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Gulfport adopts golf‑cart and low‑speed vehicle ordinance with Ward 3 exclusion; multiple routine measures passed
Summary
The Gulfport City Council approved an ordinance clarifying low‑speed vehicle definitions and allowing certain low‑speed vehicles and golf carts on city streets, with an exclusion for Ward 3. The council also approved a series of planning, zoning and budget items and authorized several property conveyances in executive session.
The Gulfport City Council on Jan. 7 adopted an ordinance that revises definitions for low‑speed vehicles and allows those vehicles, including golf carts, on city streets under the city speed limit rules, while excluding the ordinance—0provision from Ward 3. The ordinance was adopted by voice vote and will take effect March 1.
City staff said the text corrects a technical definition to match state law — lowering the statutory top speed used in the definition to 24 miles per hour. City staff also prepared a legal description tied to the present Ward 3 boundary so that the ordinance would not conflict with imminent redistricting changes.
Explaining the technical change, a city staff member identified as Jeff said the ordinance corrects earlier language: “It said 25 miles an hour and the statute says 24 miles an hour. So and this ordinance corrects that.” The ordinance preserves existing prohibitions for ATVs and other off‑road vehicles; the council was told those vehicles are not permitted on city streets.
Council members and staff cautioned residents that state law under consideration in the upcoming legislative session may further change definitions or allowable streets for low‑speed vehicles. The council also said enforcement remains the responsibility of Gulfport police and noted the city does not have a dedicated enforcement unit for golf carts.
The council approved the ordinance after public discussion about neighborhood impacts and safety; supporters said it provides a legal framework for residents who already operate low‑speed vehicles, while opponents raised concerns about children operating vehicles on city streets.
Votes at a glance (select items recorded in the meeting): - Item 3, Final plat for a 25‑lot subdivision (The Grove), Ward 7: approved by voice vote. - Item 4, Recommendation related to architectural standards: remanded to the planning commission for further review. - Item 5, Rezone to RO (Residential Office) for 9298 Old Lorraine Road, Ward 5: approved by voice vote. - Item 6, Zoning change for Township Road to T4+: approved by voice vote. - Item 7, Ordinance on low‑speed vehicles and golf carts, with Ward 3 exclusion: approved by voice vote; ordinance effective March 1. - Items 9, 10, 10a, 20a (special election call, ES&S agreement, circuit clerk contract amendment related to Ward 5 special election): approved as recorded in separate item (see separate article). - Items 11–20: Approved as a block, with item 15 (professional services agreement with Amber Hinton) discussed at length during the meeting; council members asked that item 15 be pulled for separate consideration during the block vote process. - Items 21–30: Approved as a block, including creation of a proposed urban renewal district around Broad Avenue (Item 28), which the council moved to establish as a preliminary boundary for future consideration. - Budget amendments 33–35 and claims/document of claims: approved.
Executive‑session authorizations (after closed session): - Authorized sale/conveyance of 8,722 square feet adjacent to a Huntington Lane property to Ricky Mallett for $21,100 (stipulations discussed in closed session). - Authorized sale/conveyance of 31,999 square feet adjacent to Huntington Lane to Zachary Bolton for $59,100 (stipulations discussed in closed session). - Authorized release/vacation of an easement to Melinda Brady.
What the ordinance does and limits: the ordinance clarifies that low‑speed vehicles that cannot exceed 24 mph may operate on streets where the posted limit is 25 mph or lower; it specifically distinguishes low‑speed vehicles from ATVs and other off‑road vehicles, which remain prohibited on public streets. The council noted that any future changes to state law would supersede the local ordinance.
The council closed the meeting after approving routine agenda items and budget amendments and instructed staff to post copies of passed resolutions and ordinances on the city website.
No roll‑call vote counts for most items were read aloud in the record; the meeting transcript records voice votes, unanimous carries, and several items handled in bundled blocks.
