Temporary Sheltering Program

The City of Florence is offering opportunities to support those experiencing homelessness by creating a temporary sheltering program for private property owners to allow limited sheltering via tent or vehicle under certain conditions and within certain standards. FCC Title 1 Chapter 9 also includes time, place, manner criteria for temporary sheltering in public spaces.

An overview of Florence’s Temporary Sheltering program eligibility is as follows:

• The property must be registered with the city through a process that is renewable and revocable.
• There is an application fee of $75
• A registration form is submitted by the property owner, tenant, or shelter occupant.
• A registration form is available at the bottom of this page or by emailing the Planning Department HERE or calling 541-997-8237 option #4.  Questions about the registration program or applicable city code can be directed to either of these contact methods.

Some of the program's requirements and standards include: 

• There can be no acceptance or request of any payment of monetary charge nor performance of services in exchange.
• Handwashing, garbage, and toilet facilities must be provided or available.
• No visible storage is permitted.
• Shelters must be at least five feet from property lines and sanitation 10 feet from property lines, unless located within the dwelling or the RV/Trailer.
• Private Property Sheltering - Non-residential: a property owner can register with the city to locate three vehicles or tents in any combination on their developed property. They must be separated 10 feet from one another.
• Private Property Sheltering-Residential: a property owner or its tenant (with owner approval) can register with the city to locate either a vehicle or tent on their property.  The property owner and tenant(s) must both sign registration form.

Some requirements for Temporary Sheltering on rights of way and public property 

• For sheltering in the public or private right of way,  the code includes 300 ft. buffers measured from the property lines of licensed day cares, religious institutions, elementary and secondary schools, and facilities serving those experiencing homelessness.  Area within the buffers establishes where temporary sheltering is not permitted within the rights-of-way.
• Exclusion Areas where temporary sheltering is not permitted are in certain park lands, city-owned facilities open to the public, protected wetland and riparian resources, and certain rights of way.