Visibility often is limited on many streets of Powell as RVs, campers, trailers and large vehicles are commonly found lining residential neighborhood streets.

City leaders are worried that drivers can’t see around them, street sweepers and snow plows can’t get to where they need to go, and children and pets can pop out without warning from behind them.

“This isn’t retribution; this is to help beautify and care for neighborhoods and make sure there are no abandoned vehicles,” said Public Works Director Gary Butts.

In an effort to limit this problem, the Powell City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 20 on its first reading July 6. This proposed ordinance would prohibit RVs, campers, large trailers and buses from parking along residential streets for extended periods of time between Labor Day (early September) through Memorial Day (late May).

“It is time we did something,” said Powell Mayor Don Hillman.

During the summer months from Memorial Day until Labor Day, residents within city limits may park their RVs and trailers next to their personal property. During the rest of the year, there will be a 48-hour limit.

“It can’t be parked there for years at a time,” Butts said, noting that it interferes with snow plows and street sweepers.

The ordinance also prohibits parking RVs, trailers and buses in front of other people’s property for more than 24 hours at any time during the year — unless written permission is granted.

Pop-out style campers are not allowed to open into the streets, under the ordinance.

In April, councilmen Jim Hillberry, John Wetzel and Tim Sapp and Butts were appointed to a committee to create a parking ordinance for trailers, buses and RVs. They wrote Ordinance No. 20 based on similar ordinances throughout the state, Butts said.

“We put into ink what the trailer owners wrote down for us,” Butts said.

The current ordinance is to park at least 40 feet from intersecting streets to keep sight distances open, but growing concerns about public safety spurred the committee’s formation to draft the ordinance.

Pedestrian safety was a major part of the discussion too, Wetzel said.

“You could go on and on about the towns in Wyoming that took care of this already — I was surprised we hadn’t addressed it already,” Wetzel said.

The ordinance also addresses water hoses and cords crossing sidewalks for more than two hours during a 24-hour period.

“They can hook up, but not for days,” Butts said.

Sleeping in campers parked on the street also is prohibited by the ordinance. However, sleeping in them is allowed when parked in backyards or driveways.

“I don’t know how that is going to work because it happens all the time,” Councilman Josh Shorb said. “There aren’t always enough beds (when guests visit).”

The ordinance still needs to pass second and third public readings before going into effect.