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Council adopts amended ordinance to authorize golf carts and UTVs; residents voice enforcement and registration concerns
Summary
The Common Council approved Ordinance No. 10, 2026, with amendments that add a low‑speed vehicle definition, require seatbelts for all occupants while in motion and set an effective date of June 1, 2026. Several residents urged registration requirements and raised enforcement concerns; council voted 8–0 to amend and adopt.
The Columbus City Common Council on April 21 adopted an amended ordinance authorizing golf carts and utility task vehicles (UTVs) on city streets, approving Ordinance No. 10, 2026 by an 8–0 roll call.
City Attorney Austin Whitted and Deputy Chief Matt Martindale presented the ordinance and described four proposed changes. Staff said the revisions add a definition for low‑speed vehicles, address low‑speed vehicle allowances already present on roads, require that seatbelts be properly fastened for all occupants while a vehicle is in motion, and set an effective date of June 1, 2026.
During public comment, several residents urged stricter regulation or opposed allowing carts on streets. Larry Warford said he researched other municipalities and noted they require registration; he recommended the council not adopt the ordinance as presented. Jim Skalaki asked how city enforcement would work if carts are allowed without registration. Kerri Sinibaldi said golf carts do not belong on streets and argued that without registration there is no verification that safety features are in place. Scott Adams spoke in favor of allowing carts on city streets. Larry Thomas urged the council to permit carts on people trails in line with ADA considerations for people with disabilities.
Councilor Elaine Hilber moved to amend the ordinance to include the four proposed changes; President Frank Miller seconded the amendment and the amendment passed on an 8–0 roll call. Councilor Tom Dell then moved to pass the second reading and adopt the ordinance as amended; Councilor Hilber seconded and the full ordinance passed by an 8–0 vote.
The ordinance as amended includes the seatbelt requirement and the stated effective date; the transcript does not record council specifying a vehicle registration requirement or a detailed enforcement plan. Implementation and enforcement will be handled by appropriate city departments consistent with the ordinance language and local traffic enforcement procedures.
