Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Vehicle Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sheriff seeks ordinance for side-by-side/UTV use; board schedules public hearing
Summary
Sheriff Swedberg presented a proposed county ordinance to regulate special use vehicles (UTVs, side-by-sides, golf carts) under Minnesota Statute 169.045; the board scheduled a public hearing for June 24 at 9:30 a.m. for further input.
Sheriff Swedberg asked the Houston County Board of Commissioners to adopt a county ordinance to regulate special use vehicles — including side-by-sides, utility terrain vehicles and golf carts — and to schedule a public hearing so residents can comment.
“State law does allow counties and cities to make ordinances themselves to regulate special use vehicles,” Sheriff Swedberg said, citing Minnesota Statute 169.045. He said side-by-side use is growing in the area and that a local ordinance would clarify ambiguities in state statute and create a permitting process.
Swedberg explained the proposal envisions county-issued permits, handled by the sheriff’s office, and noted the statute limits permit duration to a maximum of three years. He said the county could set the permit fee at the board’s discretion; examples cited during discussion included a local city that charges $25 per sticker and other counties that charge nominal fees.
Board members stressed the need for public education and outreach ahead of formal adoption, and raised enforcement and coordination questions for cities and town governments. Commissioners discussed exemptions for agricultural (AG) permits and said an AG-exempt permit would supersede the county permit if the vehicle is being used for farm operations.
The board discussed scheduling a public hearing; after confirming availability, the commissioners set the public hearing for Tuesday, June 24 at 9:30 a.m. for formal public comment and possible future action. Staff confirmed the sheriff’s office will post the notice and accept questions prior to the hearing.
Discussion versus decision: the board did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting; it set a public hearing date for additional public input and possible subsequent action. Commissioners emphasized the need for outreach explaining classifications (golf carts vs. UTVs), age and licensing restrictions, and coordination with cities that have their own regulations.
Authorities: the sheriff and staff cited Minnesota Statute 169.045 as the statutory authority enabling counties to enact local regulation of special use vehicles.
Next steps: the sheriff’s office will publish the hearing notice on the county website and at the auditor’s office and receive questions in advance; after the hearing the board may vote to adopt an ordinance and set a permit fee schedule.
