Golf carts and side-by-side utility vehicles will be allowed on some Pilot Point streets starting Jan. 1, 2027, after the City Council approved an ordinance at its Oct. 22 meeting, the Pilot Point Post-Signal reported this week.
Council members approved the ordinance on the condition that the city attorney signs off on its final wording. They also added an exception so the vehicles can be driven to school events after dark, and they pushed the start date to Jan. 1 to leave time to tell residents about the changes.
The rules
Drivers will need a valid driver's license, and the vehicles must be insured and registered, according to the Post-Signal. Police Chief Angela Mathews reminded the council that state law keeps the carts off any roadway with a speed limit above 35 mph.
The ordinance bars all-terrain vehicles. It also keeps motor-assisted scooters, mini-motorbikes and pocket bikes off every path except those built only for bicycles.
Council members noted the scooter rules would mostly affect students who ride to and from school. Mayor Chad Major said those small scooters were already illegal and the ordinance reinforces an existing rule rather than creating a new one. The council talked about working with the school district to get the word out to families.
Other business
- Historic preservation. Katie Blust, assistant community services director, outlined what Pilot Point would need to do to become a Certified Local Government, including naming a historic preservation officer, adopting a local preservation ordinance that meets program standards and putting properties forward for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Staff cited grant opportunities and tax benefits as reasons to pursue it. Major noted the effort is not in the budget and carries a cost. City Manager Britt Lusk said staff is making progress but has not set a timeline.
- Legislative task force. The council appointed all six people who applied to the city's task force for the 2027 session of the Texas Legislature. Four live in the city and two in its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
- Community center fee. Two residents again asked the council to reconsider the $5 charge for added fitness classes at the community center. Lusk said the fee will come back for discussion at the council's November meeting.
Sources
postsignal.com
