Resident complaint prompts Wallowa County to review code enforcement and ordinance language on motorhome camping

A Burbank resident’s public comment at the Wallowa County Board of Commissioners meeting Dec. 23 prompted a multi-agency response about motorhomes and camping along county roads.

Gary Stratton of Burbank told the commissioners he repeatedly sees motorhomes parked near the bridge entrance to the community, associated garbage, and vehicles left with tow straps attached (SEG 053–066). He urged the county to take stronger action and suggested holding landowners responsible for cleanup costs where vehicles are parked on private property.

County staff and Sheriff’s Office representatives said the problems are widespread and that current law limits immediate removal. Chief Schramm explained the sticker-and-wait process used to remove vehicles (a sticker, 24-hour wait and then tow if unsafe) and described practical obstacles: many tow companies will not accept older recreational vehicles because environmental rules now require draining fluids, which raises disposal costs and complicates impoundment. Staff also said the county has a backlog of more than 60 open code enforcement cases in the area and that voluntary correction agreements have been used to secure compliance.

Sheriff’s Office speakers and commissioners discussed reviewing antiquated county ordinances and adding county-specific offenses to the new statewide ticket-management software that will replace the older 'sector' system; doing so would make it easier for deputies to issue digital tickets for offenses tailored to local conditions. Commissioners asked staff to review ordinances countywide and explore model language other counties use.

No formal action was taken at the meeting other than the direction to review ordinances and continue enforcement within the limits of state law and available resources.