New Portland Ordinance Prohibits Daytime Camping in Public Areas

The city council of Portland has passed an ordinance aimed at addressing the long-standing homelessness crisis by prohibiting daytime camping in most public areas. The measure allows camping only from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. in nonrestricted areas, with campsites required to be dismantled during the daytime. Camping near schools, parks, and busy streets is entirely banned. 

The ordinance was supported by business owners citing customer losses and safety concerns, but advocates for the homeless argue it will further burden vulnerable individuals. The law aligns with a 2018 federal court ruling that allows reasonable restrictions on campsites while preventing arrests for sleeping outside when adequate shelter is unavailable. Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed appreciation for council members' support and emphasized the importance of education and outreach to ensure effective implementation of the ordinance.

Commissioners Dan Ryan and Rene Gonzalez voted in favor of the measure alongside Mayor Wheeler, while Commissioner Mingus Mapps was out of town but expressed support. Commissioner Carmen Rubio voted against it, stressing the need for more shelter sites, increased capacity at service locations, and proper training for police enforcement. 

To address the shortage of shelter beds, Portland plans to establish regulated outdoor camping areas. The ordinance will be phased in, with enforcement expected to begin in late July. Violators will initially receive warnings, followed by fines or potential jail time. Mayor Wheeler intends to prioritize alternative sentences that connect individuals with necessary resources. 

Read more at KOIN.com and learn more about how Portland's camping ban compares to other similar ordinances in other cities this article from Willamette Week.