Legal Review of Prohibited Camping Code

Ordinance 879, which revises the City's overnight camping code as mandated by the State of Oregon, was adopted by the City Council on May 1 (public hearing) and May 15 (second reading). Resolution 3058, adopted on May 15, establishes administrative rules that define the time, place and manner restrictions to be implemented locally by July 1, 2023.

• Ordinance 879
• Resolution 3058

You can review all staff presentations, City Council deliberation, and staff reports here.

With this project complete, the City's attention now turns to implementation of the adopted camping code and administrative rules by July 1 at the designated sites for overnight survival camping at/adjacent to City Hall, and to establishing a plan that addresses sanitation, maintenance, safety, public noticing and other requirements to ensure a safe, clean space.

About the Project

In response to a recent change in Oregon laws, the City of Wilsonville's Legal department is undertaking a review and revision of regulations pertaining to overnight camping. In 2021, the State of Oregon passed House Bill (HB) 3115 and 3124, which impose new requirements on local governments to establish regulations that provide some compassionate protections for people experiencing homelessness.

The City Council has NOT directed staff to establish a new policy direction. This project is a State-mandated undertaking by staff to put City Code in alignment with new Oregon laws. that prohibit cities from banning camping outright. Generally, new laws stipulate that individuals cannot be punished for sleeping outside on public property in the absence of adequate alternatives. We recommend reading the FAQ below for valuable context.

What cities can do, is develop time, place and manner restrictions that stipulate when and where camping may occur, and put reasonable guidelines in place. The City's Legal staff is drafting thoughtful policy that complies with these laws and best meets the community’s needs. New code is being informed by public input from residents, law enforcement, social service agencies and people experiencing homelessness.

Click the links on the right-hand side of the page for staff reports that detail draft code and work sessions with the City Council that are informing this project. We also recommend watching this presentation from Clackamas County, which details work it is doing to address homelessness and provide services for people in transition.

If you have additional questions about the project, contact City Attorney Amanda Guile-Hinman at guile@ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-570-1509.