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The Department of Housing Services, in partnership with County Counsel, is leading the policy development process to prepare the Board of County Commissioners to consider enacting a new County ordinance in compliance with House Bill 3115. HB3115 codifies the Martin v Boise case by requiring that any Oregon jurisdictions that regulate when, where, and how people experiencing homelessness are allowed to sleep on public property when there is no available shelter option do so in an objectively reasonable manner. This policy requirement is generally known as “Time, Place and Manner.” Local ordinances, if any, must be compliant by July 1, 2023.
The Department of Housing Services and County Counsel have facilitated this policy development in partnership with city jurisdictions, stakeholder departments, impacted community-based organizations, people with lived experiences, and the greater public. This engagement process ensures transparency, community involvement, and the development of an equitable community-informed policy for the Board’s consideration and action ahead of the state deadline.
This ordinance will regulate camps and camping in unincorporated Washington County on public property including county-owned buildings, parking lots, natural areas and parks, tax foreclosed properties, lands purchased for public projects, and the public right-of-way. The City of Hillsboro and City of Beaverton are currently engaging in their own public process to craft similar ordinances within city limits. Other cities may adopt similar ordinances as well.
Community Meetings
These meetings are an opportunity for residents, businesses and community partners to learn more and provide feedback and make recommendations towards implementation.
In-Person Community Meeting: Thursday, May 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Cedar Hills Recreation Center – 11640 SW Park Way, Portland)
Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, May 31 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Registration Link
The community is also invited to participate in a written survey about the draft ordinance. Click here to access the survey.
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