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Resident urges Baker City to enforce rules on camping in single‑family neighborhoods
Summary
Local investor Dan Brennan told the council he is reconsidering building projects after unpermitted RVs and campers began appearing in single‑family neighborhoods; he asked the council for clear direction and enforcement if police are not acting on complaints.
Dan Brennan, a Baker City resident who said he lives at 3210 Indiana Avenue, told the City Council on Oct. 28 that he is seeking direction on how the city will address camping and long‑term RV occupancy in single‑family residential zones.
Brennan said campers are appearing on lots without water or septic connections and without permits, and that the presence of unpermitted units was discouraging private investment in single‑family housing. “They’re not connected to water and sewer, and they’re not permanent,” Brennan said. He told the council he had filed complaints with police and code enforcement and saw “no resolution.”
Brennan cited Oregon court cases involving Grants Pass and Salem that, he said, support limiting camping in single‑family areas and asked for a clear enforcement pathway if the police do not act. He also described development costs for a house he is building — sidewalk work he was charged about $15,000 for, a $2,500 water‑meter upgrade and a $3,500 permit fee — and said those expenses make enforcement inconsistency feel unfair to compliant property owners.
Council members told Brennan staff would follow up. A councilor asked staff to connect Brennan with the city manager (expected back Thursday) and with municipal staff to determine next steps; the mayor asked Brennan to provide his contact information so staff could follow up.
The council did not take formal action during the meeting; staff and council said the manager and enforcement staff would review Brennan’s complaint and determine appropriate next steps, including whether existing code enforcement or other city tools apply or whether the council should consider ordinance changes.
