Homelessness: Changes 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 continues to pursue solutions with community partners and create a Year-Round Shelter, we also updated our camping rules to:
- Recognize the need for community members to sleep and rest on public property
- Preserve Hillsboro's livability for all
- Comply with state and federal laws
Camping Rules in Effect
After reviewing community workgroup recommendations and survey results, the Hillsboro City Council adopted new camping rules in effect July 1.
- Visit the Camping Rules webpage for the full guidelines.
- View the NEW, interactive Camping Areas Map with address search and zoom capability.
People with no available shelter may camp overnight from 7 pm to 7 am on certain public property, including:
- The public right-of-way, generally between the sidewalk and curb
- Limited outdoor City-owned property
Community Engagement
Community-Wide Feedback
In March & April, all community members were invited to provide input via the Camping Rules Survey and Ask Us a Question tools available on this page.
Community Advisors: Camping Ordinance Workgroup
Thirty to 40 diverse community stakeholders met three times this spring to:
- Learn about proposed ordinance updates
- Review questions and community-wide survey results
- Provide recommendations to the Hillsboro City Council
You can watch Workgroup session recordings and read discussion points here on Engage Hillsboro.
January 2024 Updates: Public Comment
In January 2024, community members were invited to provide public comment on two proposed updates to the rules for camping on public property, which are now in effect. See the summary below or read our latest news article to learn more.
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 continues to pursue solutions with community partners and create a Year-Round Shelter, we also updated our camping rules to:
- Recognize the need for community members to sleep and rest on public property
- Preserve Hillsboro's livability for all
- Comply with state and federal laws
Camping Rules in Effect
After reviewing community workgroup recommendations and survey results, the Hillsboro City Council adopted new camping rules in effect July 1.
- Visit the Camping Rules webpage for the full guidelines.
- View the NEW, interactive Camping Areas Map with address search and zoom capability.
People with no available shelter may camp overnight from 7 pm to 7 am on certain public property, including:
- The public right-of-way, generally between the sidewalk and curb
- Limited outdoor City-owned property
Community Engagement
Community-Wide Feedback
In March & April, all community members were invited to provide input via the Camping Rules Survey and Ask Us a Question tools available on this page.
Community Advisors: Camping Ordinance Workgroup
Thirty to 40 diverse community stakeholders met three times this spring to:
- Learn about proposed ordinance updates
- Review questions and community-wide survey results
- Provide recommendations to the Hillsboro City Council
You can watch Workgroup session recordings and read discussion points here on Engage Hillsboro.
January 2024 Updates: Public Comment
In January 2024, community members were invited to provide public comment on two proposed updates to the rules for camping on public property, which are now in effect. See the summary below or read our latest news article to learn more.
What questions do you have for us?
Please Note: Questions asked here may be published publicly along with their response from the City of Hillsboro. If you would like to ask your question privately, please visit the Who's Listening section of this page to find staff member contact information.
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Share If given permission from a property owner. Can an individual stay in a functional rv on that property if zoned for multiple dwelling on Facebook Share If given permission from a property owner. Can an individual stay in a functional rv on that property if zoned for multiple dwelling on Twitter Share If given permission from a property owner. Can an individual stay in a functional rv on that property if zoned for multiple dwelling on Linkedin Email If given permission from a property owner. Can an individual stay in a functional rv on that property if zoned for multiple dwelling link
If given permission from a property owner. Can an individual stay in a functional rv on that property if zoned for multiple dwelling
Codes aren't laws asked 5 months agoThanks for reaching out with this question.
For occupied residential properties, a property owner may register with the city to have either one backyard tent or one occupied vehicle in a driveway, with some conditions such as having restroom and garbage disposal access available. An RV would be considered a motor vehicle under the definitions in this code.
To read more about conditions for private property and process to register visit our Camping Rules webpage.
private camping,rv,zoningprivate camping rv zoning -
Share Can I camp in front of business with permission on Facebook Share Can I camp in front of business with permission on Twitter Share Can I camp in front of business with permission on Linkedin Email Can I camp in front of business with permission link
Can I camp in front of business with permission
Kkbolin asked 6 months agoThank you for your question.
Under our updated rules for camping on public property, camping in the public right-of-way (in general the area between the sidewalk and curb) is not allowed within 10 feet of business doorways, whether or not a business owner gives permission.
However, business owners who own commercial property may register with the City to establish limited camping in a parking lot in areas that are zoned for commercial or industrial use.
business,camping,publicbusiness camping public -
Share Can I park my trailer on the street and camp in it on Facebook Share Can I park my trailer on the street and camp in it on Twitter Share Can I park my trailer on the street and camp in it on Linkedin Email Can I park my trailer on the street and camp in it link
Can I park my trailer on the street and camp in it
Jsmith asked 9 months agoThanks for this question.
Persons can camp in vehicles or trailers overnight so long as the time, place, and manner rules are followed. The time camping is allowed is from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am. The places where camping is allowed are shown on the camping areas map. Streets highlighted in green are where camping can occur overnight. For those in vehicles/trailers, parking code will also need to be followed on those streets. For example, someone sleeping in a vehicle could not park overnight in a spot that limits parking to two hours- even if it is on a highlighted street.
The manner section of the updated camping policy gives rules on how camping can occur, with rules such as not blocking sidewalks or leaving debris. You can read the time, place, and manner rules on the new Camping Rules webpage.
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Share Why are preschools and daycares excluded from place restrictions? These are some of our most vulnerable citizen that should receive the same level of consideration as school aged children. on Facebook Share Why are preschools and daycares excluded from place restrictions? These are some of our most vulnerable citizen that should receive the same level of consideration as school aged children. on Twitter Share Why are preschools and daycares excluded from place restrictions? These are some of our most vulnerable citizen that should receive the same level of consideration as school aged children. on Linkedin Email Why are preschools and daycares excluded from place restrictions? These are some of our most vulnerable citizen that should receive the same level of consideration as school aged children. link
Why are preschools and daycares excluded from place restrictions? These are some of our most vulnerable citizen that should receive the same level of consideration as school aged children.
Sam asked 10 months agoThank you for your question.
The 500-foot buffer was set around K-12 schools because these are grade levels where children could be potentially walking or transiting to and from school independently.
Day care facilities have continual adult supervision from pick-up to drop-off. In addition, any day care facilities in residential zones are further protected by the exclusion of residential zones from camping areas. Camping is also prohibited within 10 feet of any driveway or business entrance, which applies to day cares in commercial and non-residential zones. Lastly, camping is not allowed from 7 am to 7 pm, which covers the majority of operating hours for day care facilities
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Share Can you camp on public schools property during summer break on Facebook Share Can you camp on public schools property during summer break on Twitter Share Can you camp on public schools property during summer break on Linkedin Email Can you camp on public schools property during summer break link
Can you camp on public schools property during summer break
April asked 10 months agoThank you for your question. Under the updated camping rules, camping cannot occur within 500 feet of a K-12 school. This applies year-round and does not change in the summer.
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Share I was unable to find a map of allowed areas as mentioned in the City Views newsletter. Where can this be found? on Facebook Share I was unable to find a map of allowed areas as mentioned in the City Views newsletter. Where can this be found? on Twitter Share I was unable to find a map of allowed areas as mentioned in the City Views newsletter. Where can this be found? on Linkedin Email I was unable to find a map of allowed areas as mentioned in the City Views newsletter. Where can this be found? link
I was unable to find a map of allowed areas as mentioned in the City Views newsletter. Where can this be found?
Sam asked 10 months agoHello,
Thank you for your question. The camping areas map is available on our Camping Rules Webpage or on the Camping Rules Engage Project Page.
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Share I the Quatama / 205th Max Park and Ride a place where homeless can camp? on Facebook Share I the Quatama / 205th Max Park and Ride a place where homeless can camp? on Twitter Share I the Quatama / 205th Max Park and Ride a place where homeless can camp? on Linkedin Email I the Quatama / 205th Max Park and Ride a place where homeless can camp? link
I the Quatama / 205th Max Park and Ride a place where homeless can camp?
sharonwill asked 10 months ago -
Share How are homeless people expected to know that ok today no shelter beds are available ? Or reverse, ok today shelter beds are available ? on Facebook Share How are homeless people expected to know that ok today no shelter beds are available ? Or reverse, ok today shelter beds are available ? on Twitter Share How are homeless people expected to know that ok today no shelter beds are available ? Or reverse, ok today shelter beds are available ? on Linkedin Email How are homeless people expected to know that ok today no shelter beds are available ? Or reverse, ok today shelter beds are available ? link
How are homeless people expected to know that ok today no shelter beds are available ? Or reverse, ok today shelter beds are available ?
ConcernedCitizens asked 11 months agoGood afternoon and thank you for your question.
The expectation would not be for community members who are living unsheltered to know whether or not shelter beds that meet their needs are available.
Instead, the Hillsboro Police Department's Crisis Intervention Team will work with compassion to complete individualized assessments and connect people who are camping with local outreach teams, service providers, and shelters that meet their needs.
The Crisis Intervention Team works with local shelters on a day-to-day basis and can connect community members with emergency shelter beds if they are available.
Individualized assessments are especially important as not every type of shelter may meet the needs of every person in the community. For example, a shelter with stairs and no elevator would not meet the needs of a person in a wheelchair. A shelter that does not allow animals would not meet the needs of a community member with a pet.
camping,shelter,police,ordinancecamping shelter police ordinance -
Share Will public camping be prohibited from sidewalks, bike paths and other right of ways? on Facebook Share Will public camping be prohibited from sidewalks, bike paths and other right of ways? on Twitter Share Will public camping be prohibited from sidewalks, bike paths and other right of ways? on Linkedin Email Will public camping be prohibited from sidewalks, bike paths and other right of ways? link
Will public camping be prohibited from sidewalks, bike paths and other right of ways?
Red Deer asked 11 months agoGood afternoon and thank you for your question.
Under the proposed updated ordinance, "persons who do not have available shelter are permitted to camp on public rights-of-way located within the city or upon other city properties that are outdoors and open to the public between the hours of 7pm to 7 am."
Camping in the public rights-of-way is subject to place and manner restrictions outlined in the proposed Manager's Administrative Rules:
- Camping or camp materials may not obstruct any portion of any street, bike lane, or bike path
- Camping may not obstruct the sidewalk
- 36 inches of unobstructed passage must be available
- Must allow access as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act
Additional place restrictions would prohibit camping within residential zones, within 500 feet of homeless services, within 500 feet of schools attended by children under 18 (excluding preschools and daycares), within city parks and more.For the full list of proposed place and manner restrictions, read the drafted Manager's Administrative Rules.
camping,limitations,public propertycamping limitations public property - Camping or camp materials may not obstruct any portion of any street, bike lane, or bike path
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Share What forms or sources for keeping warm, will be allowed? In light of so many fires and property damage as a result of out of control homeless camp fires, will propane gas fires be permitted? on Facebook Share What forms or sources for keeping warm, will be allowed? In light of so many fires and property damage as a result of out of control homeless camp fires, will propane gas fires be permitted? on Twitter Share What forms or sources for keeping warm, will be allowed? In light of so many fires and property damage as a result of out of control homeless camp fires, will propane gas fires be permitted? on Linkedin Email What forms or sources for keeping warm, will be allowed? In light of so many fires and property damage as a result of out of control homeless camp fires, will propane gas fires be permitted? link
What forms or sources for keeping warm, will be allowed? In light of so many fires and property damage as a result of out of control homeless camp fires, will propane gas fires be permitted?
Windylynn asked 12 months agoThank you for your question.
Under the manner restrictions outlined in the proposed Manager's Administrative Rules:
"Open flames, recreational fires, burning of garbage, and bonfires are prohibited. Camp stoves and small cooking devices are allowed, as long as they are used in a safe manner and in conditions that do not place any person, property or structures in danger."
campingcamping
Level of Engagement
Consult: Obtain community feedback on processes, ideas, alternatives, and/or decisions |
Who's Listening
Stay Informed!
- Sign up to receive monthly email updates on homelessness.
Camping Rules Survey Results
More than 850 community members took the Camping Rules Survey to share their thoughts on the impacts of homelessness and unmanaged camping.
The Workgroup talked through the results during Session 2 to better understand the community impacts of homelessness and inform their recommendations.
The Hillsboro City Council reviewed the survey results along with the Workgroup's recommendations as they considered the ordinance updates in May.
Workgroup Meetings
Session 1, Education: Friday, March 31, 10 am to 3 pm
- Session 1 Presentation Slides
- Session 1 Discussion Points
- Businesses Caring in Hillsboro: Homelessness Tool Kit
- Due to a technical error, the recorded video in English is not available. As an alternative, you can watch three educational presentations from our January Listen & Learn Event on our Homelessness webpage.
Session 2: Community Input: Friday, April 14, 10 am to 3 pm
- Session 2 Presentation Slides & Discussion Points
Discussion points are noted on the slides and in comments. - Session 2 Video
Session 3: Manager's Administrative Rules, Reporting, and Outreach, Friday, May 26, 10 am to 3 pm
- Session 3 Video
- During the session, the Workgroup:
- Reviewed City Council updates to the drafted ordinance
- Provided feedback on the Manager's Administrative Rules, which outline place and manner restrictions
- Discussed community education and outreach strategies
- Provided feedback on the engagement process
Project Timeline
January through March 2023
- Hillsboro Camping Ordinance Planning Group Convenes:
- Planning, logistics, content, and execution for community engagement surrounding the Camping Ordinance Updates
March 2023
- Engage Hillsboro project page launches with engagement opportunities:
- Camping Rules Survey
- Questions & Answers
- Watch Workgroup meetings, read discussion points
- March 31: Workgroup Session 1: Education
April 2023
- April 7: Camping Rules Survey Closed
- Results shared with City staff, the Camping Ordinance Workgroup, and published here
- April 14: Workgroup Session 2: Community Input
May 2023
- May 2: City Council Work Session 1: Camping Ordinance Update: Review Community Feedback & Drafted Ordinance
- City Council reviewed feedback from Workgroup Sessions 1 & 2, the community-wide Camping Rules survey, and questions asked on Engage Hillsboro
- Read the May 2 Staff Report & view the May 2 PowerPoint, including:
- First draft of ordinance updates
- The Workgroup's feedback & how we responded
- How nearby cities and counties are updating their camping rules
- Summary of Camping Rules Survey Results
- Compliance & Enforcement Presentation
- May 16: City Council Work Session 2: Camping Ordinance Update: Finalized Draft Discussion
- City Council reviewed a second draft of the ordinance along with feedback from the Workgroup
- Read the May 16 Staff Report, including the updated ordinance draft
- May 26: Workgroup Session 3: Manager's Administrative Rules, Reporting, and Outreach
June & July 2023
- June 6, 7 pm: City Council Meeting & Camping Work Session 3
- First reading of updated ordinance (during regular session)
- Camping Ordinance Update 3: Review of Manager's Administrative Rules outlining place and manner restrictions (follows 7 pm Council meeting)
- June 20, 7 pm: City Council Meeting
- Second reading and adoption of updated ordinance
- July 1: Implementation of updated camping ordinances
January 2024
- January 15 to 24: Public Comment on two updates to Hillsboro's Camping Rules
- January 25: Two Updates Now in Effect