Brandon Twp – After reviewing the off-road vehicle ordinance draft, Township Trustee Doug Palmer was satisfied the draft is a good first step to adopting an ordinance.
‘As far as ordinances go, this one is brief, direct and to the point,? said Palmer.
After reviewing the draft with the study committee, Building and Planning Director Tim Palulian said the draft is workable for the community, stating he does not think the plan is out of the ball park in terms of enforcement.
Land use and location enforcements were taken directly from the state’s off-road vehicle ordinance, including no excess of the state standard decibel level of 94 Db’s, therefore, Palulian is confident the articles of use within the draft will not fully impact owners rights.
The ordinance does not specifically address noise issues, however, Palulian said off -road vehicles do create a nuisance and enforcement of the ordinance will allow residents who do not own off-road vehicles to enjoy the opportunity for quiet.
Within the draft are specific limitations of riding times for both winter and summer months.
‘This ordinance is not written nor is it generated to solve the noise problem but to get it toned down,? Palulian said.
After reviewing the draft, committee members were enthusiastic that very few suggested changes are to be made before the next study session.
At issue for further discussion among committee members are riding boundaries limits, designated riding hours, allowable number of vehicles versus homestead ownership, and maximum allowable decible level.
All committee members agreed to add snow mobiles as off -road vehicls to the draft.
New ORV rules
n The land owner shall be responsible for securing the property by fencing, signs and locked gates, so unauthorized use of the property by operators of ORVs is prohibited by virtue of fencing and signs.
n All ORVs are to be registered
n Equipment regulations of maintenance to make vehicle in good working condition, with muffler to meet or exceed all sound emission standards
n Hour restrictions Dec. 1 through March 31 and April 1 to Nov. 30
n Property size minimum with no more than two ORVs
n Property size minimum with no more than one additional ORV
n Enforcement and violations of ordinance