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Draft limits on commercial vehicle idling draws feedback on scope and penalty
Summary
A draft ordinance would prohibit commercial vehicle idling for more than two consecutive minutes in Bluff and proposes a $500 penalty; commenters recommended expanding coverage beyond commercial vehicles, increasing the time threshold, and focusing on education and signage.
Bluff staff presented a draft ordinance Oct. 28 that would make it unlawful for commercial vehicles to idle within town limits for more than two consecutive minutes, with exemptions for traffic congestion, emergency vehicles and maintenance or safety-related activity.
The draft names the Bluff mayor as an enforcement entity and proposes a $500 penalty. Staff asked for feedback on enforcement mechanisms and whether the ordinance should apply only to commercial vehicles.
Public commenters expressed concern that limiting the ordinance to commercial vehicles would exclude many noncommercial idling nuisances and suggested a longer threshold (for example, five minutes) to account for rural contexts where brief stops are common. Commenters framed the measure as largely an education and signage issue but said enforcement could be appropriate when idling interferes with restaurants or residences.
No formal enforcement procedures were decided at the hearing; staff sought written input before finalizing the ordinance language and enforcement approach.
