Homelessness: Updates to Camping Rules

Homelessness impacts individuals, families, and communities across the country.

In Hillsboro and Washington County, there are not enough shelter beds for everyone who needs them on any given night.

As the City of Hillsboro works with community partners to pursue long-term solutions and create a Year-Round Shelter, we are also working to comply with federal and state laws that recognize the need for community members to sleep and rest on public property.

Oregon House Bill 3115: Updates to Camping Rules

House Bill 3115 requires cities to allow community members to sleep and rest on public property — with restrictions — when no shelter beds are accessible.

According to the new law, cities and counties in Oregon — including the City of Hillsboro — must review and update local ordinances, or rules, that regulate sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry outdoors on public property by July 1, 2023.

This means the City of Hillsboro needs to make changes to current municipal code, which bans all camping in public spaces.

Learn more about federal and state camping laws and how they impact Hillsboro.

Share Your Experiences

Before the Hillsboro City Council considers the required updates in June, the City is listening and engaging with community members.