Drafter
Clerk 10/20/2026
Title
A MOTION requesting the King County executive to take actions to prevent vehicles from parking on unincorporated county rights-of-way in a manner that creates a hazard or public nuisance and provide a report.
Body
WHEREAS, vehicles, including recreational vehicles, are parking at increasing rates on unincorporated county roads and rights-of-way for extended periods, reducing visibility, obstructing traffic, and creating public health and safety concerns, and
WHEREAS, recurring or improper vehicle parking in public rights-of-way can degrade roadway infrastructure, interfere with emergency response, and negatively impact the quality of life for unincorporated area residents, and
WHEREAS, RCW 36.75.050 and King County Code provide the Executive and county departments with the authority to regulate the use of county roads and enforce public health and safety standards, and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the King County government to maintain the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of public rights-of-way for all residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The council requests the King County executive to address the increasing number of vehicles parking on unincorporated county rights-of-way through actions including, but not limited to,
1. Identifying locations where recurring vehicle parking poses the greatest risk to public safety or creates a public nuisance;
2. Posting prohibited parking, limited parking, or restricted signs along county rights-of-way which experience recurring vehicle parking;
3. Developing and proposing an ordinance that restricts vehicle parking in areas identified as having recurring parking impacts and establishes a reasonable penalty for violations; and
4. Developing and proposing an ordinance in which vehicles that accumulate up to five unpaid citations may be booted and the registered owner of the vehicle be given up to two business days to pay or set up a payment plan for the unpaid citations, which is a prerequisite for removal of the vehicle boot. If the citations are not rectified within the allotted time, then the vehicle may be impounded.
B. The King County executive should file a report on the actions taken and the progress toward addressing recurring vehicle parking on unincorporated county rights-of-way by April 1, 2027, in the form of an electronic copy with the clerk of the council, who shall retain an electronic copy and provide an electronic copy to all councilmembers, the
council chief of staff, and the lead staff for the local services and land use committee or its successor.