City of Katy residents can now drive golf carts within some parts of city limits.
The big picture
At an April 27 meeting, Katy City Council voted to approve an ordinance to allow golf cart use within city limits. Council member Rory Robertson cast the sole dissenting vote, citing concerns with potential injuries or deaths.
The ordinance comes after a discussion at a March 18 Katy City Council special meeting, which Police Chief Bryon Woytek said was in response to police already seeing golf cart use within the city. At the time, the city of Katy followed state standards, which allowed use within master-planned communities, including Cane Island.
The details
The ordinance now allows golf cart and neighborhood electric vehicle use in city limits during daylight hours, which includes half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset, according to agenda documents. However, operation of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited within city limits.
According to agenda documents, permissible vehicles would be allowed on all public roadways except:
- Avenue D
- Hwy. 90
- Morton Road
- Kingsland Boulevard
- Franz Road from Katyland Drive to Scott Ranch Road
- Katyland Drive
- Katy Hockley Cut-Off
- Katy Hockley Road
- Katy Mills Circle
Also of note
The ordinance states golf carts must be operated by licensed drivers who should follow all traffic regulations and cannot be used on sidewalks or trails, per agenda documents. Additionally, carts must display registration and license plates and provide proof of insurance if asked.
Passengers are limited to the seating capacity of the vehicle, and the operator and all passengers under the age of 18 will be required to wear seatbelts if the vehicle has them, according to agenda documents.
Going forward
Following its passage, violators of the ordinance can face fines up to $200, per agenda documents.
