Federal District Court Ruled that Cities May Require a Permit before a Religious Organization Hosts an Encampment to Protect Public Health, Peace, and Safety

On February 3, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted the City of Burien’s motion to dismiss in Pastor Mark Miller, et al. v. City of Burien, et al., ruling that cities may require permits before religious organizations host encampments to protect public health, peace, and safety. This decision upholds Burien’s authority to regulate encampments through its permitting process.