Kennewick adopts ordinance banning driveway and parking-lot cut-throughs after safety review

The Kennewick City Council on Sept. 16 adopted an ordinance that makes it an infraction to use private driveways or parking lots to avoid intersections or traffic-control devices. The measure, which adds section 11.36.130 to the Kennewick Municipal Code, passed the council by a 5-1 vote.

City traffic staff and public-works officials told the council the ordinance responds to a concentrated cut-through problem near a recently reconfigured intersection where staff recorded nine collisions over 14 months prior to an earlier curb extension. Staff estimated 10–15 cut-through trips per hour at that location — roughly 80–120 per weekday — and recommended a citywide prohibition so police could enforce the movement on private property used to avoid intersections.

The ordinance sets a $250 civil infraction for violations and authorizes the Kennewick Police Department to issue warnings and citations; public works staff also said they will install two signs at the driveway in question referencing the Kennewick Municipal Code. Staff said future pedestrian improvements connected to the Keene Trail and a planned pedestrian crossing might require additional curb work near the driveway and that the driveway’s accessibility could change as those projects are built.

Council members debated whether a citywide ordinance was the right tool for what some described as a single, local problem. Some members urged installing a physical curb or barrier now to stop cut-throughs immediately; others said an enforcement tool was needed to address the same behavior in multiple locations as traffic volumes grow. Several council members urged a public outreach plan and a graduated enforcement approach so motorists have notice before citations are issued.

Representatives of the police department told the council enforcement would likely begin with education and warnings and could be phased into citations after outreach; officers would retain discretion when deciding to issue tickets. Staff also said property owners and affected businesses would be consulted about operational impacts, and that engineering reviews (including auto-turn testing for delivery vehicles) would be used when future curb or crossing projects proceed.

The motion to adopt the ordinance was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli and seconded by Councilmember Trumbo. The council passed the ordinance 5–1. Council members discussing the measure asked staff to return or provide an implementation plan outlining outreach, signage, and the enforcement timeline.

Staff said they would install signage, coordinate public-information outreach (including possible media releases and targeted notifications), and work with KPD on a warning period before full enforcement.