Walla Walla Co. Sheriff says new parking ordinance may mean towing costs
By Griffin Beach on Monday, August 4th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Last week the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance that banned parking on certain roads in the county. This was in response to homeless “encampments” that had sprung up along roads, namely Rooks Park Road. The new ordinance allows the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Department (WWCSD) to fine violators $20 for the first infraction and $50 for the second, and to impound a vehicle in violation at the sheriff’s discretion.
WWCSD came to the board this week to discuss enforcement of the ordinance when it comes to the removal of vehicles, specifically trailers and motorhomes. Previously there was a grant through the Washington Department of Licensing that reimbursed towing companies for the costs for removal of motorhomes and trailers, but that has since been discontinued. WWCSD says towing companies have stated that they are unable to sell these types of vehicles due to their construction and that they are expensive to dispose of legally, and that these companies have refused to tow the vehicles and incur a loss.
WWCSD Chief Deputy Richard Schram told the board that after initial contact with violators of the ordinance, the county will need to discuss paying towing companies to remove their vehicles.
“I was up at Rooks Park this morning, there are five motorhomes and two cars that are there presently,” he said. “Based on having several interactions with these individuals, I think two of them (Motorhomes) will at least leave voluntarily as will one of the vehicles (Cars). That still leaves us with one or two motorhomes and a car up there.”
He did mention one vehicle had left voluntarily but was now parked up on Prentiss Road, he said WWCSD is working to contact that individual again.
“I don’t have the budget to remove them. I know that you probably don’t have the budget to remove them either, but I did want to start the conversation to let you know this may be a problem,” said Schram.
Commissioner Todd Kimball expressed concern about the cost of towing being paid for by the county and not WWCSD.
“It puts us (Commissioners) in the realm of supervising enforcement, and I don’t want to be in that position,” said Kimball who suggested WWCSD request budget amendments to cover the costs
Commissioner Bertha Clayton agreed with Kimball’s suggestion that WWCSD request budget amendments. She also asked if WWCSD could assist someone by moving their vehicle if they couldn’t get it to run.
“We assume the liability if we hook up to that vehicle,” said Schram.
The city of Walla Walla pays to have nuisance motorhomes and trailers removed when the situation reaches that point, and has chosen a company that charges $50 plus tax per foot of the length of the vehicle being towed. Schram mentioned that fee does cover towing, storage, and potential disposal of the vehicle.
Schram also clarified that WWCSD is still waiting on the ability to write and issue tickets for infractions, since it must be entered into the state’s ticketing system before they can be issued.
The commissioners voted unanimously to provide direction on funding for WWCSD for removal of vehicles in relation to the parking ordinance.
Photo courtesy of Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office
