Walla Walla County commissioners on July 21 opened a workshop to consider amending county code chapters 10.08 and 10.12 and adding a new chapter, 10.32, to regulate parking and impoundments across unincorporated areas.

The proposed changes would add specific streets to a no-parking list (including Rooks Park Road and a section of South Fourth Avenue near the fairgrounds) and update enforcement and impound procedures. Prosecuting attorney Jesse Nolte told the board he would recommend adding a two-hour daytime limit plus a no-overnight clause for a stretch of Reservoir Road identified by Fairgrounds and Public Works staff.

Why it matters: Commissioners said current gaps in the code limit the sheriff’s ability to remove vehicles that create hazards or nuisance conditions. Updating the code would create a clear administrative path to post and enforce no-parking zones and to authorize impounds, while also responding to resident complaints about long-term RV and trailer parking on county rights-of-way.

Key points and debate
- Area list and signs: The draft would let the board adopt specific streets where parking is prohibited; once adopted, the county engineer would erect signs and the restrictions become enforceable. Nolte said listing roads gives the board authority to explain why a location was designated and helps the sheriff and courts. Commissioner Clayton asked whether the board could adopt a single countywide prohibition; staff said that would require a broader public hearing and careful findings because county right-of-way varies in width and use.
- Fairgrounds and Fourth Avenue South: Staff recommended no parking on the west side of South Fourth Avenue between Cushing Street and Tiaton (transcript spelling) because of recurring nuisance parking around the fairgrounds. Fairgrounds staff and Public Works discussed whether to allow an exception during fair events; the board left that as a policy decision for later public input.
- Rooks Park Road: The draft would prohibit parking on most of Rooks Park Road on both sides, with a small posted parking area timed to Corps of Engineers hours so recreational users still have access when the gate is open.
- Reservoir Road: The board agreed to add a Reservoir Road segment near the Mill Creek Flood Control Zone District property and the levee; staff proposed a two-hour daytime limit and a no-overnight rule to prevent long-term parking and horse-trailer staging. Public Works recommended a permit option for exceptional uses or events.
- RVs, camping and the “Boise” decision: Commissioners discussed options specifically targeting RVs and camping in rights-of-way. Nolte said other counties have tailored ordinances (including no-RV parking with a permitting system). He cautioned that any camping prohibition will require careful drafting after reviewing recent case law the transcript referenced as the “Boise decision.” The board asked staff to research a no-camping ordinance and to coordinate outreach because of constitutional and procedural issues.
- Enforcement, penalties and impounds: The draft sets parking infractions (small fines) enforceable by the sheriff’s office and adds statutory cross-references for impounds. Nolte said the code now includes language to protect the right to appeal impounds and to consider fee waivers in light of recent court decisions about excessive fines.

Discussion vs. decisions
- Discussion only: The July 21 session was a workshop; commissioners discussed options (countywide rules, targeted street listings, permit systems for RVs, fair exemptions) but did not adopt any ordinance.
- Direction to staff: Commissioners asked staff to include Reservoir Road in the draft ordinance posted for next week’s public hearing, to explore a two-hour daytime limit plus a no-overnight restriction there, and to prepare background on RV/camping rules and permitting models from other jurisdictions.

What’s next: The board set a public hearing for the proposed parking ordinance (noticed for next Monday at 10:15 a.m.). Commissioners and staff said they expect public comment at that hearing and left open the possibility of edits after community input.

Speakers quoted in this story are county officials who participated in the workshop.