Council adopts ordinance allowing short‑term commercial use on vacant residential lots along major roads; 60‑day permits, staff review required

Riverton City Council members voted to allow temporary commercial uses on vacant residential lots that have direct access to major roadways, subject to permit conditions intended to limit noise, lighting, parking and public‑safety impacts.

The ordinance change — which passed after substitute motion 4–1 — authorizes temporary, short‑term commercial operations (examples discussed included seasonal Christmas tree sales, fireworks stands and similar activities) only on undeveloped residential parcels with direct access to a roadway designated as a major road in city code. The council adopted a 60‑day limit for each permit; future uses on the same parcel would require a new permit. Staff will review permit applications for parking, emergency access, lighting (the ordinance references existing temporary‑commercial lighting standards that prohibit flashing lights within 100 feet of residences) and compliance with fire code permitting for hazardous items such as fireworks.

Councilmember Perucci, who moved the substitute motion to approve, said the text balances property rights and neighborhood impacts and that the permit will be time‑limited and revocable if violations occur. He told the council the ordinance is tailored to keep heavy activity on major arterials and away from side streets: "The draft…would say access for a temporary commercial use would need to come off the major roadway. It couldn't use any side street."

Unified Fire Authority staff confirmed fireworks and other hazardous displays will still require fire permits and inspections under the International Fire Code. The Riverton police and code‑enforcement teams will enforce parking and nuisance issues; staff said permits can be revoked if a property is in current code violation. Councilmember Broker voted against the ordinance, citing neighborhood‑specific code‑compliance concerns in areas where applicants have prior code problems; Broker said additional work is needed to ensure the city can enforce conditions in those locations.

Vote: The roll‑call vote on the substitute motion to approve the ordinance was McDougall — yes; McKay — yes; Hammond — yes; Perucci — yes; Broker — no. The Council therefore adopted the ordinance change by a 4–1 vote.

What changes: key permit limits and standards adopted in the ordinance include: - Scope: only vacant, undeveloped residential parcels with direct access to a major roadway are eligible. - Duration: each permit is valid for a single 60‑day period; future uses require a new permit. - Review criteria: emergency vehicle access, on‑site parking (permittees must provide on‑site parking), lighting controls (no flashing or distracting lights toward residences), noise and dust mitigation, and fire permits for hazardous products (e.g., fireworks). Staff may refer a particular application to the planning commission in unique cases.

Next steps: Staff will implement the permit form and process and coordinate with Unified Fire Authority and code enforcement. Councilmembers urged staff to ensure neighbors get notice and to prepare clear permit standards and a checklist for applicants.