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Union County adopts ordinance allowing golf carts in improvement districts
Summary
The Union County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance UCC 2025-005 to permit and regulate golf cart use within improvement districts, setting permit, insurance and operation requirements and creating misdemeanor penalties for violations.
The Union County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance UCC 2025-005 on May 13, 2025, authorizing the use and regulation of golf carts within the geographic boundaries of any improvement district established under state law. The ordinance passed on a 5–0 vote after the final reading by State's Attorney Zenner and Andrew Tramp of the Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District.
Under the ordinance, a golf cart operator must hold a valid driver’s license or restricted permit and the cart must be insured for liability; law enforcement may require proof of insurance. A county-issued permit will be required for most carts at a cost of $35 per year, valid from January 1 to December 31, not transferable between carts, and must be visibly affixed to the rear or side of the cart. Permits may be revoked for violation of the code, state law or other good cause. Carts owned or leased by Dakota Dunes Country Club, Inc. and TR Golf, LLC (Two Rivers) are exempt from the permit requirement if ownership or lease is visibly displayed on the cart.
The ordinance permits golf carts to operate only on improvement district streets (not sidewalks or walking paths), allows crossing roadways for golf course access, and limits operation to daylight hours unless the cart is equipped with at least one operating headlight and taillight. Operators and occupants must remain seated on permanent seats while the cart is in motion. The ordinance exempts certain required equipment (seatbelts, windshield, horn, turn signals) that apply to motor vehicles. Violations are classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor under SDCL 22-62(2), with penalties up to a $500 fine or 30 days imprisonment.
State's Attorney Zenner conducted the reading and Commissioner Kimmel moved adoption; Commissioner Ballard seconded. The board approved the ordinance 5 ayes, 0 nays. The ordinance is tentatively scheduled for publication on May 22, 2025, with an effective date of June 11, 2025, as noted in the adopted text.
