Resident says proposed trailer permit would burden contractors

Bruce Miller, a resident at 112 West Dodge Street, told the Glendive Ordinance Committee on March 23 that he opposes a proposed trailer-permit provision because it would be “a pain” for contractors who frequently move trailers between jobs. "I'm kind of against it because it would be a pain," Miller said during public comment.

The committee chair (name not given) described the proposal's intent as a way to identify trailers that remain in place for more than five days as active construction trailers. "So that when the trailer's been there past the 5 days, then it has the permit on it so that people know that that trailer is at an active construction site," the chair said, adding this would distinguish construction trailers from recreational or privately stored trailers and relate to an existing winter parking ordinance.

Miller and committee members raised practical concerns: contractors said moving from job to job would make repeated permit applications burdensome, and several speakers argued that recreational trailers or utility trailers could be unfairly singled out if only construction trailers were required to carry permits. Committee members and the public also questioned enforcement: witnesses noted they had seen trailers moved only a few feet to appear compliant.

The chair acknowledged the concerns and said the committee would record public comment and bring the ordinance back for further consideration before any vote. The committee adjourned without taking a formal vote on the trailer-permit proposal.