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Commission discusses engine‑brake ordinance; asks staff to refine language for next meeting
Summary
The commission debated whether to ban all engine brakes or only un‑muffled units and asked staff to reconcile a list of problem locations and return an amended ordinance next week for further consideration.
Commissioners spent an extended portion of the June 2 meeting discussing a proposed county ordinance to restrict use of engine brakes on county roads.
County attorney and staff presented a draft ordinance that, as written, would prohibit the use of engine brakes that are not equipped with an exhaust muffler. Commissioners debated whether the prohibition should be total in specific areas of the county — where houses are close to the roadway — or limited only to equipment that lacks mufflers. They also discussed enforcement practicality and whether a stricter prohibition would be easier to enforce than a muffler‑based rule.
Commissioners directed staff to reconcile location lists (the draft references several problem spots including Irae Junction and Old Farm Road) into consistent ordinance language and to add definitions where needed (for example, a definition of "engine brake"). Staff and commissioners agreed the ordinance should allow emergency or necessary use but may prohibit routine use near residences. The county will also confirm where the state highway jurisdiction overlaps county roads and whether signage already exists in some locations.
Next steps: county counsel and planning will revise the draft ordinance to (a) harmonize the "where" language, (b) add a usable definition, and (c) return the revised ordinance to the commission at the next meeting for additional action.
