Resident urges inspection, registration changes during Diamondhead City golf-cart ordinance hearing

The council opened a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to Article 9 of the city code covering low-speed vehicles and golf carts and heard public comment from Bill Atkinson, who raised multiple concerns about definitions, registration requirements and liability.

Bill Atkinson, who was invited to speak by the presiding official, told the council that the ordinance’s definitions for "golf cart" and "low speed vehicles" conflict with language on the information sheet and elsewhere. He urged coordination with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and proposed stronger registration and inspection requirements.

"As far as the registration, I'm thinking that we really should have at least a one-time inspection of the vehicle and have it renewed annually for a nominal fee," Atkinson said, urging that the application include a VIN number and a DOT-approved windshield and that applicants initial a checklist confirming required equipment.

Atkinson also flagged a provision in the draft that says a low-speed vehicle is battery driven and said that wording should be broadened to allow gasoline or other-powered vehicles. He asked whether the city would face liability if it relied solely on applicant attestations rather than inspecting vehicles.

The presiding official invited Atkinson to submit additional written comments by email; the public hearing was closed and the council moved on to consider other business. No council action to adopt or amend the ordinance was taken during this meeting.