City Code Section
- A. Housing Emergency
- 1. When circumstances create an immediate need to provide adequate, safe, and habitable shelter to persons experiencing homelessness, the Council may declare by ordinance that a housing emergency exists. A housing emergency is a health and safety emergency under Portland City Code Subsection 33.296.030 G. and shelters are allowed as temporary activities for the duration of the emergency subject to the standards in Section 33.296.040. The initial duration of a housing emergency may not exceed one year. A housing emergency may be extended in increments of up to three years.
- 2. If a housing emergency is still in effect when the emergency no longer exists or when the threat of an emergency has passed, the Council will terminate the housing emergency by ordinance.
- B. Shelter Shortage
- When circumstances create a continuing unmet need for adequate, safe and habitable shelter, the Council may adopt an ordinance declaring a shelter shortage. This declaration will remain in effect until the Council terminates the declaration by ordinance.
- 1. A shelter shortage is a health and safety emergency under Portland City Code Subsection 33.296.030.G and shelters are allowed as temporary activities for the duration of the emergency subject to the standards in Section 33.296.040.