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County adopts unified ATV/UTV ordinance to consolidate scattered rules and encourage township adoption
Summary
Richland County adopted an omnibus ATV/UTV ordinance (22‑16) that consolidates existing county rules, incorporates state statutory requirements and encourages town and village boards to adopt the county language to create a uniform system of routes and rules.
Richland County supervisors adopted an omnibus ordinance regulating all‑terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) use on county‑designated routes and trails.
The new ordinance, numbered 22‑16, was presented as a consolidation of multiple, scattered county ordinances and state rules into a single county code. Highway Commissioner Josh Elder told the board the consolidated ordinance adopts relevant Wisconsin statutes by reference and creates a one‑stop document for users and local governments. Elder said the goal is to make the rules easy to find and consistent across the county so towns and villages can adopt the same language.
Provisions mentioned during discussion include an operator age requirement (16 to operate), a 35 mph posted speed reference, and hours of operation specified in the draft (4 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Elder said the ordinance also lists equipment and safety requirements and that law enforcement will enforce exhaust/noise and lighting requirements under state code.
Legal and intergovernmental notes
County counsel read a clause that the ordinance will supersede and replace all previous county ATV/UTV ordinances upon publication in the county newspaper of record. Elder and others emphasized the county will ask town boards and village trustees to adopt the ordinance “in its entirety” to ensure consistency on routes and safety. Several supervisors asked whether the county would assist townships in adopting the ordinance; Elder and county staff said they would share the text and make staff available to attend town meetings.
The board approved the ordinance by voice vote after a motion and second.
Speakers quoted below are identified in the transcript and listed under speakers.
