Gresham, OR Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited conduct
- Camping on public property or ROW
- Private property limit
- 72 hours per 30 days
- Max fine
- $1,000
- Homeless protection
- Shelter offer required before fine
Summary
Gresham bans camping on public property and rights-of-way outside city-approved campgrounds, and requires that a person experiencing homelessness first be offered shelter before facing a fine under the city's camping policy.
No person shall camp on public property or public rights-of-way, other than an area approved by the city for the permitted use and built for the purpose of campgrounds or overnight parks.
(2) The following provisions apply to persons experience homelessness:
(a) In accordance with ORS 195.500-530, the City Manager shall adopt an administrative rule developing a policy that recognizes the social nature of the problem of persons experiencing homelessness camping on public property and implement the policy as developed to ensure the most humane treatment for removal of persons experiencing homelessness from campsites on public property. The policy shall, among other things, comply with applicable federal and state law. The Manager shall review the policy annually to ensure compliance with applicable law and post the policy on the City's website.
(b) A person experiencing homelessness shall not be subject to a fine or penalty as stated in section 7.10.165(4) unless that person has first been offered shelter in accordance with applicable law and City policy.
(c) For the purposes of this section, "persons experiencing homelessness" does not include a person camping on public property or on any public street or right-ofway who has been offered shelter in accordance with applicable law and City policy.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
GRC 7.10.165 bars camping on public property or public rights-of-way in Gresham except in areas the city has approved and built for campgrounds or overnight parks. For people experiencing homelessness, the city manager must adopt a policy under ORS 195.500-530 for humane removal from campsites, and the code bars fining a homeless camper unless shelter has first been offered under that policy. Private property owners may allow camping for up to 72 hours in a 30-day period with written permission. Violating the section can bring a fine of up to $1,000.
Violations & Fines
Camping on public property or right-of-way outside an approved campground carries a fine of up to $1,000; homeless campers cannot be fined until shelter has been offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp overnight in a Gresham park?
Can homeless campers be fined immediately?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon homelessness & encampment rules overview
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Encampment Sanitation in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle encampment sanitation.