Lane County, OR Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Lane Code § LC 11.120(6)
- Vehicle cap
- County may cap number of vehicles allowed
- Required facilities
- Toilet, handwashing and trash disposal
- Tent/trailer limit
- Max 5 units, 1,000 sq ft total
- Short-term RV exemption
- 14 days per period, 30 days per year
- Revocation grounds
- DEQ violation, nuisance, or unlawful activity
Summary
Lane County lets any public or private property owner in the unincorporated county allow homeless individuals to camp overnight in vehicles on their land. Lane Code § LC 11.120(6) lets the county set conditions, including a cap on the number of vehicles, and requires whoever hosts the camping to provide toilet, handwashing and trash disposal facilities for campers.
(6) Camping by individuals living in vehicles.
(a) Any public or private entity may allow overnight camping by homeless individuals living in vehicles on the property of the entity.
(b) The County may impose reasonable conditions upon an entity offering camping space under this section, including establishing a maximum number of vehicles allowed.
(c) Entities providing camping spaces under this section must also provide access to sanitary facilities, including toilet, handwashing and trash disposal facilities.
Full Breakdown
120 sets the county's rules for camping outside a licensed campground. Under subsection (6), any public or private entity in unincorporated Lane County may allow homeless individuals living in vehicles to camp overnight on the entity's property; the County can impose conditions, including a cap on the number of vehicles allowed, and any entity offering the space must provide access to sanitary facilities, specifically toilet, handwashing and trash disposal facilities. 120(4) for a self-contained RV or tent used periodically for up to 14 consecutive days (max 30 days in a 365-day cycle) with no fee charged.
Permitted tent and campsite setups must meet the setback rules of LC Chapters 10, 15 and 16, provide a functioning bathroom or approved sanitation system (portable toilets allowed), and stay capped at five tents or camp trailers totaling no more than 1,000 square feet. 010.
Violations & Fines
An entity that lets camping continue after violating these terms faces revocation of its permission to host campers under LC 11.120(6)(a)-(c) and, for permitted tent or trailer sites, under LC 11.120(5)(e). Grounds include a DEQ violation, unlawful activity on site, or a nuisance from accumulating trash, debris or personal possessions, referenced to LC 6.450.550 and LC 6.225.010. A campsite operating outside these rules is also subject to the general enforcement and penalty provisions of LC 11.990.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a property owner let homeless people camp in vehicles in unincorporated Lane County?
Do tents or camp trailers need a permit in Lane County?
What sanitation is required at a permitted campsite?
When can Lane County revoke camping permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lane County
Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon homelessness & encampment rules overview
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