Discussion regarding the operation and regulation of golf carts on City street.

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

City staff have received questions regarding the operation of golf carts within residential neighborhoods. Staff reviewed applicable provisions of the Texas Transportation Code to determine when golf cart operation is permitted and what authority municipalities have to expand their use.<br><br>Texas Transportation Code §551.403 authorizes golf cart operations in limited circumstances, including qualifying master-planned communities and travel to and from a golf course under specific conditions. However, §551.404 allows a municipality to authorize golf cart operations on all or designated portions of City streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.<br><br>A few Texas cities have adopted ordinances under this authority with varying requirements related to eligible streets, permits, safety equipment, insurance, hours of operation, and other safety considerations.<br><br>Staff is presenting this item to receive City Council direction regarding whether the City should pursue an ordinance allowing and regulating golf cart operations on qualifying City streets.

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.2/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.