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Board asks staff to explore code amendment to allow utility/low‑speed vehicles in subdivisions after RiverWatch request
Summary
RiverWatch HOA asked to authorize use of utility vehicles for trail maintenance. County staff and attorney advised a code amendment and VDOT coordination are required; the board directed staff to survey subdivisions and return with options and an ordinance timeline for October.
The RiverWatch Homeowners Association requested permission to use county utility vehicles (and potentially HOA utility vehicles) to maintain off‑road neighborhood trails. Engineering Director Brian (Bridal) Lewis presented the HOA’s request and provided the association’s board resolution.
County attorney advised that local code (chapter 18, article 3) currently authorizes golf carts in certain subdivisions and that adding utility vehicles or the broader term "low‑speed vehicles" would require a local code amendment and public notice; VDOT also must be involved for land‑use permits and signage on state roads. The board asked staff to consult affected subdivisions and VDOT and return with options in September, aiming for an ordinance in October that would identify which subdivisions (if any) wish to be included and the appropriate vehicle definition.
Supervisor discussion focused on whether to amend the code narrowly to add "utility vehicles" to the existing permissive language or to use the broader term "low‑speed vehicles" to match neighboring states’ practice and to capture golf carts, UTVs and other slow machines. Staff will contact subdivisions and VDOT to draft an appropriate ordinance for consideration.
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