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Sandy council adopts updated conduct and exclusion rules, pauses new e-bike language for further review
Summary
The City Council approved Ordinance 2025-15 updating conduct and exclusion rules across city property, removing a subsection on electric bikes and scooters and asking staff to return with a narrower implementation plan by late July.
SANDY, Ore. — The Sandy City Council on Tuesday adopted comprehensive updates to the city's conduct and exclusion rules that broaden enforcement across parks, transit, the library and other city facilities while delaying a final decision on where and how electric bicycles and scooters may be used.
City staff presented a consolidated ordinance (Ordinance 2025-15) that restructures park rules and clarifies who may issue exclusions for code violations. Tiana Jefferson, a city staff member who led the presentation, said the changes update rules last revised in 2016 and add clearer classifications for motorized devices.
The ordinance removes ambiguities about who can issue exclusions and adds definitions for ebike classes and other devices. Jefferson said, "This ordinance proposes amendments to the Sandy Municipal Code regarding conduct and exclusion rules, as well as updates to the park regulations," and that the revisions were developed with input from the Parks & Trails Advisory Board, police, transit and library staff.
Council discussion focused on a contentious subsection that listed where and when motorized devices such as class 1, 2 and 3 ebikes and electric scooters would be allowed. Councilors expressed differing priorities: some favored regulating by behavior (prohibiting unsafe or disruptive conduct regardless of device), while others preferred a categorical approach tied to vehicle type to simplify enforcement. Several members asked staff to align city policy with Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) where state rules already differentiate among ebike classes and scooter use.
After debate, council voted to adopt the ordinance as amended: city staff will strike paragraph (e) of section 12.12.050 (the detailed ebike/scooter allowances) from the ordinance and rely on the code's broader "designated areas" language while staff develops a specific, sign-posted plan for designated trails and park areas. Council asked staff to return with recommendations and a work session on ebikes and scooters by July 21 or August 4, 2025. Jenna, a staff member, told the council staff would present options and signage plans for designated areas.
Councilors also approved minor wording edits discussed in the meeting, including clarifying that pet owners must "remove and properly dispose of" animal waste.
The council completed both the first and second readings of the ordinance in the same meeting after the amendment. Under the final motion the city manager was authorized to implement signage and designations under the retained subsection that allows motorized devices in areas the city explicitly designates.
The ordinance is intended to standardize enforcement across city properties and give staff flexibility to respond to new device types while the council reviews any site-specific designations.
Looking ahead, councilors asked staff to prepare educational materials and a public outreach plan tied to the July work session so residents know where motorized assist devices will be allowed once the city finalizes the designations.
