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Riverton council approves ordinance allowing limited temporary commercial uses on vacant residential lots along major arterials; 60‑day permits and revocation 권
Summary
After public comment and debate over fireworks stands, parking and safety, the council adopted an ordinance allowing temporary commercial uses on vacant residential parcels that front major arterial roads with a staff-issued permit valid for a single 60‑day period; the vote was 4–1.
The Riverton City Council voted 4–1 to adopt an ordinance permitting limited temporary commercial uses on vacant, undeveloped residential lots that have direct access to major arterial roads, subject to a staff-issued permit and conditions meant to reduce impacts on nearby homes.
Jason, a planning staff member, told the council the draft ordinance restricts temporary commercial activity to residential lots with direct access to a major roadway (examples include Redwood and 126) and references existing standards on lighting, noise, access and parking. Jason said the draft permits staff‑level review and that the permit is valid for a single 60‑day period; future uses on the same lot would require a new permit. He also said permits may be revoked if the use causes violations and that parking, emergency access and other impacts must be self‑contained on the property.
Council discussion followed extensive public comment opposing particular nearby proposals and citing traffic, neighborhood impact and safety concerns. Jay Jay Salter, a nearby resident, said he and neighbors “strongly oppose” a fireworks stand proposed on lots near Christian Way because of congestion and the proximity of an adjacent house. Other residents, including Gary Exeter and Todd Wortman, raised concerns about parking spilling onto side streets, “shady” past activity at nearby temporary lots and trailer storage; they asked the city to inspect trailers they suspected were used for off‑site fireworks storage.
Jason and Unified Fire Authority representatives said fireworks stands and other fireworks storage remain subject to Unified Fire permitting and inspection under the International Fire Code; Unified Fire’s area marshal (David Mills) was mentioned as the inspecting official. The police chief and staff said enforcement for parking and noise complaints remains with city code enforcement and the police department.
Council member Perucci offered a substitute motion to approve the ordinance (seconded by Council member McKay). The roll‑call vote recorded McDougall: yes; McKay: yes; Hammond: yes; Perucci: yes; Broker: no. The substitute motion carried 4–1.
Key provisions recorded in the ordinance and clarified during debate: - Permits for temporary commercial uses on residential property are valid for a single 60‑day period; subsequent activity requires a new permit. Council declined to extend that initial period to 90 days after debate. - Uses must have direct access to a designated major road unless an existing condition prohibits that access. - Parking, emergency access, lighting, noise and other impacts must be managed on‑site; parking spilling onto adjacent streets may be enforced by police/code staff. - Fireworks vendors require Unified Fire permitting and inspections per the International Fire Code.
The council directed staff to use existing enforcement tools — permit revocation, refusal of future permits for problematic properties and code enforcement referrals — where ongoing violations exist. The ordinance was adopted as presented during the meeting.
