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Council amends municipal code to clarify motorized wheeled vehicles prohibited on Hueneme Pier
Summary
After a public hearing and one public comment, the council introduced an ordinance and unanimously approved clarifying what wheeled vehicle activity is prohibited on the Hueneme Pier, specifically adding language to ban motorized bikes while allowing strollers, coolers and non‑motorized bicycles.
The Port Hueneme City Council opened and closed a public hearing and voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance amending municipal code language to clarify prohibited wheeled‑vehicle activity on the Hueneme Pier.
Lede
The ordinance, introduced by title and set for later adoption, clarifies that motorized vehicles — including motorized bicycles — are prohibited on the pier while commonly used items such as strollers, coolers and non‑motorized bicycles would remain allowed.
Nut graf
Staff said the change responds to council direction from a May 5 meeting to reduce safety risks created by electric bikes and other high‑speed, motorized wheeled devices on the pier. New signage including explicit “no electric bikes” language had been installed at the pier entrance before the hearing.
What happened at the hearing
- Staff presentation: City staff explained the proposed amendment to section 43 0 1 of chapter 4, article 4 of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code and noted the project was found categorically exempt from CEQA.
- Public comment: One speaker, Greg Ross, supported the change and urged the city to be proactive, calling motorized bikes “a menace” on the promenade and pier and urging the city to restrict more than just strollers. Ross also offered to help with truck counts referenced elsewhere in the meeting.
- Council discussion and vote: Council members spoke in support of the clarification for the pier, noting recent incidents and the speed at which many electric devices travel. Several members emphasized that the current action applies only to the pier and does not immediately change rules for the promenade or other walkways. The council introduced the ordinance and voted unanimously to proceed with the ordinance language and related findings.
Why the change
Council members cited public safety concerns for pedestrians and pet owners, and staff noted the previous code term “wheeled vehicle” was overly broad and could unintentionally ban strollers or coolers. The amendment narrows the prohibition to motorized wheeled vehicles while explicitly retaining permission for nonmotorized or commonly used items.
Next steps
Staff will return with the final ordinance adoption (second reading) and ensure signage and public outreach accompany the code change.
