Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Noise Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bluff considers engine‑brake ban to reduce truck noise; commenters urge flexible sign placement
Summary
A short draft ordinance would ban use of engine compression brakes within town limits to reduce noise; public commenters supported the goal and recommended language changes so sign placement can be adapted to where truckers would actually see them.
Bluff staff introduced a proposed ordinance on Oct. 28 that would make it unlawful to use engine compression brakes — commonly called "Jake brakes" — within town limits except in emergencies. The stated purpose is to reduce noise and related nuisance impacts and to align with the town’s general‑plan guidance on preserving Bluff’s small‑town character.
Staff said local deputies indicated they would be willing to assist with enforcement but lack an ordinance to support signage and enforcement authority. Josh Ewing, a resident who speaks frequently at local hearings, agreed the noise is audible in the center of town and urged that sign-placement language be more flexible: rather than specifying the precise town-boundary crossing points, he suggested allowing the mayor or town manager to choose locations nearer where truckers actually enter town.
The item was put forward for public comment and legal review; no formal enforcement plan or final vote was recorded at the hearing.
