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Little Falls Council asks staff to explore ordinance allowing UTV/ATV travel on designated streets
Summary
Council directed the police chief and staff to research ordinance language and permitting options for allowing UTVs/ATVs on designated streets and trails, while emphasizing interim enforcement of existing rules and planning‑and‑zoning review before any local change.
The Little Falls City Council on March 16 asked staff and the police chief to research and draft potential ordinance language to allow UTVs and ATVs on designated streets, while also directing the police department to enforce current rules consistently until any change is considered.
The city police chief summarized the current legal framework: "what the current state law is now is that UTVs, ATVs are not allowed on city streets. The only way that they are allowed is by a permitting and an ordinance scheme." He told council that drafting a local ordinance would require decisions about which vehicle types would be allowed, where they could travel, and whether a local permitting scheme would be used.
Several council members argued both safety and economic points. Some said narrow downtown streets make unrestricted use inappropriate, while others said allowing properly equipped, street‑legal UTVs and ATVs on designated routes could bring riders into town to spend money. One council member reported outreach to state legislators — "Representative KCA" and "Senator Wezenberg" — and said state action has been slow; the council therefore agreed it is reasonable to prepare local ordinance language while awaiting any changes at the state level.
Councilors also noted existing trail investments that could connect through town. A speaker referenced the Camp Ripley Veterans Trail Group and existing trail work east of Walmart and said local trail connections and roundabout planning could inform where vehicles should be permitted to pass through.
Council agreed on two near‑term steps: (1) ask staff and the police chief to draft potential ordinance language and consult planning and zoning for route and safety considerations; and (2) increase consistent enforcement of existing rules in the interim so residents are treated fairly while the issue is studied. The chief was designated to be closely involved in drafting and enforcement decisions.
No ordinance was adopted at the session; council consensus directed staff to return with draft language for planning and zoning review and future council consideration.
