Homelessness: Changes to Camping Rules

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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.

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
Camping is also allowed at registered private property and sanctioned campsites. Local service providers and the Hillsboro Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team work face-to-face with people living unsheltered to explain the new rules and connect them with services.

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.

Have a question? Ask us below.

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.

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
Camping is also allowed at registered private property and sanctioned campsites. Local service providers and the Hillsboro Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team work face-to-face with people living unsheltered to explain the new rules and connect them with services.

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.

Have a question? Ask us below.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    January 2024 Public Comment & Updates

    In accordance with Ordinance 6454, the City of Hillsboro may make changes to the Manager’s Administrative Rules after providing at least 10 business days for public comment.  

    In January 2024, community members were invited to provide public comment on two proposed changes to Hillsboro's Camping Rules, which are now in effect.

    • City-owned properties where overnight camping may occur are now closed for public use between 7 am and 7 pm to allow the sites to be fully cleaned during the day. This includes Block 67 in Downtown Hillsboro and the property in Northeast Hillsboro near the City’s Public Works building.

    • The sidewalk access rule was updated to clarify that the three feet of space that must remain open for travel does not include the curb. This is in accordance with an update to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Read the full updates highlighted in the drafted First Amendment to the Manager’s Administrative Rules. For accessibility assistance with the highlighted document, please call 503-681-6271.

    Eighteen total comments were received. Many seemed to address the Camping Rules as a whole rather than the proposed updates.

    Top areas of concern included:

    • Sidewalk access
    • Debris & Sanitation
    • Police Resources

    We also heard support for creating more shelter resources in Hillsboro and concern about the time limitations for overnight camping on public property. Read our latest news article to learn more.




    Submit Comment
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Camping Rules Survey

    Understanding community impact will inform the Camping Ordinance Workgroup's recommendations. Results will be published here and shared the Workgroup, City staff, and the Hillsboro City Council.

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 14 Feb 2024, 10:34 AM