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Washington County, OR Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Sit/lie protection: allowed if no right-of-way obstruction
Camping ban trigger: only when shelter is available
Sidewalk clearance: 36 inches minimum, § 8.54.050(D)(2)(c)
Buffer from shelters/schools: 500 feet, § 8.54.050(C)(3)
Enforcement options: infraction, citation, or arrest, § 8.54.070
Adopted: Ord. No. 896, July 18, 2023

Summary

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.

City-specific rules exist: Hillsboro has its own sit-lie rules rules that differ from Washington County's county-level regulations. If you live in Hillsboro, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Community Development Code: Supplement 2 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25).

Full Breakdown

Washington County's 2023 camping ordinance draws a specific line between sitting or lying down and unlawfully camping. 050(D)(2)(c) sets a concrete obstruction standard for the right-of-way: camp materials may not leave less than 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk or path, matching ADA access requirements. 050(C)(3). 245, or an arrest for the same offense, with exclusion orders of 60 days for an infraction/citation or 6 months for an arrest. 060(A) that shelter space actually exists for that person. 030(D).

Violations & Fines

Camping when shelter space is actually available, or sitting/lying/camp materials that block the right-of-way (under 36 inches of clear sidewalk) or sit within 500 feet of a shelter or school, violates §§ 8.54.040 and 8.54.050. Section 8.54.070 lets officers impose a Class D civil infraction, cite for second-degree criminal trespass (ORS 164.245), or arrest, with 60-day or 6-month exclusion orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone sit or lie down on county sidewalks in Washington County without breaking the law?

Yes. Section 8.54.040(B) specifically says the chapter 'does not prohibit sitting, lying or sleeping on county property' as long as it doesn't create a camp and doesn't obstruct the right-of-way or access to county property for its usual and customary purposes.

When does sitting or lying down become illegal camping in the county?

It becomes camping once someone uses 'camp materials', tents, tarps, sleeping bags or similar items, 'for the purposes of habitation,' per the § 8.54.030(B) definition. Camping is then barred under § 8.54.040(A) only if a shelter bed is actually available to that specific person, which enforcement officers must confirm first under § 8.54.060(A).

What penalty applies for violating the county's camping/right-of-way rules?

Section 8.54.070 gives an enforcement officer three options: a Class D civil infraction, a citation in lieu of arrest for second-degree criminal trespass under ORS 164.245, or an arrest for that offense. A citation can carry a 60-day exclusion order from the area; an arrest can carry a 6-month exclusion order.

Sources & Official References

[1]Washington County Code §§ 8.54.040, 8.54.050, 8.54.070 — Regulation of Public Property in Relation to Camps and Camping

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Compare Washington County to another location·View the Oregon homelessness & encampment rules overview

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Sit-Lie Rules in Cities Across Washington County

Hillsboro, OR Beaverton, OR