Central Oregon Times

On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, the Redmond City Council unanimously passed an Ordinance which amends the City Code and establishes regulations around time, place, and manner for camping on public property, enforcement of property in rights-of-way, and making technical changes to improve administration of these new laws.  Ordinance 2023-02 goes into effect immediately.  

The State of Oregon gave cities a July 1, 2023, deadline for putting these regulations in place.  Prior to the March 14 action, Redmond City Code did not specifically address regulations associated with camping on public property or in public rights-of-way.  These new code amendments help to regulate City-owned property and rights-of-way, making them safer by establishing unsanctioned camping zones around schools, registered childcare facilities, maintained portions of public park areas, public utilities, and other identified facilities.

The Ordinance also established noticing procedures to guide enforcement of the camping regulations. 
 
“Our primary focus is public safety,” states Mayor Ed Fitch.  “We want to ensure the safety of our citizens and our businesses, as well as the individuals experiencing homelessness.  I am proud of the steps this Council has recently taken to address shelter and Safe Parking needs in our community, and these amendments are part of the wholistic approach we are taking to address houselessness in Redmond.”

Learn more about Redmond’s Camping Regulations at redmondoregon.gov/campingfaqs.

Original source can be found here.