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Supervisors allow Lake Holiday HOA to authorize golf‑cart use on its designated roads
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance amendment enabling the Lake Holiday community to permit golf carts on private roads that were previously designated as public highways for law‑enforcement purposes. Approval gives the HOA authority to adopt safety and registration rules locally; the county ordinance sets baseline safety requirements.
The Frederick County Board of Supervisors on June 11 approved an amendment to county code that allows the Lake Holiday community to operate golf carts on private roads previously designated as public highways for traffic enforcement.
What changed: Lake Holiday requested permission after its roads were designated for law enforcement in 1993. Under the new county ordinance language, a community whose private streets have been designated for traffic enforcement may, if it chooses, authorize golf carts subject to county minimum standards and to any additional HOA rules.
Ordinance safeguards and HOA role: The county ordinance sets baseline rules: operators must hold a valid driver’s license, vehicles must display a slow‑moving vehicle emblem, be insured, and be equipped with lights to operate at night where required. The HOA may adopt stricter rules, require registration with the HOA, mandate safety inspections and require liability waivers and insurance. County staff said the HOA’s own governance procedures determine how the community decides whether to implement the authorization.
Public comment: Lake Holiday residents who supported the change said it would improve mobility and provide an affordable option for seniors and residents with limited mobility; supporters also emphasized seat‑belt and other safety requirements in the HOA proposal. Opponents and a few other residents raised concerns about narrow roads, steep driveways and potential speed differentials; speakers asked for careful local rule‑making and enforcement.
Board action: After a public hearing, the board voted to approve the ordinance amendment. If the Lake Holiday HOA chooses to move forward, the HOA must adopt rules consistent with the county ordinance and may add stricter safety or registration requirements.
Next steps: The change grants the community the authority to authorize golf carts but does not force any HOA decision. If Lake Holiday’s governing board votes to allow golf carts, the HOA and security staff will be responsible for local enforcement and registration rules. County staff said the ordinance imposes no county cost and that the HOA could rescind authorization in the future if it chooses.
