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Committee advances ordinance to regulate neighborhood electric and low‑speed vehicles; municipal sticker proposed for non‑VIN carts
Summary
The committee approved a recommendation to repeal and reissue Chapter 10‑7 to align city rules with Wisconsin and federal definitions for low‑speed vehicles, authorize a $20 two‑year municipal sticker and inspection process for golf carts lacking 17‑character VINs, and maintain separate rules for ATVs/UTVs.
The committee reviewed a new draft ordinance to repeal and recreate Chapter 10‑7 of the Monroe City Code governing neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), low‑speed vehicles (LSVs) and golf carts. A municipal official identified as the chief explained the rewrite is intended to bring local rules into parity with state and federal definitions for low‑speed vehicles.
The official described the federal/state distinction and the equipment that qualifies an LSV: “They have a windshield and a horn and turn signals and seat belts,” and if a vehicle has a 17‑character vehicle identification number it can be registered with the state and operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. He said the city has previously operated a golf‑cart permit and is updating local code now that businesses in town assemble and sell these vehicles.
For carts that cannot receive a state VIN, the proposed ordinance would allow the city to issue a municipal sticker after inspection. The chief described the sticker program: “We’ve created a sticker. They pay $20 for the sticker, which is good for 2 years,” and said inspections would verify required equipment; drivers would need insurance and a driver’s license. He added that ATVs and UTVs remain governed by separate code and would not be covered by the Chapter 10‑7 rules for NEVs/LSVs.
Committee members expressed support for allowing properly equipped carts on the downtown square but raised whether ATVs/UTVs that appear similarly equipped should be reviewed; a member urged staff to study that issue and the economic opportunities (citing Darlington as an example). After the presentation and brief discussion the committee voted to forward the ordinance to the full council; the clerk recorded three ayes.
Next steps: The recommendation will be considered by the city council; staff indicated other vehicle code matters (ATV/UTV registration details, duplex zoning) will be addressed in follow‑up plan‑commission or staff reports.
