No, squatting in Oregon is illegal under state and local laws, with penalties including criminal trespass and eviction. Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 164.245 criminalizes unauthorized occupancy, while Portland’s 2024 ordinance expedites squatter removal via the Bureau of Development Services. Civil remedies under ORS 105.105 allow property owners to seek immediate possession.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Oregon
- Criminal Trespass (ORS 164.245): Occupying another’s property without consent constitutes a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $1,250 in fines. Repeat offenses escalate to felony charges under ORS 164.215.
- Expedited Eviction (Portland Ordinance 189683): Effective 2024, Portland mandates a 72-hour notice period for squatters, bypassing traditional eviction timelines. The Bureau of Development Services enforces this via administrative hearings.
- Adverse Possession Limits (ORS 12.050): Squatters may claim ownership only after 10+ years of continuous, hostile, and open possession—subject to strict documentation and court validation. Recent 2026 amendments tighten evidentiary burdens for adverse possession claims.
Local law enforcement prioritizes property owner rights under ORS 105.105, which permits immediate civil action for unlawful detainer. Squatters face eviction within weeks, not months, due to Oregon’s 2025 procedural reforms. Always consult county-specific ordinances, as enforcement varies between jurisdictions like Multnomah and Washington Counties.