Madison commission lets ATV, UTV and dirt-bike ordinance die after residents object to setbacks and time limits

Madison — The Madison City Commission on an otherwise routine meeting declined to advance a second reading of Ordinance No. 1670, a proposal to regulate all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles and dirt bikes inside city limits, after residents and several commissioners raised objections to setback and time-limit provisions.

Jamieson, the staff presenter, opened discussion by describing two revisions from the first reading: removing golf carts and snowmobiles from the ordinance’s definition of “ATV” because they are regulated elsewhere, and deleting a sentence that had prohibited residents from using city or state roads to access off-road land, explaining that licensed vehicles remain subject to state law. He asked the commission to consider public feedback before taking action.

Several residents addressed the commission during public comment. Tori Christiansen said the setback requirements (50 feet from adjoining property and 100 feet in residential zones) were targeted at her property and urged the commission to reconsider: “We’re on our own property… We’re not in the alleyways. We’re not on the sidewalks. It’s no different than a lawnmower.” Chad Vandenamel said his child has ridden in his front yard for six years without complaints and described the proposed setbacks as “a little ridiculous” for homeowners riding only on private property. Oakley Denny asked whether licensed ATVs operating on private property would be regulated; staff replied that licensed vehicles are governed by state law when they operate on public roads, and the ordinance as written addresses unlicensed ATVs and dirt bikes on private property.

Commissioners debated multiple elements of the ordinance. Several commissioners said they were reluctant to regulate how people use their private property. One commissioner objected to the 8 p.m. time limit and to a provision permitting a one-hour ride followed by a three-hour break, saying it could unintentionally restrict normal yard work or be burdensome for families. Another commissioner characterized the proposed ordinance as a “knee-jerk reaction” to neighbor disputes and suggested that many problems could be resolved privately. Multiple commissioners said they would not support the ordinance in its current form.

With no motion to adopt the ordinance, Mayor Lindsay declared the item dead for lack of a motion; he said the commission could revisit the measure if additional complaints arise or if law enforcement requests further action.

Why it matters: The ordinance would have set citywide limits on where and when ATVs and dirt bikes can be used, affecting property owners who allow such use on private land. The commission’s decision leaves existing local regulation unchanged while signaling concern about placing wide limits on private-property activities.

What's next: The commission left the item open for future consideration; staff and commissioners said enforcement or policy options could be revisited if further complaints are filed or if new information is presented.