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Bluff hearing on engine-brake ban draws support and questions about sign placement
Summary
Draft ordinance would prohibit use of engine brakes ("Jake brakes") in town limits except in emergencies to reduce noise and air impacts. Residents supported the ban but suggested the sign-placement language be broader so signage is sited where drivers will actually notice it when entering populated areas.
Town staff presented a draft ordinance that would make it unlawful to use engine brakes within town limits except in emergency situations. The stated purpose is to reduce noise and air pollution and preserve small-town character consistent with the town's general plan.
Staff said enforcement would rely on Utah Highway Patrol or the San Juan County Sheriff—s Office and that the ordinance would allow the town to request enforcement and to support signage where appropriate. One resident who spoke during public comment supported the proposal as addressing a problem heard in central Bluff and suggested revising the ordinance language about where signs are posted — recommending the town avoid overly specific boundary descriptions and instead allow placement where they effectively warn drivers as they enter populated areas.
"The jig breaking starts pretty quickly and continues almost to the center of the town," a resident said, and urged sign placement closer to population centers.
No enforcement action or adoption occurred at the hearing; staff invited written feedback and will consider edits to sign-placement language.
