Residents raise safety concerns about vehicles parked in easements near rodeo grounds

At a Bryce Canyon City Council meeting, a resident identified as Speaker 3 urged the council to clarify ordinances and enforcement around city easements after reporting multiple vehicles parked close to pavement near the rodeo grounds that, they said, block sightlines and impede stop-sign enforcement. “There’s about 6 cars parked there, right almost up right to the pavement,” Speaker 3 said, adding that some vehicles appear to be unregistered and worked on in the easement.

Speaker 3 asked the council to coordinate with the Garfield County sheriff’s office to post notices for vehicles that remain after a year and to give residents 90 days to register vehicles with Utah plates so insurance coverage can be checked without traffic stops. Speaker 2 and others agreed to look into ordinance language that would make enforcement clearer and to provide the request list to the sheriff.

Council members also discussed speeding on narrow neighborhood streets when seasonal conditions change. Speaker 3 said they have stopped vehicles doing 30–35 mph near the rodeo grounds and noted the city removed speed bumps in some locations, which councilors agreed has worsened speeding in places.

Council staff recorded the concern and said they would review existing easement and parking ordinances, gather relevant ordinance text for council review, and follow up with county law enforcement about notice and enforcement options. No formal ordinance change was adopted during the meeting; staff recommended returning with draft language for council consideration.

The council continued to other agenda items, leaving enforcement options and specific ordinance language for later review and possible action.