Unauthorized Encampments on Private Property

Property owners play a vital role in maintaining the health and safety of our community. This includes taking responsibility for securing their land and addressing the challenges posed by unauthorized encampments. While the City provides support and resources, property owners are ultimately responsible for the care of their property. This includes maintaining safe and sanitary conditions, preventing people from using property without authorization, preventing criminal activities, and financial responsibility for cleanup and repairs. The City engages with property owners through technical assistance and, when needed, code enforcement.

Private Property Owners: Understanding Your Role

Understanding the responsibilities for property owners is crucial in effectively addressing unauthorized encampments. By fulfilling these responsibilities, property owners contribute to a healthier and safer community for all residents.

Ensure your property is safe and clean by complying with local health and safety regulations. Property owners in Bellingham have a legal responsibility to maintain their land in a sanitary condition to protect public health and safety. As outlined in Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) Titles 9 and 10 this responsibility includes proper waste management, sewage handling and vegetation control.

To prevent the spread of disease, pests and fire hazards, property owners must:

  • Manage waste: Properly store and dispose of garbage.
  • Handle sewage: Ensure proper sewage disposal to prevent contamination of water sources. This may require partnering with sanitation services.
  • Control vegetation: Maintain vegetation to a reasonable level to prevent fire hazards and pest infestations.
  • Address structural hazards: Secure or demolish any structures that pose a safety risk to residents or the public. This could include dilapidated buildings, unstable platforms, or structures with exposed electrical wiring.
  • Eliminate fire hazards: Eliminate fire risks such as flammable materials, improper electrical connections, and uncontrolled brush or vegetation.

Taking proactive steps is the most effective way to avoid unauthorized encampments forming on your undeveloped land. Early intervention can save you significant financial burdens associated with clean-up and legal fees.

  • Develop a comprehensive security plan:
    • Conduct regular property inspections to identify potential vulnerabilities.
    • Partner with security companies for regular patrols.
    • Respond promptly to any signs of trespassing or unauthorized activity.
  • Enhance property security:
    • Install fencing, gates, and locks to deter unauthorized access.
    • Utilize bright lighting throughout your property.
    • Consider using surveillance cameras in strategic locations.
    • Maintain clear lines of sight by trimming vegetation and removing debris.
  • Leverage Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED):
    • Design your property to deter crime and promote safety.
    • Increase visibility by reducing hiding places and improving lighting.
    • Create a sense of ownership and community involvement.
  • Partner with Neighbors:
    • Collaborate on a neighborhood watch program.
    • Exchange contact information for efficient communication.
    • Explore shared security initiatives, such as hiring a security patrol.

City Support for Property Owners

The City of Bellingham recognizes the challenges property owners face in preventing unauthorized encampments and offers support and resources.

City staff are able to provide guidance and support resources on safe cleanup procedures, hazardous material disposal, and preventative security measures.

The below guide outlines the recommended steps for addressing unauthorized encampments on your undeveloped property in Bellingham. It is important to remember that preventative measures are the most effective way to avoid the need for clean-up. Refer to the “Take preventative measures” section above for strategies to deter future encampments.

  • Initial Assessment (if you feel safe entering your property)
    • Document the Encampment:
      • Take detailed notes, photos, and videos to record the size, scope, and duration of the encampment.
      • Document any structures, vehicles, trash, or signs of environmental damage.
      • This information will be valuable when hiring a cleanup company and assessing the extent of the cleanup required.
    • Identify Health and Safety Risks:
      • Assess your property for potential hazards such as biohazards, structural instability, or fire risks.
      • Document any hazardous materials or conditions.
  • Securing Your Property
    • No Trespassing Signs: Post clear and highly visible “No Trespassing” signs around the property perimeter. Ensure they are tamper-proof and well-maintained.
    • Maintain Clear Lines of Sight: Trim overgrown vegetation, clear debris, and remove any obstructions that could provide cover for unauthorized activity.
    • Physical Barriers: Consider installing fencing, gates, or other physical barriers to deter unauthorized access.
    • Surveillance: Implement security measures like surveillance cameras or regular patrols to monitor the property.
  • Contacting Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)
    • Reach out to HOT: If individuals are still living on the property, you can contact the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) and invite them onto your property for assistance.
    • HOT Services: HOT can provide resources, support, and relocation options for individuals experiencing homelessness.
    • Contact Information: (360) 312-3717
  • Creating a Cleanup Plan
    • Research Cleanup Companies: Find reputable companies specializing in property cleanups, especially those with experience handling hazardous materials and biohazards.
    • Obtain Necessary Permits: Contact the City of Bellingham Permit Center to determine if any permits are required for the cleanup project.
    • Address Property Improvements: Consider implementing permanent security measures like fencing, lighting, or security cameras during or after the cleanup to deter future encampments.
    • Onsite Security: Depending on the situation, hire a private security company to be present during the cleanup process.
  • Pre-Cleanup Preparation
    • Notice of Cleanup: Post a clear and visible notice stating the date and time of the cleanup, prohibiting trespassing, and informing individuals that abandoned items will be removed.
    • Pre-Cleanup Survey: Revisit the property before the cleanup to check for any changes and adjust plans as needed.
  • Cleanup Day
    • Security: Ensure hired security (either Bellingham Police Department hired on overtime or a private service) is present to assist with trespass enforcement.

See below for a list of locally available businesses and resources that could support property cleanup efforts. If you are a business and would like to be added to this list, please contact askPW@cob.org.

General Junk Removal

Specifies Homeless Camp Cleanups

  • Abatement & Decontamination Specialists (Contracts with the City regularly)
  • Bellingham Commercial Maintenance
  • Bio Management Northwest
    • Local along I-5 corridor. Hoarding, homeless camp cleanups, bio/meth cleanup.
    • Website: www.bionw.com Phone: 1-855-206-6906 Email: requests@bionw.com
  • Bio Decon Solutions
  • Bio-One NW
    • Camps, hoarding, bio/meth, junk. 360-301-7771 Website: bioonenw.com

Security Companies

  • Mayhem Solutions Group
  • Pacific Security
    • Based in Bellingham. 360-733-2884 Website: Pacsecurity.com
  • RSU Risk Solutions Unlimited
  • Security Services, NW INC
  • United Protection Services
  • Vigilant Security Patrol

The City’s goal is to gain voluntary compliance by the property owners rather than taking enforcement or legal actions while prioritizing the health and safety of all community members. By working together, property owners and the City can find effective solutions to prevent escalating unauthorized encampments and protect the rights of all parties involved.

  • Phase 1: Prevention and Education
    • Providing educational resources to property owners
    • Encouraging preventative measures
  • Phase 2: Initial Response
    • Assessing the situation and providing available resources
    • Offering technical assistance as needed
  • Phase 3: Code Enforcement
    • Initiating code enforcement procedures if necessary
    • Issuing notices of code violations to property owner in writing, including a timeline to remedy and comply
    • If no compliance, issue citations to property owner
    • Note: Code Enforcement cannot coordinate the cleanup of an unauthorized encampment on your behalf. Property owners may need to contract with a private contractor for cleanup services. See the list of local cleanup resources above.
  • Phase 4: Escalation
    • Pursuing legal action if code violations persist
    • Collaborating with other agencies as needed

The Bellingham Police Department plays a vital role in community safety. However, due to the volume of calls and the nature of their work, responding to all 911 calls, including trespassing on undeveloped property, is prioritized based on the level of immediate threat to public safety. Factors affecting law enforcement response:

  • Officer availability: The number of officers available to respond to calls can vary.
  • Call volume: The number of calls for service can impact response times.
  • Nature of the encampment: The size of the encampment and the presence of hazardous materials or structures can influence the level of response. A large, established unauthorized encampment is not something to which patrol officers can respond during their regular shift.  In order to effectively issue notices of trespass to a large number of people in an established unauthorized encampment, it needs to be on the day the property owner has hired a cleanup crew to begin cleaning.

When to call law enforcement:

If there are immediate safety or criminal activity concerns, please call 911.

  • For small encampments (one or two tents) – you can call 911 to request officers respond to issue notices of trespass to the occupants.  This call will be prioritized by immediate threat to public safety and officer availability.
  • For large encampments, coordinated efforts between property owners, law enforcement, and other agencies will be necessary. Law enforcement response should be proportional to the size of the encampment. To ensure a guaranteed law enforcement presence on the day of your scheduled clean up, property owners should consider hiring officers on an overtime basis.

Additional Resources

The City of Bellingham follows an established process for accepting reports, monitoring, and cleaning up unauthorized homeless encampments on public property. This work is coordinated by the Bellingham Public Works Department, in collaboration with other City departments and outreach services providers.

Learn more about the programs and services the City and our partners support to help people facing housing crises, experiencing homelessness, or in need of help meeting their basic needs.

For technical assistance or questions about preventing or responding to an unauthorized encampment on your private property, contact askPW@cob.org or call (360) 778-7700.

Other Resources

E. Stuart Rd. Encampment Information

Northwest and Bakerview Encampment Information

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