Riverton City has been investigating several complaints from residents regarding the number and type of vehicles parked on roads in their neighborhoods. Some complaints are directed toward code enforcement personnel when parked cars are believed to be linked to other issues, such as running a business from a residential home or other nuisance complaints.
Other reports are sent to the police department as traffic problems for investigation by traffic units.
The city stated that it will attempt to address situations by responding to areas and gathering facts before taking action. Chief Don Hutson noted that parking violators are afforded the same constitutional protections as anyone accused of a crime, meaning citations or impoundments cannot be issued based solely on an uncorroborated complaint.
Law enforcement must independently confirm illegal acts and ensure they have sound legal justification for issuing citations or impounding vehicles.
The most frequently violated parking ordinances in Riverton include:
Ordinance 10.10.010 (6) (a), which makes it an infraction to park or leave a motor vehicle on any public road, street, alley, or city property for 48 or more consecutive hours. Vehicles parked this way may be impounded or removed.
Ordinance 10.10.050 (1), which prohibits parking motor vehicles, travel trailers, horse trailers, utility trailers, or similar vehicles on any Riverton City street from November 1st until March 1st of the following year during a snowstorm or when snow has accumulated in travel lanes.
Violations of these ordinances occur daily, and the city will continue to investigate and enforce these laws when appropriate. Chief Hutson expressed hope that residents will be attentive to the disruptions caused by parking violations and voluntarily comply to increase safety and quality of life.
