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Farrant City planners move to tighten ATV, UTV and e‑bike rules after safety complaints
Summary
The planning commission on Dec. 2 discussed updating Title 6, Chapter 2 to explicitly include UTVs/OHVs and electric vehicles, post signage for parks and cemeteries, and publish a designated‑route map; staff will draft ordinance language and return with more detail.
FARRANT CITY — The Planning and Zoning Commission agreed Dec. 2 to pursue revisions to local rules governing all‑terrain vehicles and electric bicycles after multiple safety complaints about vehicles in parks and at the city cemetery.
Commissioners reviewed the town’s existing code and Utah state law and concluded local language does not clearly cover UTVs, off‑highway vehicles (OHVs) or higher‑powered e‑bikes. Speaker 2, a staff member, said the city’s code currently defines only 'all terrain type 1' vehicles and does not address electric bicycles or the variety of new electric models now common on local streets and green spaces.
Commissioners and staff flagged recent incidents at Mayor’s Park and at a children’s activity in the cemetery where riders on e‑bikes and small ATVs rode near pedestrians. Randy, who inspected a unit discussed earlier in the meeting, described his concerns about fire and electrical issues on mobile units but supported clearer rules for vehicles in public spaces. "I personally don't think they should be allowed in the cemetery myself," one participant said, reflecting a broader view among members that cemetery grounds should be protected from motorized traffic.
The commission asked staff to prepare ordinance language that would: add UTV and OHV definitions, specify how electric motorcycles and high‑speed e‑bikes are treated, and identify public areas where motorized vehicles are prohibited (parks, cemetery roadways and walking paths). Members also asked for a publicly accessible map of designated routes and recommended signage at Mayor’s Park and other sensitive sites; staff noted some park property is privately controlled and can be signed without ordinance changes, but postings for road use will require code references.
Next steps: staff will draft specific code amendments and a route map tied to state definitions and return to the commission for review and a work session.
