At the Monday night meeting of the Sheridan City Council, members approved a resolution that permits diagonal parking on a parcel owned by developer Landmark 228 LLC. The parking layout will be installed on the west side of North Connor Street, just east of the downtown core.
Design meets city standards
City Engineer Thomas Morneau explained that the proposed diagonal parking configuration complies with Sheridan’s public infrastructure design standards and municipal code. “The five‑hanged parking spaces meet our design criteria and are safe for the traveling public,” Morneau said.
To demonstrate how the spaces will function, the engineer used a pickup truck rather than a smaller sedan. The larger vehicle better illustrates the clearance needed for a vehicle to pull into the angled spot without encroaching on the travel lane. “We want to make sure these parking spaces are truly out of the driving lanes, especially on Connor Street,” Morneau added. “When vehicles pull into these spaces, they will not have a tail hanging out and potentially blocking traffic.”
Benefits for downtown and drivers
Proponents of the plan argue that diagonal parking can increase the number of usable spaces while maintaining smooth traffic flow. By angling the spots, drivers can enter and exit more efficiently, reducing the time spent maneuvering in tight quarters. The design also provides clearer sight lines for both drivers and pedestrians, which is a key safety consideration in a busy downtown corridor.
Local business owners expressed optimism that the additional parking will make it easier for shoppers and visitors to access downtown retailers and restaurants. “More convenient parking means more foot traffic for our shops,” said one downtown merchant who asked to remain anonymous.
Council vote and next steps
The resolution passed with a majority vote after a brief public comment period. Council members noted that the developer had worked closely with city staff to ensure the plan adhered to all relevant regulations.
Following council approval, Landmark 228 LLC will move forward with final engineering drawings and obtain any remaining permits required for construction. The city expects the diagonal parking to be installed as part of the broader site development, which includes mixed‑use residential and commercial space.
Community response
While the majority of attendees supported the proposal, a few residents raised concerns about potential impacts on traffic speed and pedestrian safety. The council addressed these concerns by highlighting the engineer’s traffic analysis and the use of larger vehicles in the design review to confirm adequate clearance.
Overall, the council’s decision reflects Sheridan’s ongoing effort to balance growth with safe, functional streetscapes that serve both drivers and pedestrians.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
