ORDINANCE NO. 627 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 75 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF DALLAS CENTER, IOWA, AS AMENDED, TO PERMIT THE OPERATION AND USE OF GOLF CARTS, ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES, OFF-ROAD UTILITY VEHICLES, AND SNOWMOBILES IN THE CITY OF DAL

ORDINANCE NO. 627 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 75 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF DALLAS CENTER, IOWA, AS AMENDED, TO PERMIT THE OPERATION AND USE OF GOLF CARTS, ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES, OFF-ROAD UTILITY VEHICLES, AND SNOWMOBILES IN THE CITY OF DALLAS CENTER UNDER CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Dallas Center, Iowa, that: SECTION 1. Chapter 75 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Dallas Center, Iowa, as amended, is amended in full to read as follows: CHAPTER 75 GOLF CARTS, ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES, OFF-ROAD UTLITY VEHICLES AND SNOWMOBILES 75.01 PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the use and operation of golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, off-road utility vehicles, and snowmobiles within the City. 75.02 DEFINITIONS. For use in this chapter the following terms are defined: 1. "Golf cart" means a four-wheeled recreational vehicle generally used for transportation of persons in the sport of golf that is either electric powered or gas powered, with an engine displacement of less than 351 cubic centimeters and a total dry weight of less than 800 pounds. 2. "All-terrain vehicle" or "ATV" means a motorized vehicle, with not less than three and not more than six non-highway tires, that is limited in engine displacement to less than 1,000 cubic centimeters and in total dry weight to less than 1,200 pounds and that has a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control. 3. "Off-road motorcycle" means a two-wheeled motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control and that is intended by the manufacturer for use on natural terrain. "Off-road motorcycle" includes a motorcycle that was originally issued a certificate of title and registered for highway use under Chapter 321 of the Code of Iowa, but which contains design features that enable operation over natural terrain. An operator of an off-road motorcycle is also subject to the provisions of this chapter governing the operation of all-terrain vehicles. 4. "Off-road utility vehicle" or "OUV" means a motorized vehicle, with not less than four and not more than eight non-highway tires or rubberized tracks, that has a seat that is of bucket or bench design, not intended to be straddled by the operator, and a steering wheel or control levers for control. "Off-road utility vehicle" includes the following vehicles: A. "Off-road utility vehicle – type 1" includes vehicles with a total dry weight of 1,200 pounds or less and a width of 50 inches or less. B. "Off-road utility vehicle – type 2" includes vehicles, other than type 1 vehicles, with a total dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less and a width of 65 inches or less. C. "Off-road utility vehicle – type 3" includes vehicles with a total dry weight of more than 2,000 pounds or a width of more than 65 inches, or both. An operator of an off-road utility vehicle is also subject to the provisions of this chapter governing the operation of all-terrain vehicles. 5. "Snowmobile" means a motorized vehicle that weighs less than 1,000 pounds, that uses sled-type runners or skis, endless belt-type tread with a width of 48 inches or less, or any combination of runners, skis, or tread, and is designed for travel on snow or ice. "Snowmobile" does not include an all-terrain vehicle that has been altered or equipped with runners, skis, belt-type tracks, or treads. 75.03 PERMITTED OPERATION. Except for the prohibited streets designated in Section 75.04 of this Chapter and subject to the restrictions designated in Section 75.05 of this Chapter, golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road utility vehicles may be operated upon the City's streets by persons eighteen (18) years of age or older who have a valid driver's license. The operation of such carts and vehicles shall also be subject to Chapter 321I of the Code of Iowa. 75.04 PROHIBITED STREETS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS. 1. No golf cart, ATV, or OUV shall be operated on Sugar Grove Avenue (also known as State Highway 44 and 240th Street). 2. A golf cart, an ATV, or OUV may make a direct crossing of a highway provided all of the following requirements are complied with: A. The crossing is made at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing. B. The golf cart, ATV, or OUV is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway. C. The driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that would constitute an immediate hazard and must also yield to all pedestrians. 75.05 RESTRICTIONS. 1. Golf carts, ATVs, or OUVs may only be operated on permitted City streets between sunrise and sunset. 2. No golf cart, ATV, or OUV shall be operated in the City at a speed in excess of twenty-five (25) miles per hour. 3. No golf cart, ATV, or OUV shall be operated or parked upon public sidewalks, or trails. 4. No person shall operate a golf cart, ATV, or OUV in a careless, reckless or negligent manner that might endanger the person or property of another or by causing injury or damage to the person or property of another. 5. No golf cart, ATV, or OUV shall carry more passengers than it has designed seating for, and all riders must remain seated. 6. All golf carts, ATVs, or UUVs operated upon City streets shall be equipped with the following, all of which shall be in good condition and good working order: A. A slow-moving vehicle sign or rear tail lights; B. A safety flag that is thirty (30) square inches in size and displayed so that the bottom of the flag is either at least five (5) feet in the air above the ground, or the bottom of the flag shall be above the top of the roofline; and C. Maintains adequate brakes. 7. No golf cart, ATV, or OUV shall be operated while the operator is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotics, or habit-forming drugs. 8. No golf cart, ATV, or OUV shall be operated with an open container of an alcoholic beverage as prohibited by Sections 321.284 and 321.284A of the Code of Iowa. 9. No golf cart, ATV, or OUV shall be operated in any City park or other public land except those vehicles owned by the City or those vehicles given permission by a City official to do so to conduct City-approve business or activities. 75.06 OPERATION OF SNOWMOBILES. The operators of snowmobiles shall comply with the following restrictions as to where snowmobiles may be operated within the City: 1. Streets. Snowmobiles shall be operated only upon streets that have not been plowed during the snow season and on such other streets as may be designated by resolution of the Council. 2. Exceptions. Snowmobiles may be operated on prohibited streets only under the following circumstances: A. Emergencies. Snowmobiles may be operated on any street in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where snow upon the roadway renders travel by conventional motor vehicles impractical. B. Direct Crossing. Snowmobiles may make a direct crossing of a prohibited street provided all of the following occur: (1) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the street and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; (2) The snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before crossing the street; (3) The driver yields the right-of-way to all on-coming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard; and (4) In crossing a divided street, the crossing is made only at an intersection of such street with another street. 3. Trails. Snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails. 4. Parks and Other City Land. Snowmobiles shall not be operated in any park, playground, or upon any other City-owned property without the express permission of the City set forth in a resolution adopted by the Council. A snowmobile shall not be operated on any City land without a snow cover of at least one-tenth of one inch. 5. Sidewalk or Parking. Snowmobiles shall not be operated upon the public sidewalk or that portion of the street located between the curb line and the sidewalk or property line commonly referred to as the "parking" except for purposes of crossing the same to a public street upon which operation is authorized by this chapter. 6. Metal Traction Devices on Snowmobile Tracks. Snowmobiles shall not be operated with a track equipped with metal traction devices or studs on any street, park, playground, bicycle or recreational trail, or any other City-owned property or right-of-way. 75.07 NEGLIGENCE. The owner and operator of a golf cart, ATV, OUV or snowmobile are liable for any injury or damage occasioned by the negligent operation of the golf cart, ATV, OUV, or snowmobile. The owner of a golf cart, ATV, OUV, or snowmobile shall be liable for any such injury or damage only if the owner was the operator of the golf cart, ATV, OUV, or snowmobile at the time the injury or damage occurred or if the operator had the owner's consent to operate the golf cart, ATV, OUV, or snowmobile at the time the injury or damage occurred. 75.08 ACCIDENT REPORTS. Whenever a golf cart, ATV, OUV, or snowmobile is involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to anyone or property damage amounting to $1,500.00 or more, either the operator or someone acting for the operator shall immediately notify a law enforcement officer and shall file an accident report, in accordance with State law. 75.09 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. The owner or operator of a golf cart, ATV, OUV, or snowmobile must maintain and provide proof of financial responsibility to the same extent as required under Section 321.20B of the Iowa Code upon request by a peace officer or City official. 75.10 PERMITS. No person shall operate a golf cart in the City unless the operator possesses a permit issued by the city clerk. 1. Each Golf cart operator shall apply for a permit on forms provided by the City. 2. The city clerk shall not issue a permit until the operator has provided the following: A. Evidence that the applicant is at least eighteen (18) years of age and possesses a valid state-issued drivers license. B. Proof of financial responsibility as required by Section 75.08 of this Chapter. 3. All permits shall be issued for a specific golf cart. Permit holders will be issued a sticker that must be affixed to the rear of the golf cart and be, at all times, visible to any peace officer or City official. 4. The fee for such permits shall be set by a resolution adopted by the Council. Permits will be valid for one year from January 1 through December 31. Permits may be purchased at any time during the year but will be valid only through December 31 of that year. 5. A permit may be suspended for up to sixty (60) days by law enforcement upon finding evidence that the permit holder has violated the conditions of the permit or has abused the privilege of being a permit holder. The permittee may request a hearing before the City Council to appeal the suspension and request the reinstatement of the permit. There will be no refund of the permit fee in the event of a suspension. 75.11 PERMITTED USE FOR SNOW REMOVAL. From November 1 through April 30 of each year a person eighteen (18) years of age or older who holds a valid permit may operate an ATV equipped with a snow blade or blower for the sole purpose of snow removal or direct travel between snow removal sites on the public streets allowed under Section 75.04 of this Chapter, as well as any alleys and sidewalks. All ATVs operated upon a public street, alley, or sidewalk pursuant to this Section shall (A) be registered and numbered with the Dallas County Recorder as required by the Iowa Code and the regulations of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for the operation of ATVs on public land; (B) be equipped with proper muffling devices, headlamps, tail lights, and brakes; (C) comply with the provisions of Section 321I.14 of the Code of Iowa; and (D) comply with all applicable traffic laws. 75.12 PENALTIES. Any violation of this Chapter constitutes a municipal infraction punishable by civil penalty as provided for in this Code of Ordinances. An offender also may be subject to prosecution under the Code of Iowa for any scheduled violation. Any person who commits two violations in any 24-month period shall have their permit to operate a golf cart, ATV, or OUV revoked, with no chance of reissuance for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of revocation. SECTION 2. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION 3. Severability Clause. If any section, provision or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION 4. Effective. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as provided by law. Passed by the City Council on the 28th day of October, 2025, and approved the 28th day of October, 2025. Daniel Beyer, Mayor ATTEST: Shellie Schaben, City Clerk November 6 2025 LIOW0398829