Resident urges Riverton to revise noise code after enforcement against backyard dirt‑bike riding

Justice Goble, a Riverton resident, asked the council to review the city’s noise ordinance, specifically a proximity rule he cited as “800 foot of any dwelling” that he said could be read to bar operation of off‑road machinery, snowblowers and other equipment near residences. Goble said the provision has been used by a neighbor “to prevent them from riding,” and that he believes the code is being enforced only after complaints rather than consistently across the city.

Goble provided decibel measurements for two small dirt bikes and said both would meet a separate equipment standard in the code (he cited readings of about 67 dB and 54 dB at 10 feet for the two bikes at three‑quarter throttle) and that several neighbors had submitted letters supporting the riding. He proposed the council consider codes used by neighboring jurisdictions that prohibit off‑road vehicles in specific public areas (marshlands, parks) rather than a blanket 800‑foot proximity rule, saying that model is easier to enforce and limits unintended consequences for park maintenance and municipal snow removal.

Mayor and council members noted the city currently enforces noise complaints on a complaint basis and that code enforcement has three staff who also cover animal control. The mayor and staff advised Goble that because a neighbor has already complained, the city must follow the ordinance and investigate. Staff said they would place the item on a future work session agenda (scheduled Feb. 18 in the meeting), and that the council may consider code edits to clarify proximity limits, allowable equipment and enforcement approach.

Ending: The council directed staff to return with proposed language and options for clarifying the noise ordinance at a future work session; the mayor reiterated the city’s current practice is complaint‑driven enforcement until any ordinance change is adopted.