The Portland City Council approved the revised public camping ordinance introduced last monthby Mayor Ted Wheeler.
“Addressing the issue of unsheltered homelessness in our city is a complex and urgent matter, and I believe this ordinance represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to manage public spaces effectively,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “By approving this ordinance today, Council will show that Portland is leading with urgency and accountability to create a safer and more compassionate community.”
Click here for more information on the ordinance, including a list of frequently asked questions.
These regulations are different from what the Council passed last year, which is currently enjoined by the circuit court. The ordinance will repeal the previous code provisions and replace them with these new regulations. Namely, the new regulations:
- Clarify the definition of camping.
- Clarify the prohibition on camping for individuals who have reasonable alternative shelter or who decline an offer of reasonable alternative shelter.
- Focus on the manner by which camping may not be done on public property.
- Reduce the criminal sanctions and replace the warnings with a provision encouraging diversion.
Source: Portland Mayor's Office