Roseburg Public Camping Violations May Soon Result In Jail Time

ROSEBURG, Ore. — On Monday, a resolution was passed unanimously by the Roseburg City Council that will see public camping code violations punished with jail time.

Roseburg Public Camping Restrictions

In Oregon, the law provides that public camping restrictions must be reasonable in time, place, and manner. Roseburg’s unhoused people may spend the night on certain types of city property, as long as they leave in the morning.

The local code states that public camping is banned in residential areas, near waterways, or other specified locations. Shelter size, fires, waste disposal, and noise are also covered in the rules.

Public camping code violations were previously only punishable by a fine. Roseburg officials moved to introduce more serious penalties earlier this year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a camping ban in Grants Pass.

From September 25, an individual’s first two violations may attract fines of up to $100 and $250 respectively.

Violations after that could see those people spending up to 7 days in jail. Gary Klopfenstein, Roseburg Police Chief, said people could use the city’s Transitional Court to challenge the penalties, where the sentence could be commuted court if defendants complete a rehabilitation program.

Homeless Advocates To Challenge New Roseburg Camping Rules

A new low-barrier shelter was considered by Roseburg officials, but Mayor Larry Rich said at Monday’s City Council meeting this should be decided on if it’s still necessary once the new penalties are in place.

Citing a perceived lack of adequate support services, some homeless community members criticized the plan at Monday’s meeting. 

Nicole- who shared only her first name, was convinced they would not be helped. She has signed up for everything but nothing happens. She said it’s ridiculous to be told she could be fined and go to jail when she’s just trying to get by.

Betsy Cunningham, the Chair of Housing First Umpqua, said homeless advocates will now mount a legal challenge to Roseburg’s ordinance, as the city lacks places where homeless residents can stay for extended periods.

She said they are unable to get permanent rest or any type of stability, are always under threat, are being harassed, and are made to move.

Rich said they are waiting to see what happens before making a decision.