Safe Parking Program

City Council is considering code amendments (Item 5) that would expand the ability of property owners within the City to allow safe parking for people experiencing homelessness.  A similar program (Section 17/5iv, Section 18/5vii) is currently authorized under the City’s Coronavirus Emergency Declaration which is set to expire at the end of June (2021).  Code changes would provide additional shelter options for individuals and families without access to permanent, safe shelter, and who can’t obtain other low-income housing.  These programs are intended to be used on seasonal, emergency, or transitional basis.

Based on programs offered in other Oregon cities and is supported by supported by two statutes: ORS 203.082 (allows overnight camping for up to 3 vehicles on religious property), and ORS 446.265 (allows temporary transitional housing in yurts, etc.), as well as City’s home rule authority. 

There are two proposals being considered: 

Overnight Camping

• Up to 3 vehicles on properties owned/leased by religious, nonprofit, business, or public entity
• Must provide access to sanitation, including bathroom, handwashing, and trash disposal facilities
• No City authorization required
• May not charge a fee

Transitional Overnight Parking Accommodation

• Up to 6 vehicles or huts/tents on properties owned/leased by religious, nonprofit, business
• Requires City approval, plan for sanitation, supervision, policies on who can stay, how long, and what hours of the day/night
• Requires neighborhood meeting, posted notice of contact person
• Requires case management or supervision
• City may allow more than 6 vehicles/huts on property owned/leased by public entity
• May not charge a fee