West PDX Today

After reviewing community workgroup recommendations and survey results, the Hillsboro City Council adopted new camping rules in effect July 1 to comply with state and federal law.

Guidelines for when, where, and how camping will be allowed are outlined in the updated ordinance and Manager's Administrative Rules.

The rules recognize needs of community members living unsheltered and seek to preserve Hillsboro’s livability for all.

• When shelter is not available, overnight camping on certain public property is allowed between 7 pm and 7 am.
  
  
• Among other restrictions, camping on public property is not allowed in residential zones, at City parks, near K-12 schools, or within 10 feet of business entrances.
  
  
• Camping may not block sidewalks, leave behind litter, or create fire hazards.

Local service providers and the Hillsboro Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team will work face-to-face with people living unsheltered to explain the new rules and connect them with services.

The full rules and a map of allowed areas will be published on a new Camping Rules webpage on July 1.

Did You Know?

The new camping ordinance allows limited backyard or vehicle camping on private property if the owners register with the City.

Private camping is not subject to the same time, place, and manner restrictions as camping on public property.

A registration form and conditions will be available on the new Camping Rules webpage.

Listening & Engaging Our Community

The City listened and engaged community members to inform the Hillsboro City Council as they worked to determine where, when, and how camping may be allowed on public property.

A Camping Ordinance Workgroup of diverse community advisors reviewed the requirements and provided insight on when, where, and how to allow camping on public property in Hillsboro.In addition to forming the Workgroup, the City invited all community members to take a Camping Rules Survey and share their experiences to build understanding of the broader community impact of homelessness. 

Visit Engage Hillsboro for the full project details and timeline, Workgroup feedback, survey results, and more.

Original source can be found here