Riedell council pauses action on truck-parking ordinance, asks staff to study 2-hour limits on Wildwood Avenue
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Summary
Council members received a first reading of Ordinance No. 416-2025 to restrict commercial truck parking and create a permit scheme; after public comment about idling and neighborhood impacts the council continued the ordinance to Nov. 18 and directed staff to examine two-hour parking limits on three Wildwood Avenue blocks.
The Riedell City Council took first reading by title Nov. 4 of Ordinance No. 416-2025, a proposed change to the municipal code that would restrict commercial truck parking in specified locations and create a permit system for limited parking in residential areas.
City staff told the council the ordinance responds to recurring complaints about commercial vehicle parking, street and underground-infrastructure damage, traffic-safety hazards and neighborhood impacts such as truck idling. Key provisions in the draft ordinance include a definition of commercial trucks and trailers, a permitting system jointly administered by the chief of police and the city street superintendent to evaluate safety and infrastructure concerns, transferability for permits when a permitted vehicle is temporarily replaced, and a process for permit revocation and administrative appeal through the city manager.
Staff identified specific prohibitions, including a ban on commercial truck parking for more than two hours on Willow Avenue between US-101 and Eagle Prairie Bridge (with loading/unloading and active-work exceptions) and said certain local signs must be erected for enforcement. The proposed fine schedule in the draft ordinance is $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second and $250 for third or subsequent violations; staff said the council may adopt additional restrictions by resolution for particular streets.
A resident, John Snyder, commented about truck idling and fumes affecting park areas. Councilmembers discussed crafting clearer language about trailer-stay rules (including the county's 72-hour vehicle-stay standard), potential overnight restrictions, and the mechanics of permit transferability when an owner temporarily uses a different rig while the primary vehicle is in repair.
After discussion, the council moved, seconded and unanimously approved (4-0) a motion to continue the ordinance to the Nov. 18 meeting for a second public hearing and possible adoption. The council also directed staff to research a separate agenda item limiting parking to two hours at three Wildwood Avenue locations (in front of City Hall, Memorial Park and Blue Star Memorial Park) and return with recommended language and signage options.
