Cheyenne City Council Approves Oversize Vehicle Ban With Changes

The Cheyenne City Council on Monday night voted to approve a ban on oversize vehicles on city streets, albeit with some changes from the original version.

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The ordinance generated vehemently negative comments from the public during the approval process, with a large majority of people commenting opposing it. But council members said they think a majority of the public supports the ban, even if that wasn't reflected by those commenting at council meetings.

Similar bans have long been a contentious issue on the Cheyenne City Council, dating at least back to the administration of Mayor Leo Pando in the 1990s.

Final Version Approved By Council Different Than Original

The version passed by the council is somewhat less restrictive than the original version in that it now includes a three-month break during the summer months. The ban will not be enforced between five days prior to Memorial Day until five days after Labor Day. That change was made in part to allow for a break during Cheyenne Frontier Days for visitors who may bring large recreational vehicles to town. It also gives local residents some leeway for parking their recreation vehicles on the street during the summer months, when the vehicles are more likely to be used.

There was some opposition to the three month hiatus on the grounds that it defeats the purpose of the law. Ward III Councilwoman Michelle Aldrich, who co-sponsored the ordinance, and Ward I Council Pete Laybourne both expressed concerns about the proposal on those grounds.

Vehicle owners will also be able to apply for a five-day temporary license during the months when the ban is in effect, to be approved at the discretion of the Cheyenne Police Department

The ban will not take effect in 2025 until September to allow time to educate the public on the new law.

Under the final version of the ordinance approved by the council, the definition of oversized vehicle is 25 feet in length, 8.5 feet wide or nine feet tall. Pop-outs are not allowed for more than 8 hours.

The law will be enforced by the Cheyenne Police Department. Offenses will be treated as a parking violation, and repeated offenses could lead to the vehicle being towed.

Pete Laybourne and Brian Cook voted against the proposal.