The Wallowa County Board of Commissioners on July 28 adopted Ordinance No. 503, which amends Title 10 of the county code to add new parking prohibitions on specified county roads and to add procedures for vehicle impoundment. The ordinance names Rooks Park Road, South Fourth Avenue near the fairgrounds and a section of Reservoir Road adjacent to Mill Creek Flood Control Zone property as locations with time-limited or restricted parking and grants authority to the sheriff to enforce civil infractions and remove vehicles in violation.

The measure was the subject of a public hearing that drew multiple residents who described long-running encampments at Rooks Park Road, safety concerns and increasing litter. Residents said they regularly observe people sleeping in vehicles, dogs running loose and thefts near the park. Commissioners and the sheriff’s office said the ordinance provides clearer legal authority for enforcement while also stressing a need to offer services and avoid immediate displacement without notice.

Why it matters: Commissioners and county staff said the change gives law enforcement explicit statutory authority to issue civil infractions for parking violations, impose graduated penalties and, when necessary, impound vehicles after required notice. Sheriff’s office leadership told the board enforcement will include documented outreach and efforts to connect people with services before removal; deputies will use discretion and must document steps taken before impoundments.

Key facts: The ordinance makes parking prohibited between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. in the Rooks Park designated area and limits some locations to daylight or two-hour parking. The code language allows the sheriff to issue civil infractions (tiered fines) and to remove vehicles in violation; state law requires 24-hour notice on public-road impounds. The board included transitional language on timing: signs will be posted promptly and the board set an August 1 date as the earliest practical start for impound actions to allow signage and public notice.

Public reaction and enforcement: Dozens of people living near Rooks Park testified that long-term camping has eroded neighborhood safety and access. The Corps of Engineers supplied a letter of support for the ordinance. The sheriff told the board that while deputies will be firm in enforcement, they will document outreach efforts (referrals to services, phone numbers, shelter options) and prefer voluntary compliance; impounds are discretionary and will be used after other remedies are attempted and documented.

Next steps: Public Works will install the required signage (county staff said signs are produced and available), after which the county may begin enforcement under the new code. The ordinance takes effect immediately upon signature; towing/impound operations were discussed with an operational start after signage and the short transition period defined by the board.