Council approves ordinance allowing limited temporary commercial uses on vacant residential lots; 60-day permits, major-road access required

Riverton's City Council voted to adopt an ordinance allowing limited temporary commercial uses on vacant, undeveloped residential parcels that have direct access to major arterials. The measure passed after a public hearing in which nearby residents raised concerns about traffic, safety and long-term impacts.

What council approved

The ordinance allows temporary commercial activities such as seasonal sales, fireworks stands, landscaping/tree lots and similar short-term uses on qualifying vacant residential lots. Staff clarified the finished ordinance does not require a conditional-use permit; instead, each use must obtain a temporary commercial permit from city planning staff. Under the ordinance a permit is valid for a single 60-day period, and each future use requires a new permit.

Key restrictions and conditions

- Access: permitted uses must access the site from a designated major roadway (the code defines major arterials); side-street access…