Commission asks staff to draft powersports definition after applicant seeks ATV/motorcycle sales use

The Red Oak Planning and Zoning Commission on April 7 discussed whether to classify new motorcycle and powersports sales as a listed use in the city's zoning ordinance and directed city staff to draft a definition for council consideration.

The item was prompted by an application from a business owner who said he intends to move a motorcycle/ATV retail location to property he owns on I‑35. "We do not sell watercraft at this time… it’ll all be on road and off road, ATV, motorcycles," said Chase Ford, who identified himself as the applicant and said he currently operates Cycle Town South locations. Ford said slingshots and certain three‑wheel vehicles are classified as motorcycles by the state and that the proposed Red Oak location would include sales, parts and service.

Staff noted current ordinance language defines "motorcycle" narrowly as two‑wheeled vehicles, which would not clearly cover ATVs, side‑by‑sides or other three‑ or four‑wheel recreational off‑highway vehicles. "If we want to make a specific definition of powersports… then you could cover… those slingshots, the 3 wheeled ATVs, the 4 wheeled ATVs, the side by sides," Ben Hartman, director of development services, told the commission. Hartman recommended a more definitive ordinance entry rather than a loose administrative interpretation so future applicants and staff have clear standards for parking, display and screening.

Commissioners discussed options including expanding the motorcycle definition to include three‑wheeled vehicles and adding a separate powersports definition listing ATVs, UTVs and similar off‑road recreational vehicles. A staff representative said the applicant submitted a proposed definition in the meeting packet. Commissioners generally agreed to direct staff to craft ordinance language and forward a recommendation to the city council: "Propose updating motorcycles to include 3 wheel versions and then add powersports… 3 and 4 wheel ATV, UTV, off road vehicles," a commissioner said during the discussion.

Why it matters: The committee's direction will determine whether future retail dealers of off‑road vehicles, side‑by‑sides and similar recreational vehicles are treated as "motorcycle sales" under current zoning, which in some zones requires a special use permit (SUP), or whether a new, explicit use category will be added with its own standards for parking, outdoor display and service.

Next steps: Staff will prepare a draft definition and related ordinance language that enumerates the vehicle types covered (for example, motorcycles, three‑wheeled motorcycles/trikes, ATVs, UTVs) and propose parking/display standards for council review. The commission's recommendation to council was procedural; no final ordinance change occurred at the meeting.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to return proposed text to the council for direction; any final change to the city's zoning ordinance would be subject to the council's formal review and vote.