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Wallowa County adopts updated parking rules, including limited public parking and enforcement changes
Summary
After a public hearing, the Wallowa County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 501 to update County Code Chapter 10.12, revising parking-lot rules, adding time limits and clarifying enforcement and permitted public use outside business hours.
The Wallowa County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 13 adopted Ordinance No. 501, updating County Code Chapter 10.12 to reflect current county parking lots, add time limits and clarify enforcement. The measure passed 3-0.
The ordinance modernizes language that dates to the 1980s, lists current county lots (including 240 West Alder and 500 West Main) and specifies which lots are open to public parking during nonworking hours. The code keeps a three-hour limit in many lots and preserves restricted access for sensitive locations such as the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC), where a placard or dashboard authorization will be required. Enforcement remains a civil infraction handled by the sheriff’s office, with towing as an available remedy.
Deputy civil prosecuting attorney Jesse Nolte said the older code did not reference newer county properties and that the work included coordination with fairgrounds staff and the school district over historical deeded parking near Garrison Middle School. Commissioners asked about enforcement; Nolte said only the sheriff’s office can issue civil infractions under the revised code and towing is permitted.
During a public hearing held at 1:15 p.m., no members of the public appeared in chambers or online to comment. Commissioner Clayton described the update as “much needed” and thanked staff for the work. The ordinance was approved by roll call with all three commissioners voting aye.
The ordinance will take effect according to the dates specified in the county’s adoption process. The code update also enumerates which lots allow public parking on weekends and holidays and codifies a simple placard/decals approach for employee authorization at restricted lots such as JJC.
