85
5.85

451.64

13.28

464.92

23.25

Ad d H io n a l F e H a n d Ot h e r ln f o r m a U o n

loo-4ochnieol-folo

122.85 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum
Based on 4 hours: >4 hours billed hourly at Technical
486.25 Assistance/Plan Review rate

113.42

3.33

116.75

5.85

122.65 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum

266.87
168.99
535.06

7.90
4.97
15.73

276.77
173.96
550.79

13.85
8.70
27.55

290.65 Ins ection of well construction, decommission & alteration
182.70 Tech Assist and Document Review is billed al the houri rate
578.55
Per Hour: 2 hour minimum. For Subdivision Review, Boundary
Lino Adjuslmcnt and Planned Rural Residential Development
122.85 Review fees
122.85 Per Hour: For Zooin review. Conditional Use Permits. Etc.

386.29
492.61
338.22
492.61
280.15
492.44
139.45
211.05
85.07
113.42
113.42
113.42

11.36
14.48
9.94
14.48
8.24
14.48
4.10
6.20
2.50
3.33
3.33
3.33

397.65
507.09
348.16
507.09
288.39
506.92
143.55
217.25
87.57
116.75
116.75
116.75

19.90
25.35
17.40
25.35
14.40
25.35
7.20
10.85
4.40
5.85
5.85
5.85

417.90
532.35
365.40
532.35
302.40
532.35
151.20
227.85
92.40
122.85
122.85 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum 122.85 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum

113.42
113.42
223.95

3.33
3.33
6.56

116.75
116.75
230.53

5.85
5.85
11.55

122.85 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum
122.85 Per Hour; 1 hour minimum
242.55

2012

us associated lab costs

Jefferson County
Board of Health

V.
New Business
Item 3
Summary of the 4-H program
[No hand-out]

September 17, 2026

Jefferson County
Board of Health

VI.
Announcements

bll

He

September 17, 2026

Jefferson County
Board of Health

VII.
Agenda Planning

I
September 17, 2026