February 9, 2023 5:30 a.m.

City of Roseburg officials are asking the public to complete an online survey about public camping.

A City release said input is being sought to help guide city officials in determining potential additional regulations or restrictions that may be imposed. Everyone with an interest in the issue is asked to take a few minutes to fill out the survey.

The city must review and potentially update its existing regulations to comply with new state laws that provide what are called “compassionate protections” for people experiencing homelessness. In 2021, the Oregon State Legislature passed House Bills 3115 and 3124, which impose requirements on local government’s regulations around prohibited camping.

The laws stipulate that individuals can’t be punished for sleeping outside on public property in the absence of adequate alternatives, but cities can impose “reasonable time, place and manner” restrictions on such activities in public spaces. Cities are required to obtain input from all affected parties when considering changes to those regulations.

The online survey can be taken by going to: www.cityofroseburg.org and clicking on the “Public Camping Survey” button.

Roseburg Police and community partners will also hand out cards or flyers containing black-and-white QR codes that can be used to access the survey using a smart phone or tablet.

Surveys must be completed by Friday, March 10th.