Portland, OR Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

The City of Portland's Impact Reduction Program within the HOST Program manages unsanctioned campsite reports, sanitation services, and removals. Procedures derive from the Anderson v. City of Portland settlement and 2024 PCC 14A.50 amendments. Standard removals require posting written notice at the site at least 72 hours before removal, except for 'immediate hazards' such as fire risk, blocked emergency access, hazardous materials, or significant public health risks (PCC 14A.50.020). Personal property collected during a removal must be stored by the city's contractor (currently Rapid Response Bio Clean) for at least 30 days and made available for retrieval at a designated storage location, consistent with the Anderson Agreement. Cleanups also include needle pickup, biohazard removal, and trash collection. The Joint Office of Homeless Services coordinates outreach (with providers such as JOIN, Transition Projects, and Cascadia) to offer shelter and services before posted removals. Reports of unsanctioned camping are accepted through PDX Reporter or the city's Campsite Reporting form.