By Aneesa Grant, The Portland Medium
The Portland City Council recently approved amendments to update existing public camping restriction policies, bringing the city into compliance with House Bill 3115 adopted by the Oregon Legislative Assembly in 2021. The revised city code aims to establish reasonable time, place, and manner camping restrictions for individuals experiencing homelessness. Enforcement of the amended code will be implemented through a phased-in approach, starting no earlier than late July.
“I want to thank my colleagues on the Portland City Council for passing these reasonable restrictions, now codified in City Code,” said Portland City Mayor Wheeler. “The next few months will focus on education and outreach, ensuring that homelessness navigation outreach teams have clear and thorough information about this new ordinance. These reasonable restrictions, combined with our efforts to increase shelter availability and access to services, represent a step in the right direction toward a revitalized Portland.”
The ordinance includes time restrictions that prohibit day camping. In non-restricted areas, involuntarily homeless individuals can camp between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am. After 8 am, the campsite must be dismantled until 8 pm.
Additionally, the code specifies several places where camping is always prohibited. These restrictions include areas such as the pedestrian use zone, within 250 feet of a school or childcare center, along the High Crash Corridor in the public right-of-way, and in City Parks.
The city council voted 3-1 in favor of the changes to city code regarding camping in non-restricted areas. The new ordinance, passed last Wednesday, prohibits camping during daytime hours in most public places and completely bans camping near schools, parks, busy streets, and other designated locations.
Homelessness is a major issue in Portland, and the new ordinance has garnered both support and opposition. Critics of the ordinance argue that more shelters need to be established in conjunction with supportive services.
A 2018 federal court ruling prohibits local governments from arresting individuals for sleeping outside when there is insufficient shelter capacity. The new ordinance codifies this law but allows for “objectively reasonable” limits on the location, timing, and setup of campsites.
Mayor Wheeler announced that the ordinance will be implemented in late July, with enforcement carried out in phases. Initially, individuals will receive warnings, followed by fines of up to $100. Repeat violators could face a penalty of 30 days in jail. Mayor Wheeler emphasized that the focus will be on alternative sentences that connect individuals with necessary resources.
Currently, there are already local laws in Portland that prohibit camping on city property at all times. However, this new law may conflict with a state law taking effect on July 1. Mayor Wheeler, who introduced the new ordinance, emphasized the importance of revitalizing the city while also demonstrating compassion for houseless residents.
“The next few months will focus on education and outreach—with an emphasis on ensuring the homelessness navigation outreach teams have clear and thorough information about this new ordinance,” Wheeler stated.
