Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hampshire board tables proposed golf‑cart ordinance after safety and enforcement concerns
Summary
Trustees postponed a vote on a proposed ordinance that would permit golf carts on village streets under a permit and equipment standards, citing safety, enforcement workload and the need for broader resident input; staff will return with options for public outreach.
The Hampshire Village Board on Sept. 25 voted to table a proposed text amendment that would allow and regulate golf carts on village streets, instructing staff to gather public input before the board takes further action.
The draft ordinance would have required a permit, liability insurance, a $75 permit fee, and equipment standards including brakes, seat belts, mirrors and slow-moving emblems. It also would limit golf-cart operation to streets posted at 35 mph or less and would prohibit operation in public parks and on sidewalks.
“[The proposal] requires a permit to operate golf carts,” the presenter summarized for the board, listing the draft ordinance’s major provisions, including the required inspection and permit process. Trustees raised concerns that permitting enforcement would add to police workload and that some residents already operate golf carts illegally on village streets.
Several trustees said they wanted broader resident input before changing the law. One trustee warned, “I think the board will make a very serious mistake voting yes for this,” citing growth in the community and increased traffic volumes. Trustees discussed options for outreach — a newsletter QR code, a checkbox on the water bill, a newsletter insert or a short survey — and asked staff to return with a plan for soliciting resident feedback.
The board moved to table the ordinance to allow staff time to collect more input and consider a pilot or sunset approach before any final decision.
