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Crook County holds first hearing on ordinance to allow licensed commercial OHV use on county roads
Summary
At a Dec. 3 hearing the board opened public comment on proposed Ordinance 3-56 to permit licensed commercial off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on county roads for access to nearby public lands, with county counsel outlining licensing, safety and insurance requirements; a second hearing is set for Dec. 17.
Crook County commissioners opened the first public hearing Dec. 3 on a proposed ordinance that would allow licensed commercial off-highway vehicles to use county roads under strict conditions.
Bridal Libel, assistant county counsel, told the board the measure—drafted as proposed Ordinance 3-56 to amend Crook County Code Chapter 10—would "authorize the issuance of licenses to commercial entities to use off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, on county roads to access nearby public land for recreational purposes." Libel said the draft ordinance otherwise "prohibits OHVs on county roads except when a commercial entity has obtained a license" or when an OHV is performing agricultural duties with a slow-moving sign.
The ordinance as summarized by counsel specifies permitted vehicle types, age requirements for drivers and passengers, commercial liability insurance, mandatory safety training for drivers and tour guides, application and county-review procedures, and discretionary restrictions tied to weather and traffic safety. Libel also described an appeals process for license denials.
During public comment, Adam Kolsky asked whether the ordinance would allow operation on paved and gravel county roads and whether everyday riders could use the new permitting process. Kolsky said he lives on a county road and asked, "Where I live is a county road. They could apply for that and go up and down the road?"
County counsel responded that the ordinance is focused on commercial access to public lands and agricultural uses carried out with slow-moving signage; counsel emphasized the proposal is not intended "for every day you and I to be able to just hop on our 4-wheeler and our side-by-side ride."
An online commenter identified only as Tim asked whether a commercial entity must show it already holds a permit or license to conduct commercial activities on public lands before the county issues a county license, and whether the county permit would need periodic renewal. The board said the draft includes requirements that applicants stay current on state approvals and insurance and that the county will require contracts with indemnity provisions.
Unidentified Speaker 1 closed the first hearing after public testimony and scheduled a second hearing on the ordinance for Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the board's next regular session in the annex room.
Next steps: commissioners and staff said they will accept additional written input before the second hearing and will continue to refine licensing and operational details asked about by residents and online commenters.
