Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Washington County, OR (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Washington County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Washington County Code § 8.54.040(B) protects sitting, lying or sleeping on county property that doesn't 'create a camp or constitute camping,' as long as it doesn't obstruct the right-of-way. Camping itself is banned only when shelter space is actually available, under this unincorporated-county ordinance adopted in 2023.
Sitting and Lying Rules in Washington County
Some RestrictionsWashington County Code § 8.54.040
A.Camps and camping are prohibited on county property when shelter is available to the person in the camp or camping.B.This section does not prohibit sitting, lying or sleeping on county property in a manner that does not create a camp or constitute camping, so long as such use does not obstruct the public right-of-way or access to county property for their usual and customary purposes.
Encampment Sanitation
In unincorporated Washington County, camps on county property can't accumulate more than 100 gallons of garbage, debris or hazardous waste, and dumping gray or black water on county land is banned outright under County Code 8.54.050.D.
Washington County Camp Sanitation Rules
Some RestrictionsWashington County Code § 8.54.050.D
c.Individuals who camp or are camping may not accumulate more than 100-gallons of garbage, debris, trash, unsanitary or hazardous materials, items of no apparent utility in an uncontained manner.d.Items presenting a danger to others, including uncontained sharps, uncontained human waste or unauthorized connections or taps to private or public utilities are prohibited...f.Dumping of gray water (...
Homelessness & Encampment Rules by City in Washington County
2 cities in Washington County have their own homelessness & encampment rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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