The City is not proposing to create a traditional “homeless camp.” The proposal would establish a designated safe rest area that allows overnight sleeping in a specific location and under specific rules. The purpose is to provide a controlled location for people who have no other place to sleep while also allowing the City to establish reasonable restrictions on sleeping and camping in other City-owned areas.
Under the ordinance, the designated rest area would be available only during specific overnight hours, 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. People using the area would be required to follow the rules established for the site and would need to remove themselves and all of their belongings in the morning.
This approach would give the City a way to restrict unauthorized camping and sleeping in other areas of the community, including locations where those activities could interfere with public use, create nuisance conditions, or raise concerns related to the health, welfare, and safety of the public. The City intends to coordinate with the Estacada Police Chief and use best practices in implementing the program, with the goal of maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
Residents who have questions or concerns about the program are encouraged to review the ordinance or contact the City to discuss the requirements and limitations that apply.