Crook County advances draft OHV ordinance, schedules public hearings
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Summary
Crook County staff presented a draft off‑highway vehicle ordinance that would allow licensed commercial OHV access on certain county roads, require safety briefings and limit liability exposure; commissioners favored a phased approach and asked staff to align definitions with state standards before two public hearings.
County staff introduced a draft off‑highway‑vehicle (OHV) ordinance at the Nov. 12 Crook County Board of Commissioners work session, proposing that OHV use on county roads be permitted only under a county license or for agricultural purposes.
The draft, prepared by county roads staff, would prohibit OHV use on county roads except where authorized by license, for agricultural slow‑moving vehicles, or as otherwise allowed. Brian, the staff presenter, said the ordinance sets licensing eligibility, required safety equipment and a process for the roads department to place time‑of‑day or weather‑based restrictions. "We're not charging for use of the county road—we're just charging for staff time," he said, describing a code‑enforcement fee to cover administrative work while preserving recreational‑use immunity under state law.
The board pressed staff on the agricultural exemption and enforcement. Commissioners asked whether four‑wheelers used for moving livestock would need slow‑moving vehicle signage; staff confirmed the draft treats agricultural uses as slow‑moving vehicles when appropriate. The sheriff's office raised staffing and liability concerns tied to broader access: staff noted research showing accident increases when counties broadly open roads to OHVs, and cautioned that expanded access could raise enforcement demands.
Matt Miller, who identified himself from the Oregon State OHV Safety Committee, urged the county to align the ordinance with state definitions and insurance practices. He noted there is currently no statewide licensing pathway for ATVs and that Class‑4 side‑by‑sides do not require an OHV safety card in Oregon; drivers must hold a valid driver's license. On passenger limits he recommended a minor‑passenger threshold of 8 years old or 4 ft. 9 in., a standard tied to booster‑seat use.
County staff and several commissioners favored a phased, "baby‑steps" approach: initially narrow the program to licensed commercial uses with a required safety briefing, then study expansion to individuals if warranted. "We can always come back and amend it and make change and include it if that's what's desired," one commissioner said.
Staff agreed to revise the draft to incorporate the safety‑briefing requirement and to consider strobes or other marking options for disabled vehicles. The board directed staff to return the revised ordinance for two public hearings at future meetings, giving the public an opportunity to weigh in before any adoption votes.
Next steps: staff will update the draft to reflect today's feedback (safety briefings, minor‑passenger language and alignment with state standards) and place the ordinance on the agenda for two hearings.
