Council approves revisions to Kaysville parks code; staff to refine electric-vehicle and nonmotorized rules

KAYSVILLE, Utah — The Kaysville City Council approved an ordinance Thursday making multiple amendments to Title 12 of the city code governing parks, public property and recreation, and directed staff to bring a separate vehicle-related code item forward as an action item for additional review.

The ordinance approved as action item 6 implements language discussed at the prior work session; staff said most changes were unchanged since that discussion. The ordinance amends various sections of Title 12 that regulate behavior and permitted uses in city parks.

Councilmembers discussed specific provisions during the meeting. Councilmember Nate Jackson asked whether the revised code would prohibit dogs on park grass; city staff said Davis County Animal Care and Control enforces leash requirements and that dogs on leashes remain permitted on sidewalks and similar areas. Councilmember Jackson also asked about the decision to remove farm animals from the parks code language.

Separately, staff proposed creating a new code section to treat bicycles, electric bicycles and similar self-propelled motorized devices (for example, electric scooters, skateboards and motorized wheelchairs) differently from motor vehicles. The proposal would add a new section (proposed 12-2-12) to allow such devices in parks when used safely and without endangering other patrons. Council voted to move that work item (7A) to be considered as an action item so the proposed language can be finalized and voted on at a subsequent meeting.

Why it matters: The changes clarify permitted uses in parks and separate conventional motor-vehicle rules from rules for bicycles and emerging electric personal-transportation devices. Councilmembers said the separation should make enforcement and public expectations clearer while preserving public safety.

Outcome: Councilmember Adams moved to approve the ordinance amending Title 12; the council adopted the ordinance (action item 6). Council later moved work item 7A — the proposed amendment to 12-2-2 concerning vehicles and the creation of 12-2-12 for bicycles and electric devices — to an action item so staff can finalize the text.

Next steps: Staff will prepare final ordinance language for the vehicle/electric-device section and return it as an action item for council action. The city indicated that enforcement of leash rules for animals will continue to rely on Davis County Animal Care and Control for typical leash issues, per staff remarks.