Hooper City council votes to draft ordinance restricting unauthorized motorized vehicles on city property

Hooper City councilors voted April 3 to ask staff and counsel to draft an ordinance restricting unauthorized motorized vehicles on city‑owned property after residents and council members raised repeated complaints about motorcycles, ATVs and noise on trails and parkland.

At the April 3 meeting council members discussed complaints that four‑wheelers and dirt bikes had damaged vegetation, created noise impacts near homes, and scarred areas that support local flora and wildlife. A council member read follow‑up research during the meeting noting Utah law (cited during discussion as 41‑6a‑1115.5) allows electric‑assisted bicycles on paths designated for bicycle use; council members asked city staff to clarify how the city should distinguish e‑bikes from motorized all‑terrain vehicles in local ordinance language.

Why it matters: the action aims to protect parks, trails and neighborhood peace by creating enforceable local rules about motorized vehicle use on city‑owned land while ensuring state law allowances (for e‑bikes on bike paths) are respected.

The council motion directed staff to draft ordinance language; Council Member Flowers moved the proposal and it was seconded and carried by the council. Staff said the draft should define prohibited vehicle classes, address permitted uses (for example maintenance or emergency vehicles), and reconcile any state law that explicitly permits electric‑assisted bicycles on designated trails.

City staff noted they had opened a separate process with the state to address an existing motocross site and to pursue restoration and replanting of disturbed areas where state permits are required. The council did not finalize ordinance text at the meeting; the direction was to prepare a draft for future council consideration.