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Council approves first reading to allow golf carts on three streets in Hyperion subdivision
Summary
Council gave first consideration to Ordinance 1140 to permit golf carts on Venlo Court, Sandy Court and 1900 Duck Drive in the Carmel Hyperion plat under a limited framework tied to state law and developer covenants; the police chief supported the limited scope but emphasized enforcement and education.
The Johnston City Council approved first consideration of Ordinance No. 1140, which would add a new chapter to the city code allowing limited operation of golf carts on three named streets within the Carmel Hyperion subdivision.
Police Chief McDaniel told the council the ordinance follows Iowa Code 321.247 and is narrowly tailored to the subdivision. Under the proposed local code language, golf carts would be permitted only on Venlo Court, Sandy Court and 1900 Duck Drive within the Carmel Hyperion plat and would be subject to the state restrictions that limit operation to sunrise–sunset and require equipment such as a slow-moving-vehicle emblem and a bicycle safety flag. The ordinance also requires proof of financial responsibility (insurance) through covenants the developer and club will maintain and establishes a minimum operator age of 16 with a valid driver’s license.
Chief McDaniel said the presence of an underpass on Beaver Drive that connects the neighborhood directly to the club was a key public-safety factor supporting the limited allowance; he repeatedly emphasized that education would be the department’s first tool and that citations and other enforcement steps would follow if behavior endangered public safety. Council members asked whether operators could legally “cross” Beaver Drive and how the city and the developer could respond if drivers repeatedly violated the restrictions. The chief said state code allows crossing a roadway on the most direct route but that the city and developer have agreed to education and to potential sanctions by the club for repeated unsafe behavior.
The ordinance language also prohibits modified carts that fall outside the uniform equipment covenants the club will enforce and requires seating to match the cart’s design (no riding on exteriors). Council members asked whether the permitted streets meet public-street width standards; staff replied they are public streets and meet required widths, with 1900 Drive reported at about 29–31 feet in places.
Council approved first consideration of Ordinance 1140 by roll call. The measure will return for a second reading before final adoption.
