Commission Meeting Agenda Item

Agenda Item Title

Discussion of allowing Golf Cart Accessible streets to allow persons to utilize an alternate means of transportation in the Downtown area.

Agenda Item ID

2022189

Department

Growth Management

Staff recommends proceeding to draft an ordinance if the Commission feels that utilization of golf carts in the Downtown area would be beneficial to the public.

Summary

In much of the incorporated area of the Town of Lady Lake, golf carts are widely used as the preferred means of transportation. Communities such as The Villages and Water Oak Country Club Estates are golf cart communities, as well as a number of other subdivisions that have been designated as such by Town resolutions. The State of Florida, under Statute 316.212, allows golf carts to operate on municipal streets upon the determination of various factors by the governmental entity. Below is an excerpt from the statute granting those powers to the municipality.

316.212 — Operation of golf carts on certain roadways —The operation of a golf cart upon the public roads or streets of this state is prohibited except as provided herein:

(1) A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county, a municipal street that has been designated by a municipality, or a two-lane county road located within the jurisdiction of a municipality designated by that municipality, for use by golf carts. Prior to making such a designation, the responsible local governmental entity must first determine that golf carts may safely travel on or cross the public road or street, considering factors including the speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic using the road or street. Upon a determination that golf carts may be safely operated on a designated road or street, the responsible governmental entity shall post appropriate signs to indicate that such operation is allowed.

Town staff is seeking feedback from the Town Commission regarding the consideration of drafting an ordinance and accompanying map depicting golf cart accessible streets in the Downtown area. Streets such as Clay Avenue north of Highway 466, and Old Dixie Highway south of Highway 466, both have posted speeds of 25 miles per hour. Many of the side streets which connect the adjacent neighborhoods also have low posted speed limits. In these areas, staff is of the opinion that automobiles and golf carts could coexist as viable means of transportation. The crossing of Highway 27/441 would not be allowed, nor would the crossing of Highway 466 or Rolling Acres Road without approval by the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.

If the Downtown streets were open to golf cart accessibility, those in areas such as Recreation Plantation could visit our library, parks, and community building without the use of an automobile. Those residents south of Highway 466, likewise, could visit the Log Cabin and reach the park which is now under construction on Old Dixie Highway.

The Growth Management Director spoke briefly with the Police Chief on the proposal to assess any safety concerns which may arise as a result of enacting the ordinance. The Chief responded that they currently patrol many areas at present where golf carts and automobiles share the road. Upon the direction of the Commission, staff will draft an ordinance and the accompanying map of the streets which the Commission would like to see included.

Fiscal Impact

To be determined based upon the number of signs which would need to be posted on golf cart accessible streets.

Source of Funding

Not applicable.

Funding Account

Not applicable.

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