Orange City could soon allow golf carts on most city streets under an ordinance considered by the City Council during its August 17 meeting.
City staff has discussed the issue periodically for several years as communities respond to the growing use of golf carts, utility vehicles, electric bicycles and scooters. Officials compared regulations adopted elsewhere, including nearby Alton, before presenting the proposal.
City Administrator Matt Van Schouwen said the increasing presence of golf carts eventually forced the city to make a policy decision.
“Technically, by ordinance, it was not allowed,” Van Schouwen said. “And so we thought, you know, we either have to reevaluate our position on that ordinance, or we need to start ticketing golf carts and enforcing the past ordinance on that.”
Van Schouwen said the city and council received limited public feedback, with no overwhelming response either for or against allowing golf carts. Officials ultimately determined they could permit them while establishing boundaries governing who may operate them and where they may travel.
Age and Operating Requirements
The proposed ordinance would require operators to have a driver’s license and be at least 16 years old. Van Schouwen said the age provision clarifies that a younger teenager with only a moped permit would not qualify.
Operators would also need liability insurance and a city registration. Golf carts could not be driven on Highway 10, Albany Avenue or Albany Place.
The proposed equipment requirements also factored into when carts could be used.
“The sunrise to sunset is just simply for visibility and safety,” Van Schouwen said. “…I think that’s a safe way to allow golf carts to be on the streets — not after dark, essentially.”
Golf carts would need a slow-moving vehicle sign or appropriate lighting. Van Schouwen added that allowing them would not create a separate set of roadway rules.
“They’re essentially a vehicle equivalent to an automobile at that point as far as their space on the road and the traffic laws they have to abide by,” Van Schouwen said.
Landsmeer Rules Would Not Change
The city consulted with Landsmeer Golf Club representatives and the golf board while developing the ordinance.
Landsmeer owns its golf-cart fleet and allows some people living next to the course to take those carts home. Any decision to expand that practice would remain with the golf course.
“This ordinance does not impact that,” Van Schouwen said. “That golf course won’t be allowing private carts on the course as a result of this. This just opens up things for the city streets.”
The City Council considered the ordinance’s first reading during its August 17 meeting.
