Bluff staff to take joint review of 'Jake brake' and truck idling ordinances after Planning & Zoning request

Bluff Town Council discussed March 11 a Planning & Zoning (PNZ) request to consider two narrow public-right-of-way regulations: (1) limits on idling by vehicles transporting radioactive material, and (2) a local restriction on compression-release engine braking (so-called “Jake brakes”) on state highway segments that pass through Bluff.

PNZ’s referral seeks town-council action to address recurring public complaints about trucks idling along the highway and to add language that would permit enforcement by deputies and through UDOT signage. Council members and staff agreed the items should be part of a joint meeting with PNZ to clarify scope, enforcement authority and signage logistics.

Why it matters: Residents near the highway have repeatedly complained about noise and prolonged idling. PNZ framed the request as a nuisance/public-safety matter that often returns to the council for ordinance action rather than being addressed solely by planning staff.

Key points from the discussion

- Narrow vs. broad approach: Council members debated whether an ordinance should target only trucks transporting uranium or radioactive cargo, as PNZ originally proposed, or regulate idling and noise more broadly for all trucks. Multiple members said a general idling/time limit would address recurring complaints about refrigerated trucks and other commercial vehicles that idle near residences.

- Enforcement and jurisdiction: Staff raised the practicality of enforcement on the state highway and cited UDOT policy O6C-24 on engine brake restriction signing. Councilors said deputies would be the likely enforcers and requested staff open a dialogue with the sheriff’s office (Deputy Alan Freestone was suggested) to confirm enforcement willingness and procedures before pursuing a local ordinance.

- Jake brake language and signage: PNZ previously drafted language prohibiting dynamic braking devices except to avoid imminent danger and included a reference encouraging coordination with UDOT for signage. Council members agreed the short, enforceable Jake-brake provision could be advanced even if the broader noise ordinance requires more extensive enforcement planning.

Council direction and timeline

No formal vote was taken. Staff will: (1) add idling-by-trucks and the Jake-brake restriction to the proposed joint agenda with Planning & Zoning; (2) reach out to the sheriff’s office (Deputy Freestone) to discuss enforceability; and (3) coordinate with UDOT on signage requirements if the council pursues Jake-brake restrictions on the state highway.

Context and enforcement notes

- PNZ has circulated a draft noise ordinance that contains a Jake-brake provision and broader noise controls, but councilors noted some nuisance items (for example, barking dogs) may not rise to deputy response and require different remedies. - Staff said any highway signage will require UDOT permission; UDOT policy O6C-24 was cited for engine-brake restrictions and signage guidance.

Clarifying details from the meeting

- PNZ referral: Planning & Zoning asked the council to consider both a Jake-brake prohibition and limits on idling of vehicles transporting radioactive materials; staff recommended discussing a broader idling limit for all trucks as it addresses more frequent community complaints. - Enforcement channel: Council asked staff to speak with deputy Alan Freestone and the sheriff’s office to determine whether deputies will enforce the proposed ordinances and how to triage calls for noise or idling on the highway. - Signage process: UDOT requires coordination/approval to install highway signs restricting engine braking; staff reported guidance on the UDOT process and suggested the town would need to work with UDOT if it adopts a Jake-brake restriction.

What happens next

Council asked staff to include the idling/Jake-brake items in the joint work session with PNZ (target date discussed for a March 20 joint meeting) and to provide sample language and enforcement options for council consideration. If the council pursues a Jake-brake restriction affecting the state highway, staff will initiate coordination with UDOT on signage and enforcement protocols.