Committee approves ordinance allowing business-operated golf carts on Cleveland streets

Oct. 13, 2025 — The Cleveland City Council Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee approved Ordinance 12-15-2025, as amended, authorizing operation of ‘‘under-speed vehicles’’ (commonly referred to in the hearing as golf carts) on city streets when operated by a business that registers and inspects the vehicles and lists authorized drivers.

The ordinance implements requirements in the Ohio Revised Code, authorizing locally required steps — including titling and registration with the state and safety equipment such as headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and seat belts — and gives the director of public safety authority to adopt rules and to limit or restrict service areas and locations if safety issues arise. Committee members voted to approve the amended ordinance; Councilman Kevin Bishop asked that his vote be recorded as no.

City planning staff told the committee the measure is intended to support small businesses and to provide short-distance mobility options…