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Granite Falls council directs staff to draft e-bike and e-scooter ordinance after framework discussion
Summary
Council members unanimously directed staff to draft an ordinance regulating electric-assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters, following a staff presentation about state RCW/WAC frameworks and local gaps. A public hearing is expected when a draft is ready.
The Granite Falls City Council on March 18 unanimously directed staff to prepare a local ordinance regulating electric-assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters.
City Manager Jeff Balentine presented a staff PowerPoint outlining why local regulation is needed now, summarizing the Washington State RCW framework, how e-bikes are treated for off-street and on-street use, WAC rules for state and public lands, actions other cities have taken, and gaps staff identified in local code. Staff proposed draft ordinance language and recommended next steps; the council voted to direct staff to prepare the ordinance for a future public hearing and adoption.
Councilmember Bruce Straughn moved the direction and Councilmember Steven Glenn seconded; the motion passed 5-0. City Manager Balentine said a public hearing would be forthcoming after staff completes the draft ordinance.
What happens next: staff will draft ordinance language, bring it back for council review and a public hearing, and then the council will consider adoption following public input. The meeting transcript does not list a timeline for completion of the draft.
