Scottsburg council approves first reading of ordinance limiting semi-truck routing

The Scottsburg Common Council on April 27 gave first reading to Ordinance 2026-2, a draft ordinance aimed at regulating the operation, parking and routing of semi‑trucks and commercial vehicles within city limits.

Council members said the ordinance is intended to provide an enforcement tool after repeated reports that large vehicles and trailers cut corners and drive over residential yards. The ordinance was presented as a locally tailored regulation drawing on state statute language, according to discussion during the meeting.

Several members raised a specific problem at the corner of a resident identified as Miss Peacock, saying vehicles and trailers regularly cut the corner and cause yard damage. Tim Hall suggested moving two large rocks currently located near the rodeo lot to the corner as a temporary physical barrier; others proposed engineering changes to widen the turn radius. Council members acknowledged that many incidents involve trailers rather than full semis.

"If those are there and she's good with it, it's not going to tear up a yard like they do when they get through there," one council member said when discussing moving stones to the corner. Council also noted that the ordinance would allow officers to ticket drivers when property damage is reported and a license plate can be obtained.

The ordinance was moved, seconded and passed on first reading by voice vote. Council indicated engineering and property-owner outreach may be necessary before further action; no final design or permanent mitigation was approved at this meeting.

The council asked staff to notify ordinance author Josh (who drafted the language) that the measure passed first reading and to continue evaluating practical, engineering-based solutions for the problematic corner.