Commissioners ask staff to draft no-through-truck ordinance; parameters and signage issues to be returned

The board discussed a proposal to create a county ordinance restricting through commercial truck traffic on specified county roads. The district attorney had noted the county currently lacks such an ordinance; staff prepared background from another county and asked the board to identify parameters for drafting a local ordinance.

Staff said the district attorney’s office found an example ordinance defining a weight threshold (10,000 pounds) and emphasizing DOT‑approved signage. Commissioners raised enforcement and practicality questions: proving vehicle weights without scales, exempting legitimate local deliveries and county vehicles, and avoiding situations where county vehicles would violate the ordinance. One commissioner suggested a practical threshold closer to 20,001 pounds to avoid penalizing common farm and utility trailers.

Commissioners also discussed signage maintenance after reports that some previous citations were dismissed when signs were obscured by vegetation. "If that's one of the excuses they're using, let's eliminate that excuse," a commissioner said, asking staff to ensure clear, DOT‑approved posting where the ordinance applies.

Staff was directed to collect several sample ordinances from other counties, draft proposed language (including weight thresholds and destination exemptions), and bring a draft ordinance back for review. The board moved to table final action and directed staff to return with draft language and examples at the next meeting (motion to table to a future date passed).