Shelbyville Common Council clearing way for golf carts on city streets

Golf carts will be allowed on city streets in Shelbyville in March.

A new ordinance allowing golf carts to be driven on city streets passed on first reading Monday at the Shelbyville Common Council meeting. The ordinance must be approved on second reading at the council’s next meeting in March to go into effect.

Golf cart owners and operators will be held to several restrictions according to the ordinance.

• Owners or lessees of golf carts shall obtain a permit for the golf cart from the City of Shelbyville before operating on any public right-of-way.
• Registration process includes payment of an annual registration fee; an inspection by the City to verify the golf cart is insured and is properly equipped; and proof of a valid driver’s license.
• Decals reflecting a valid registration permit must be visibly affixed to each registered golf cart.

All golf cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be carrying it to operate on any public right of way. Golf carts may only be driven on the roadway or alley ways. They are not allowed on:

• Sidewalks and walking paths
• Any private property without the owner’s consent
• Park property except areas designated for vehicle traffic
• State Road 9 (Harrison St.) except to cross the roadway
• State Road 44 (Broadway St.) from Harrison east to the city limits
• Railroad tracks
• Right of way

Golf carts are not permitted to operate on any public street between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. And they are not to be operated at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour.

Golf carts must be equipped with:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Turn signals
• Slow moving vehicle sign
• Full rear-view mirror
• Seatbelt for each occupant

The council also approved an ordinance amending health and sanitation rules regarding trash collection and disposal. Of note within the ordinance regarding heavy trash collection:

• Each individual bag shall not exceed 40 pounds in weight
• The total square footage of the garbage shall not exceed eight feet in height, four feet in depth and 10 feet in length for a total of 320 square feet. Any garbage in excess must be disposed of by the property owner and/or occupant.

Ordinances also were amended regarding fire prevention and conduct in city parks. The fire prevention ordinance details permitted fires, materials that may be burned and the use of fire pits. The parks ordinance details nuisance behavior and mischief activity as well as prohibiting camping and fireworks in city parks.

In other council business Monday:

• Plastic Moldings Company, LLC, received a standard 10-year tax abatement on the purchase of $186,208 of new manufacturing equipment. The new equipment is expected to be installed on site at 1451 S. Miller Avenue by the end of February/
• A Riverfront District alcohol permit was approved for Just Peachy Café, 52 E. Washington St.

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