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Bluff hearing considers ban on engine brakes to reduce noise; deputies said enforcement needs ordinance support

Bluff Town Council and Planning and Zoning · October 28, 2025

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Summary

A draft ordinance would make use of engine brakes within town limits unlawful to reduce noise and preserve the towns character; enforcement was discussed with Utah Highway Patrol and San Juan County Sheriff's Office, and public commenters suggested sign placement closer to population centers.

Town staff presented a short draft ordinance on Oct. 28 that would prohibit the use of engine brakes (commonly called "Jake brakes") within Bluff town limits, saying the measure is intended to reduce noise and support the small-town character described in the towns general plan.

Staff said the draft provides a definition and identifies enforcement by the Utah Highway Patrol or San Juan County Sheriff's Office; deputies consulted before the draft indicated they would prefer an ordinance to support signage and enforcement. Staff described business and resident complaints about engine-brake noise at both ends of town.

A public commenter supported addressing the issue but urged flexibility on sign placement, saying language in the ordinance that locates signs exactly at highway crossings of the town boundary may not place signs near the population center where truckers would see them. Commenters recommended allowing the mayor and town manager to determine sign locations that better alert drivers.

No online commenters were recorded for the item; staff sought feedback on logistics.