ORS 195.505 Elements of Camp Removal Policies; Unclaimed Personal Property; Notice

• Library: Oregon Statutes
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current through legislation effective January 1, 2024
• Year: 2023
• Citation: ORS 195.505

(1) A policy developed pursuant to ORS 195.500 shall conform, but is not limited, to the following provisions.

(2) As used in this section, "personal property" means any item that can reasonably be identified as belonging to an individual and that has apparent value or utility.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (9) of this section, at least 72 hours before removing homeless individuals from an established camping site, law enforcement officials shall post a written notice, in English and Spanish, at all entrances to the camping site to the extent that the entrances can reasonably be identified.

(4)

(a) When a 72-hour notice is posted, law enforcement officials shall inform the local agency that delivers social services to homeless individuals as to where the notice has been posted.

(b) The local agency may arrange for outreach workers to visit the camping site that is subject to the notice to assess the need for social service assistance in arranging shelter and other assistance.

(5)

(a) All personal property at the camping site that remains unclaimed after removal shall be given to a law enforcement official, a local agency that delivers social services to homeless individuals, an outreach worker, a local agency official or a person authorized to issue a citation described in subsection (10) of this section, whether notice is required under subsection (3) of this section or not.

(b) The unclaimed personal property must be stored:

(A) For property removed from camping sites in counties other than Multnomah County, in a facility located in the same community as the camping site from which it was removed.

(B) For property removed from camping sites in Multnomah County, in a facility located within six blocks of a public transit station.

(c) Items that have no apparent value or utility or are in an insanitary condition may be immediately discarded upon removal of the homeless individuals from the camping site.

(d) Weapons, controlled substances other than prescription medication and items that appear to be either stolen or evidence of a crime shall be given to or retained by law enforcement officials.

(6) The written notice required under subsection (3) of this section must state, at a minimum:

(a) Where unclaimed personal property will be stored;

(b) A phone number that individuals may call to find out where the property will be stored; or

(c) If a permanent storage location has not yet been determined, the address and phone number of an agency that will have the information when available.