Commission to forward golf‑cart parking amendment to council despite one recorded opposition

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to forward a council‑sponsored amendment to Chapter 125 (site development standards and definitions) that would allow up to six golf carts or UTVs to be parked or displayed at businesses whose primary activity is selling or repairing such vehicles.

Staff said the change defines both 'golf cart' and 'UTV' for the code and would exempt display parking of up to six carts from the general prohibition on parking on grass. The amendment was presented as applying mainly to a Highway 3 storefront that has a grass display area; staff emphasized this is a council‑sponsored item and that staff was presenting the request without recommending approval or denial.

Commissioners asked about aesthetics and whether the change would create a 'golf‑cart junkyard.' Staff answered that the six‑vehicle limit was intended to limit visual clutter and that business scope is restricted to sellers/repairers. No public speakers appeared during the hearing. After discussion the commission voted to forward a recommendation to city council to approve the amendment; staff said the record would note one opposition and that the recorded vote was reported as '4‑4‑1' in the transcript but staff will forward the recommendation to council with one opposition noted.

The council will review the proposed ordinance; if adopted by council, the change would allow merchants who primarily sell or service golf carts to display up to six vehicles on site under the conditions provided in the amendment.