Everett weighs expanding 'no sit' ban, giving mayor more discretion

EVERETT — The contested “no sit, no lie” law first enacted by Everett in 2021 could expand to behavioral health centers, substance abuse providers and emergency housing under a proposed new ordinance presented Wednesday.

The existing law criminalizes laying down and sitting around the Everett Gospel Mission as a misdemeanor and a fine up to $500 with up to 90 days in jail. At the time of its passage, the Washington, D.C.-based National Homelessness Law Center warned the city its law could violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of “cruel and unusual punishment.” But no official legal challenge emerged.

Under the proposed ordinance, the mayor would have broad discretion to designate “service facility buffer zones” around social service providers and areas “highly impacted by street-level issues.” The zones also would ban people from giving out food, supplies and water to someone laying down or sitting on city property, unless they have a permit.

City staff haven’t identified which locations could be first to receive such designations if the council approves the policy at its meeting May 3, community development director Julie Willie told the council Wednesday. Staff drafted maps to illustrate some of the oddly shaped zones that could result because the zones could be more than the prescribed two-block radius if that includes parks, schools and other public spaces.

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