Multnomah County, OR Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer
- 1,000 feet from any school
- Added
- Ord. 1342, effective June 25, 2026
- Sunset
- January 1, 2028 (or earlier)
- Exemption
- Jurisdiction approval or temporary facility relocation
- Covers
- Person, business, or organization operating program
Summary
Multnomah County bans mobile syringe service programs, free needle distribution from a temporary site, within 1,000 feet of any school under its Safe School Zones ordinance, unless a public body with jurisdiction expressly approves the site.
It is a violation of this subchapter for any person, business, or organization to operate, assist, or participate in a mobile syringe service program within 1,000 feet of a school. It is not a violation of this subchapter when a public body has expressly approved of a mobile syringe service program within 1,000 feet of a school within its jurisdiction.
(S-2 2018)
8
Multnomah County – Chapter 21 – Health
It is not a violation of this subchapter for a syringe service program to temporarily operate out of a mobile site adjacent to the programs’ permanent facility in cases where the permanent facility is temporarily inaccessible. In these cases, a limited term exemption will be granted. A timeline for the limited term exemption must be documented and communicated by the syringe service program to Multnomah County and any adjacent sidewalk or public space must remain accessible by the public. (Ord. 1342, Added, 06/25/2026)
Full Breakdown
The Safe School Zones ordinance (MCC §§ 21.350-21.354, added by Ord. 1342 on June 25, 2026) prohibits any person, business, or organization from operating, assisting, or participating in a mobile syringe service program, one that distributes free sterile needles, syringes, or hypodermic devices from a temporary or non-permanent location, within 1,000 feet of a public or private K-12 school. Programs run out of a licensed health professional's patient treatment don't count as 'mobile.' A syringe service program can also temporarily relocate next to its own inaccessible permanent facility under a documented limited-term exemption. The whole ordinance sunsets January 1, 2028, or earlier if the Board of Commissioners votes to end it sooner.
Violations & Fines
Operating, assisting, or participating in a mobile syringe program within 1,000 feet of a school violates MCC § 21.352; the subchapter states no dollar penalty, so enforcement follows the county's standard code-hearing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban stop needle exchange programs entirely in Multnomah County?
Can a mobile syringe program operate near a school with approval?
How long does the school-zone ban last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon public health rules overview
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