Hooper council directs draft ordinance to limit motorized vehicles on city property

The Hooper City Council voted Thursday to begin drafting an ordinance to define and restrict motorized vehicles on city-owned property, including parks, trails and detention basins.

The action followed a presentation by Lieutenant Slater of the Weber County Sheriff'0s Office, who told the council that existing signs reading "no motorized vehicles" had raised enforcement questions because of the growing variety of electric devices and motor-assisted bicycles in public use. "There is a state statute," Slater said, "but it'0is kind of a complex issue." He and staff asked the council for legal direction to clarify what the city wants enforced.

Why it matters: Residents and staff reported property damage and safety concerns where children have built jump hills and where motorcycles and ATVs were used near homes and retention ponds. Council members and staff said the city needs more precise language so deputies and city staff can enforce rules without treating law-abiding e-bike riders the same as off-road motorcycles.

Council members cited incidents of damage to detention basins, vandalism near pickleball courts and complaints from neighbors who said riders sometimes harass pedestrians and children. Public works and police staff told the council they had identified at least one piece of city-owned land with a posted no-trespassing sign and additional trail sections where riders have set up informal jump tracks.

Staff recommended drafting an ordinance that would define "appropriate use" of parks and trails and list prohibited devices. Jared (public works) drafted suggested newsletter language that uses the phrase "mechanically aided propulsion," a definition staff used to describe motorcycles, scooters, assisted bikes, go-karts, ATVs, UTVs and similar devices. Slater flagged that the state law specifically treats some electric-assist bicycles differently and noted that enforcement will hinge on clear local definitions and signage.

Council members discussed alternatives and mitigations, including speed limits on certain trail segments, targeted physical design changes at trail entrances to slow vehicles, QR-coded signs linking to park rules, increased public education and working with landowners and the state to remove illegal jump features. Councilmember Bryce Wilcox and others said speed restrictions would be difficult to enforce without additional equipment such as radar.

The council voted to instruct staff and the city attorney to draft an ordinance clarifying the city'0s stance and to return with recommended language. The motion was made by council member Favors and seconded by council member Northrup; the motion carried.

Staff said one jump-hill site that borders a slough has become a state concern; the state has contacted the city and a permit will be required before the city can remove the jumps and restore the area. Staff said they expect to begin knock-down and restoration work once the required state permit is obtained and to include replanting of native grasses as part of the restoration.

Council and staff noted the need to balance enforcement with residents who legitimately use e-bikes and other battery-assisted devices to commute or recreate. Slater recommended working with the city attorney to craft definitions and enforcement provisions that distinguish permitted pedal-assisted bicycles from motorized motorcycles and off-highway vehicles.

The council instructed staff to proceed with ordinance drafting and to consult the city attorney on wording for signage, enforcement remedies (fines, impoundment and liability for damage), and education materials for residents. A draft ordinance will be returned to the council for review.

The council also asked staff to review newsletter language before publication and to consider QR-code signage that links to the city'0s official park and trail rules.

Ending: With the ordinance drafting authorized, council members said they expect follow-up discussions about signage, signage placement, and a public information campaign before any enforcement changes take effect.