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City of York reopens debate on allowing ATVs, UTVs and golf carts on city streets
Summary
At an Aug. 21 City of York council meeting residents and councilmembers revisited whether to permit ATVs, UTVs and golf carts in city limits. Supporters cited recreation and tourism; council and staff flagged safety, enforcement and statutory differences and returned the matter to the ordinance committee for further work.
City of York council members on Aug. 21 reopened a public discussion about permitting all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs) and golf carts on city streets, hearing several residents who urged adoption of rules that would allow those vehicles under specified conditions.
The issue was brought back by the ordinance committee to gather public feedback before drafting regulations. John Beal, who has raised the issue previously, told the council he and others see existing use of golf carts and larger utility vehicles and would like a formal permitting framework. “I would like us to consider allowing these,” Beal said, noting some UTVs have seat belts, lights and other safety equipment.
Why it matters: the council must balance safety, enforceability and economic factors. Supporters argued a permit system could increase local recreation and tourism and generate fees; opponents and some councilmembers flagged enforcement burdens, insurance and the variety of vehicle types. Jen Hobble Hinrich, representing supporters, described children riding small electric scooters on neighborhood streets and said residents want the chance for family rides and safe local use.
Council members and staff emphasized statutory nuances: golf carts are treated differently in state law than ATVs/UTVs, and local ordinances often separate vehicle classes by speed, equipment or allowable streets. Staff and council also raised concerns about the rapid growth of electric bikes and scooters and about younger riders in downtown and park areas.
What was proposed and decided: the ordinance committee will continue work on draft regulations with input from tonight’s speakers. Councilmembers discussed options such as limiting cart operation to streets posted at or below certain speed limits, separate rules for golf carts, and licensing or registration requirements.
Next steps: no ordinance was introduced or voted on at the meeting. The matter returns to the ordinance committee for drafting and additional public input; councilmembers indicated they expect an extended public process and further legal review of state statutes before any vote.
