Wabasha County considers highway parking ordinance to curb long‑term roadside parking and improve enforcement

Wabasha County Engineer Dietrich Flesch told the Board of Commissioners the county is considering a County Highway parking ordinance that would allow local enforcement of long‑term parking and unattended trailers within the highway right‑of‑way.

Flesch said the ordinance is intended to address infrequent but recurring problems such as long‑term vehicle and trailer parking and clogged culverts. “This would work to prevent that and then also provide an enforcement mechanism for those violations when they do occur,” Flesch said. He said the ordinance text would allow the board to exempt specific areas and to set locations for restricted parking by separate resolution.

Under the proposal, signage would be required in locations where parking is prohibited under state statute; for countywide rules aimed at snow removal or limiting the length of time a vehicle may be left in the right‑of‑way, signs would not be required, Flesch said. He said the ordinance would permit towing of vehicles or trailers left for prolonged periods and provide law enforcement clearer authority to act.

Board members asked about frequency of enforcement, costs and whether signs would be needed. Flesch acknowledged the ordinance probably would not be used often but said it would give “a better legal standing” for enforcement. The board discussed towing as an enforcement tool and noted neighboring Winona County has a similar ordinance.

Flesch recommended the county proceed to a public hearing. No formal vote on the ordinance was taken at the meeting; Flesch said, if the board wishes, he will begin the public‑hearing process.