Mayor Ted Wheeler proposed an ordinance Thursday that would prohibit all camping between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., as well as in specific places including parks and near schools.
The ordinance aligns with an Oregon state law that requires all cities to update their camping ordinances by July 1. House Bill 3115 has to do with time, place, and manner for people being able to camp in public, and making sure people have someplace else to go.
The city held a virtual meeting Thursday about the ordinance, which Wheeler did not attend. He did, however, post a response where he reiterated that it's always been his goal to end unsanctioned camping in Portland.
The ordinance, set to go before city council next Wednesday, looks to prohibit all camping between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
It also would completely ban camping in certain places, including the following:
- Parks
- Docks
- On sidewalks
- Near schools and daycares
- On high crash corridors
- Environmental overlay zones
- Construction sites
- Near existing shelters
In regards to the manner portion of HB 3115, city officials said, “camps may not obstruct access to private property or businesses, individuals cannot start or use gas heaters in or around a site, set up permanent structures, accumulate garbage or hazardous materials, assemble or offer to sell multiple bicycles, cars, or other parts.”
Still, some non-profits that provide housing and wraparound services have concerns they may be unprepared for an influx of homeless people in need of shelter and care.
“The fact is – we just don’t have enough places for people to go, and enough places that are appropriate for the variety of people who have needs in our community,” said Scott Kerman, executive director at Blanchet House.
Kerman says a record number of people accessed the center for meals and housing just this week. He worries that when the weather gets hotter, the center won't have the resources to help this many people who are unable to live on the streets.
“This is my question to the mayor’s office – Are they going to step up and help us deal with that capacity?” asked Kerman.
Cities like Beaverton and Hillsboro are looking at similar ordinances to comply with the HB 3115 deadline.
Also on Wednesday, Portland announced it has reached a settlement with a group of Portlanders with mobility disabilities who filed a lawsuit over tents and debris blocking sidewalks, claiming Portland was in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Below is the full proposed ordinance from the City of Portland: