Deschutes County Commissioner candidate proposes 6-mile no camping zone
Kelsey Merison
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rob Imhoff, a candidate for Deschutes County Commissioner, announced a proposal Monday to establish a 6-mile “no camping” zone around every Urban Growth Boundary community in the county. The initiative targets unauthorized camping and vehicle habitation in rural lands surrounding cities such as Bend, Redmond, and Sisters.
The policy aims to address public safety concerns and wildfire risks by prohibiting long-term parking of derelict RVs and trailers in the county’s juniper forests. Imhoff stated that the buffer is designed to direct individuals experiencing homelessness toward established services and treatment programs located within city centers rather than allowing dispersed camping in remote areas.
The proposed ordinance would ban unauthorized camping, vehicle habitation, and the long-term parking of derelict RVs or trailers within the 6-mile radius. Imhoff, a community leader and small-business owner in housing and construction, has lived in Deschutes County for more than 20 years. “Our rural lands and forests are not free-for-all campgrounds or places to abandon broken-down vehicles,” Imhoff said during the announcement.
The plan cites Oregon Administrative Rule 660-033-0130, which currently restricts the creation of new private campgrounds and RV parks within three miles of any UGB. Imhoff proposed doubling that distance to enhance wildfire prevention and public safety efforts. “We already have state rules under ORS (OAR 660-033-0130) that prohibit new private campgrounds and RV parks within three miles of any UGB without a special exception,” Imhoff said. “We will build on that proven authority to enact a 6-mile no-camping buffer that keeps families safe, prevents wildfires and stops the cycle of enabling street homelessness in remote areas.”
Enforcement of the zone would focus on nuisance abatement through a process involving clear notice and outreach to service providers. Imhoff stated that the policy is intended to move individuals away from isolated forest lands and toward available shelter, mental health support, and addiction treatment. “Deschutes County deserves solutions that actually work,” Imhoff said. “A 6-mile no-camping zone around our UGBs will make our communities safer, cleaner and more compassionate. It’s time to stop treating rural lands as dumping grounds and start directing people toward real help.”
The initiative is part of Imhoff’s broader campaign platform, which includes a 50-year infrastructure plan and a proposed reroute for Highway 97. According to the proposal, the 6-mile zone does not require the implementation of new taxes and would instead rely on smarter enforcement of existing county authorities. The plan also includes partnerships with local law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and city governments to establish coordinated service hubs.
Imhoff is currently seeking community input on the proposal at upcoming campaign events. Residents can also submit questions or view the full infrastructure and housing platform through his campaign website.