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St. Helens council hears wide public comment on proposed 'side-by-side' ordinance; council directs revisions
Summary
At the Dec. 3, 2025 St. Helens City Council meeting residents largely supported legalizing and regulating side-by-side utility vehicles for town streets while opponents urged statewide action and transparency. Council instructed City Administrator John Walsh to revise the draft ordinance (age, hours, crossing points, car‑seat anchors) and return it for consideration in the second week of January.
The St. Helens City Council on Dec. 3 heard more than a dozen public comments on a proposed ordinance to allow and regulate utility-terrain vehicles, commonly called "side-by-sides," on city streets and directed staff to revise the draft and return it for consideration in the second week of January.
Presiding (unnamed) council member opened the meeting by summarizing a work session on the ordinance and explaining the draft has been reviewed by police leadership, Sheriff Pixley and the joint planning commission. The presiding member said council sent the draft to Chief Smith and Lieutenant Treat for input and asked City Administrator John Walsh to make specified edits and work with legal counsel.
Supporters at the podium said the ordinance could help tourism and local businesses, while raising safety and equipment conditions. "I am in…
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