Local Governments Allow the Use of Golf Carts on Public Roadways

 

Local Governments Allow the Use of Golf Carts on Public Roadways

Golf Carts are four-wheeled, electric vehicles that are great for a game of golf or for leisure activity.  But would you consider driving one on a public road?  Ordinances allowing golf carts on public roadways have been a recent trend in Florida.  Local governments are looking at this as a step toward becoming more sustainable, as well as possibly helping to ease traffic congestion.  Florida Statute 316.212 requires appropriate signage be posted in areas where golf carts are allowed on public streets. ¹

St. Johns County, FL has just adopted an ordinance implementing provisions for the operation of golf carts on designated county roads. ² Miramar in Broward County, FL has also just adopted an ordinance amending the Traffic and Motor Vehicles Code to permit the use of golf carts on certain roadways in hopes of reducing gas consumption and greenhouse gas emission and is open to the idea possibly expanding the permitted areas of use.  ³ Inverness in Citrus County, FL is in the very beginning stages of discussing this topic.  The Inverness City Council heard a presentation at the 3/17/09 meeting on allowing golf carts and similar type vehicles on city streets. ⁴

This is a great step toward reducing pollution, but golf carts’ maximum speed is only between 20 and 25 mph.  It sounds to me like it would do the opposite of helping to ease traffic congestion.  Does this look like a growing trend in Florida, or do you feel this idea will die out?  Would the use of golf carts be safe in your area?  If traffic accidents occur, do you feel that local governments should propose changes on the regulations of electric cars on public roads?

Here is a list of sample issues from the OrdinanceWatch™ Database regarding the Allowance of Golf Carts on Public Roads.

• Inverness, FL to Hold Discussion of Golf Carts on Streets
• Miramar, FL Adopts Ordinance Regarding the Use of Golf Carts On
• St. Johns County, FL Adopts Ordinance Regarding Provisions for Operation of Golf Carts on County Roads and County Right of Ways
• Bay County, FL Adopts Ordinance Affecting Operation of Golf Carts on Certain Public Roads

<sup>1. Online Sunshine, The Official Internet Site for the Florida Legislature. (2009). Florida Statute for Golf Carts. Retrieved March 25, 2009. Web site: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?StatuteYear=2008&AppMode=Display_Results&Mode=Search%2520Statutes&Submenu=2&Tab=statutes&Search_String=316.212++
2. St. Johns County, FL County Commission Ordinances. (2009). An Ordinance Regarding Provisions for Operation of Golf Carts on County Roads and County Rights of Way.  Retrieved March 25, 2009. Web site: http://www.clk.co.st-johns.fl.us/minrec/minutes/2009/minutes2009.htm
3. Miramar, FL City Commission Ordinances. (2009). An Ordinance Regarding the Use of Golf Carts on Local Roadways. Retrieved March 25, 2009. Web site: http://www.ci.miramar.fl.us/cityclerk/docs/DCCOMarchives.html
4. Inverness, FL City Council Ordinances. (2009). Discussion of Golf Carts on Streets. Retrieved March 25, 2009. Web site: http://www.inverness-fl.gov/index.asp?nid=61</sup>

Local Governments Explore the Benefits of Turning Solar

Local Governments Explore the Benefits of Turning Solar

It seems that everywhere we turn today, green initiatives are making headlines. From Big Box Retailers to small, family owned stores, from swimming pools to roof tops, “green” is the new buzz word.  Many businesses are starting with “no brainer” green projects, such as changing light bulbs, or having recycle bins at employee desks.  Projects like these cost very little and get people stimulated to start “thinking green”.  But after all the easy green projects have been implemented, what is the next step?¹ If Local Governments are mandating these kinds of changes, do you think they should be providing subsidies and incentives to offset the costs to businesses and private residences?   Are there any examples you would like to share?

Dania Beach in Broward County, FL is considering an ordinance that would require all outdoor lighting for commercial properties be solar powered.  If the ordinance is adopted, the effective date will be July 1, 2009.  Already existing commercial properties would need to be in compliance by July 1, 2012.²

Chula Vista in San Diego County, CA is considering amending the Electrical and Plumbing Codes to require photovoltaic systems and solar water heaters for residential properties.  In July 2008 the City Council approved a resolution to start implementing plans for the Climate Change Working Group (CCWG).  One plan focuses on Solar and Energy Efficiency Conversion.  The proposed ordinances to amend the Electrical and Plumbing Codes are a partial step toward reaching this measure.³
The following is a list of several other examples of local governments throughout California and Florida seeking the benefits of turning to solar for power:

• San Diego County, CA Approves Fair Price for Surplus Residential Solar Energy
• San Juan Capistrano, CA Adopts Ordinance Requiring Installation of Solar Heating for New Swimming Pool Construction
• Gainesville, FL Adopts Ordinance Regarding Solar Feed-In Tariffs
• Coral Gables, FL to Hold First Reading of Ordinance Amending Zoning Code Regarding Rooftop Screening Requirements
• Los Angeles, CA to Continue Consideration of Basin Solar Power, Green Energy and Jobs Development Program

^{1)    Gale, S. (2009).Taking Green Initiatives to the Next Level.  Retrieved February, 17, 2008, from Web site: http://www.greenbiz.com/feature/2008/09/02/taking-green-initiatives-next-level
2)    Dania Beach, FL City Commission Ordinance.  An Ordinance Of The City Commission Of The City Of Dania Beach, Florida Regarding Outdoor Solar Lighting For Commercially Zoned Properties.  Retrieved February 17, 2009 from http://www.ordinancewatch.com/files/LocalGovernment/LocalGovernment34078.pdf, pg. 3.
3)    Chula Vista, CA City Council Ordinances.  Ordinances To Amend The Electrical and Plumbing Codes To Require Photovoltaic Systems And Solar Water Heaters For Residential Properties.  Retrieved February 17, 2009, from http://www.ordinancewatch.com/files/LocalGovernment/LocalGovernment32940.pdf.}