Painesville council adopts emergency ordinance banning ATVs, off‑highway vehicles on city streets and property

Painesville City Council voted on May 19 to adopt an emergency ordinance amending Section 346.03(a) of the Painesville Code of 1998 to make it unlawful to operate snowmobiles, off‑highway motorcycles and all‑purpose vehicles on city streets and on property owned or leased by the city.

The ordinance was introduced, discussed and adopted under emergency procedures so the prohibition could take effect immediately. Council members recorded their votes in favor at the meeting, and the ordinance now carries the city’s misdemeanor penalty and enforcement tools identified by staff.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said recurring complaints from neighborhoods — particularly Heisely Park and segments of West Jackson Street — prompted the change and the push for quick passage. Residents and council voiced safety concerns about riders using streets, parklands and other publicly owned parcels.

What the ordinance…