Eugene City Council clarifies rule to stop curbside camping

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – The Eugene City Council has passed a legal clarification that it hopes will end curbside camping.

The Register-Guard reported Tuesday that city councilors voted 6-0 Monday night to allow trespass complaints against people who set up tents on strips of land between sidewalks and streets.

Mayor Lucy Vinis is expected to sign the clarification, which will put it into effect immediately.

The change is in response to public concerns about homeless people camping or squatting and leaving garbage and other debris on the strips that are visible to residents and passing motorists.

The updated rule says adjacent property owners can request that people leave encampments on the planter strips.

Police will be able to issue citations or make arrests for second-degree trespass against people who refuse to leave.