Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts ordinance banning heavy-truck engine-retarding brakes in specified residential areas
Summary
Yavapai County supervisors voted unanimously to replace advisory Jake-brake signage with enforceable prohibitions and a $250 fine in designated populated areas after resident complaints and sheriff's office review.
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors on June 3 adopted an ordinance that will prohibit the use of engine-retarding ("Jake") brake systems in specified populated residential areas in unincorporated Yavapai County.
Deputy County Manager and board counsel Martin Brennan introduced the hearing item, telling supervisors the ordinance would convert existing advisory yellow-and-black signage into enforceable black-and-white signs referencing the ordinance and would establish a $250 fine for violations. Brennan said the Sheriff's Office had reviewed the proposal and expressed support.
Multiple supervisors and residents urged adoption. Supervisor Jenkins said she receives frequent complaints in her district (noting Cornville and other areas) and welcomed a new enforcement tool. Supervisor Kukneil described long-running complaints on Williamson Valley Road and said targeted prohibitions would allow public-works and sheriff's office staff to identify and add problem segments to the list.
Resident Larry Jacobs, who represents families along part of Williamson Valley Road, told the board advisory signs had not stopped noise and asked for publicity and periodic enforcement. "We're tired of the noise, we want our yards back," Jacobs said, describing frequent early-morning brake use on a downhill stretch.
After hearing testimony and public comment the board voted 4-0 to adopt the ordinance, with staff to replace advisory signage with regulatory signs and coordinate enforcement with the Sheriff's Office.
