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Council adopts ordinance regulating off‑road vehicles on city streets, limits use in parks and sets quiet hours
Summary
The council moved to adopt an ordinance allowing off‑road vehicles on city streets while prohibiting them on sidewalks and most city parks (with specified paved-area exceptions), and establishing a nighttime prohibition window. Council noted the measure can be revised if noise or other issues arise.
The Decorah City Council adopted an ordinance that regulates off-road vehicles (ORVs) on city streets and in city parks. The ordinance permits ORVs on city streets, prohibits their use on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, and generally prohibits ORV use in parks while allowing operation on paved park areas where motor vehicles are permitted (for example, paved portions of Palisades and the campground). The ordinance also includes a prohibition window for ORV operation between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and authorizes the council to add additional prohibited areas by resolution with required signage.
Staff said they received some off-the-cuff emails raising noise concerns, particularly around Phelps Park, and councilmembers discussed the possibility of revisiting the ordinance if localized problems develop. One councilmember emphasized the ordinance is not permanent and can be modified if use patterns create issues.
Council voted to waive the third reading and adopt the ordinance; staff noted state publication requirements mean the ordinance becomes effective after required notice in the newspaper.
