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Lorenzo council tables proposal to restrict semis, tractors and RVs after residents push back
Summary
After extensive public comment from local farmers and residents, the Lorenzo City Council on April 14 tabled consideration of an ordinance that would restrict semis, farm tractors and recreational vehicles in residential areas, citing the need for clearer wording and more stakeholder input.
The Lorenzo City Council on April 14 tabled discussion of a proposed restriction on semis, farming tractors and recreational vehicles in residential areas after a sustained public outcry from farmers and other residents.
Mayor Lori Landin opened the item by saying semis had been parked on streets for months and that large equipment posed safety and infrastructure concerns. The mayor asked the council to consider rules limiting long-term street parking in residential areas but acknowledged the agenda wording was poorly phrased and that the council needed more information.
Residents who said they farm around Lorenzo urged caution. "This is a farming community," resident Dana Cunningham said during public comment, arguing that deliveries and school meal trucks rely on semis and that a blanket ban would harm livelihoods. Farmer John Schoepf told the council he uses city sewer-pond water for irrigation and said limiting equipment movement through town would force farmers to look elsewhere for services.
Several council members favored targeted enforcement over a broad ordinance. Council Member Cheryl Birdwell said officers should address vehicles that create a safety hazard: "If the parked vehicle is a danger, if it's obstructing the line of sight at a corner, have one of our deputies address it individually to the homeowner." Council Member Rhonda Cypert and others stressed that farmers and truck drivers are vital to Lorenzo's economy and that the council had not intended to exclude them.
After discussion about enforcement, sight-line rules (deputy Corey Nunley said 20 feet is the clearance from a stop sign), and the ordinance's wording, no motion was made and Mayor Landin tabled the item for further work so council and stakeholders could craft clearer language.
The council said next steps will include additional review, possible revisions to the ordinance language, and further community outreach before the council revisits the item.
