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Advisory board recommends updated Riverfront Trail rules, removal of shelter-availability exception
Summary
The PRAB recommended that city council adopt updated Riverfront Trail rules that remove an outdated shelter-availability exception to the camping ordinance, clarify which e-bikes and scooters are allowed, add signage and a careless-use enforcement standard, and strike a sunset clause.
The PRAB, a city advisory board, voted to forward updated rules for the Riverfront Trail to city council after staff and the interim city attorney said the trail-specific rules adopted in 2022 expired under a three-year sunset clause.
Interim city attorney Jeremiah Boyce told the board the earlier trail rules contained a three-year sunset and “as of right now, currently, there are no active enforceable rules along the Riverfront Trail.” He said staff prepared a resolution and signage for PRAB to review and recommend to council.
Why it matters: The draft would reconcile trail rules with existing park rules, remove a provision that made the camping ordinance unenforceable when no overnight shelter was available, and add clearer language about permitted and prohibited vehicles. Jeremiah said a change in federal case law in 2024 altered the prior legal landscape: “In 2024, the United States Supreme Court actually overturned that case,” he said, referring to the Ninth Circuit precedent that had required available shelter before enforcing camping restrictions.
Board members discussed specifics of the draft. Staff and members agreed to retain class 1 and class 2 e-bikes (described in the draft as pedal‑assist, limited to 20 mph) while prohibiting OHVs, class 3 e-bikes and toy vehicles. The group debated whether signage that uses a "no motorized vehicles" pictogram is misleading when class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed; Jeremiah said the ordinance language and visuals can be clarified. Byron Wheatley summarized a new enforcement line added to the draft: “Careless or reckless use of any vehicle is prohibited and subject to ticket,” language the board discussed refining to reference charges or citations.
On enforcement, Jeremiah said violations would be handled through municipal court, which can impose fines, community service or, for certain offenses, driver‑license points. He noted a city employee, Sherry Price, works with people who come through court to connect them to recovery or support services.
Members suggested targeted solutions for high‑traffic sections — additional signage and caution notices at bridges and busy neighborhoods — rather than an immediate, citywide numeric speed limit. Several members supported a carelessness standard with officer discretion for dangerous behavior and the option to revisit the rules if complaint volumes increase.
After discussing edits (clarifying where "adjacent areas" apply, refining signage wording, adding the careless-use prohibition and striking the sunset provision so the rules would be permanent until amended), the board moved and seconded a recommendation that staff send the revised resolution and signage to city council with the suggested changes; the board supported forwarding the recommendation.
The board asked staff to provide the final packet to members and agreed to follow up as needed; staff will send the updated resolution and signage to the city council for consideration.
