FAQ

Why is the City pursuing this project?

The City is undertaking a review of its RV and abandoned vehicle policies because of an increase in calls about long-term street parking of RVs and other vehicles. Residents have cited sightline and safety concerns in both commercial and residential areas. After the City Council identified public safety as a Council Goal, Council further recognized this parking code review as a strategy in support of the goal. Staff briefed the City Council (watch) on the project scope, timelines, revisions under consideration, and desired outcomes on July 21, 2025.

Under current City code, how long can a vehicle park on public streets?
Vehicles may park on public streets and parking lots for up to 72 hours, provided the vehicle does not impede traffic, violate any “No Parking” signs, or otherwise park too close to mailboxes, traffic signs, and other regulated items.

How does the City handle inoperable or abandoned vehicles on public property or public streets?
Inoperable vehicles stored on public property for more than 72 hours can be reported to the City's Code Compliance Coordinator at (503) 570-1603. If vehicle owner can't be located or refuses to comply, the vehicle may be towed at the owner’s expense.

What constitutes a “public street”?

The City can regulate and control every public way, road, street, thoroughfare within the boundaries of the City that are open, used or intended for use of the general public for vehicles or vehicular traffic as a matter of right. For the purpose of enforcing traffic offenses contained in Oregon Vehicle Code, this also includes roads open to the public that are owned by a homeowner’s association, per ORS 801.305 and Wilsonville Code.

Examples of public streets subject to City regulation:

• Wilsonville Rd.
• SW Courtside Dr.
• Public residential streets

Private/other ownership property where City parking regulations do NOT apply:

• Business larking lots
• Private streets or drives

Does the City own the Wilsonville Transit Center parking lot?

TriMet owns the WES platform and the 400 space park and ride parking lot at the Wilsonville Transit Center.

The City owns the bus station terminus clock tower and driver breakroom facilities and handles operations for the park and ride lot.

What constitutes a "Recreational Vehicle”?
A recreational vehicle, or RV, is defined as a vehicle, with or without motive power, which is designed for use as temporary living quarters and as further defined by rule by the Director of Transportation, per ORS 174.101.

How much does it cost for the City to tow an RV?
Towing an RV can cost the City between $7-10k and can also leave its owner houseless. For these reasons, the City seeks to work with RV owners to ensure compliance, using towing as a last resort for non-compliance. In 2025, the City towed three RVs.

On average, how many calls does the Wilsonville Police Department receive per month about abandoned vehicles or RV’s?
The police department receives about 10-12 calls per month about abandoned vehicles, with 1-2 calls specifically related to RV parking. This is in addition to calls fielded by the City’s Code Compliance Coordinator and/or relayed via social media.

Can RVs remain parked on public streets in Wilsonville?
Yes, but only temporarily. RVs, trailers, and other large vehicles are subject to the 72-hour limit for street parking, just like passenger cars. After that, they must be moved to a different location.

Can people live in their RV while parked on the street?
No. The city does not allow “camping” or overnight occupancy of RVs on public streets or in most public parking lots. Living in an RV on public property—even if it’s legally parked — can be cited as a violation of Wilsonville’s camping code. The one exception is the designated car camping location at City Hall, where overnight camping is permitted between 9 pm and 7 am. For more information on Camping Regulations, please visit the City of Wilsonville website’s camping page.

Can vehicles or RVs parked in a driveway or commercial lot be towed?
Generally, the City's parking regulations do not apply to private, commercial parking lots; only public streets and parking lots at City facilities are regulated by Wilsonville parking code. In these public areas, short-term parking for loading, unloading, or temporary use is generally ok. Longer-term storage on private property may require compliance with other Wilsonville Code provisions, particularly, the City’s Development Code and nuisance regulations, such as setback, visibility, and surface. Neighborhoods with HOAs might impose stricter requirements.

Can RV owners get a special permit to park these vehicles for longer periods?
Currently, Wilsonville does not offer a blanket RV parking permit for public streets.

What revisions is the City currently considering?
City staff has identified a few alternatives that have been presented to Council. These suggestions include updates to Wilsonville’s abandoned vehicle code, parking permit programs or updated parking restrictions for various zones in Wilsonville. Now, the City wants to hear from the community directly on which of these alternatives would best serve Wilsonville.