VEHICLES used as the primary residence of homeless people will be transferred if they become a problem for taxpayers, especially if notified in advance.
A proposed new law would allow county authorities to use “reasonable force if necessary” to move “nuisance” campers and trailers.
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Clackamas County, Oregon, commissioners have begun negotiations on revamping the county code to give officials more power to remove campers and RVs parked on the county’s right-of-way.
If they become “nuisance” recreational vehicles, they may be forcibly removed.
An RV or trailer only becomes a nuisance after repeated complaints are made against the inhabitant.
If previous warnings to move the vehicle were ignored, they fall into the nuisance category.
They would also be vulnerable to forced removal if they “harmed health or safety,” the CBC affiliate reported. COIN.
If the changes are approved, officials will need to have a warrant granted to remove the trailer or camper when parked on public property.
When applying for a warrant, strict criteria would need to be met before approval.
“The proposed changes to the code further detail that such a warrant must include: the basis for justifying the tow; health, life and safety impacts caused by the vehicle; previous efforts to persuade the occupant of the RV to move and/or resolve problems; and previous efforts to offer social services to the occupant”, explains the county location.
Additionally, officers would only need to list valuables, weapons and other items seized from the vehicle, not all items.
“Another change clarifies that administrative warrants may be requested when necessary to investigate all types of code violations, as opposed to current language that limits such warrants to investigating marijuana offenses and chronic nuisance properties,” Clackamas County wrote in a communicated.
The county explained that the language change was prompted by numerous complaints from campers and RVs parked in public spaces.
Jesse Ashby, the county’s undersheriff, acknowledged the anguish experienced by residents.
“I know the commissioners get a lot of calls, the Sheriff’s Office gets a lot of calls from residents, taxpayers and people in the communities who are frustrated and tired,” she said.
As harsh as the change may seem for the homeless, the county has no plans to leave the displaced on the streets.
The county has promised to look into programs to help these individuals find safe, reliable shelter if their vehicle is removed.
What to do if a car is parked illegally in your neighborhood?
Here are best practices if drivers encounter an illegally parked car in their neighborhood:
- Assess the security risk: Before taking any action, assess the situation to determine the severity of the problem. Is the car obstructing the flow of traffic, blocking sidewalks or posing a safety risk?
- Check local regulations: Read local parking regulations, especially at an HOA or apartment complex. This will help you find available actions.
- Approach with compassion: If it is safe to do so, try speaking to the vehicle owner. They may not be aware that they are parked illegally or causing a nuisance.
- Take a photo: Take photos or video of the illegally parked car, especially if it is causing a significant disturbance.
Officials will hold public hearings on the amendment in the coming weeks to allow people to ask questions.
If the changes are approved, they will come into force 90 days after the decision.
Council Vice President Ben West supported the changes during the policy session earlier this week, calling them “holistic.”
“I think this is a holistic approach,” he said.
“We are coming together and continuing to try to solve this difficult problem that has been very persistent in our community. This is truly an example of great local government in action.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
