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Council hears rewrite of golf‑cart and low‑speed‑vehicle rules; debate centers on off‑road vehicle exceptions and grandfathering
Summary
Councilman Josh Schafer introduced a rewrite of Chapter 70 that clarifies definitions and permitted crossings for golf carts, low‑speed vehicles and off‑road vehicles, while preserving the Board of Public Works and Safety’s authority to permit limited ORV use for special events.
Councilman Josh Schafer introduced Ordinance 2025‑5, a comprehensive rewrite of the city’s chapter on golf carts and related vehicles (Chapter 70.04). Schafer said the update primarily adds definitions and clarifications — for example, distinguishing golf carts, low‑speed vehicles (LSVs, defined under federal/state rules as vehicles capable of 20–25 mph), and off‑road vehicles (ORVs) — and enumerates safe crossing locations and permitted streets.
The ordinance explicitly preserves the Board of Public Works and Safety’s authority to authorize limited ORV use for special events (for example, a single‑day exemption for a golf‑cart/UTV poker run). Schafer and staff emphasized there is no general expansion of ORV street access; ORV use on city streets would require BPW approval.
Councilmembers raised several policy questions: some urged grandfathering existing LSV owners for the remaining duration of their BMV registration; others opposed any expanded allowance for ORVs on city streets, citing safety and enforcement concerns. Police and public‑safety officers were present in the meeting and council acknowledged the need for clear enforcement language to avoid confusion by rental customers and visitors.
Several members of the public spoke. Owners of LSVs said they paid state fees and registration and expect to be able to use legal crossings without extra barriers; Debbie Anderson and Lisa Ferguson described their vehicles as fully equipped and registered with VINs, and asked for clear, consistent rules. Event organizers described the annual golf‑cart/UTV poker run, which has had Board of Public Works approvals in prior years and, they said, operates under police oversight.
Staff and councilmembers discussed that LSVs are required by state law to be registered and licensed if they exceed 20 mph, and that rental operators already provide customers with maps and written ordinances. Council members asked staff to consider reorganizing the draft so that the ORV‑exception paragraph appears earlier in the ordinance text to reduce public confusion.
The ordinance was introduced for first reading and will return for further consideration; no final action was taken at the meeting.
