Residents report golfers crossing property lines; Snowflake council weighs fences, signage and enforcement

Councilors on Sept. 2 addressed complaints from homeowners bordering the Snowflake Municipal Golf Course about golfers crossing property lines, damaging private property and showing belligerent behavior. Byron Lewis said the town had received complaints from "10 different property owners" on the issue.

Councilor Greg Brimhall said residents were divided on solutions — some prefer open space while others want fences — and suggested the town could consider enforcing covenant language now that the original developer is no longer active. Town staff member Brian Richards proposed using short physical barriers on certain holes to keep carts off private yards: "on certain holes, we can put up short 'fences' to keep carts from traveling off the cart path or fairway," Richards said. Councilor Mark Sheen advised informing residents they are permitted to build fences on their property lines and suggested posting a prominently placed sign that explains course rules.

Councilors also asked whether the town could ban golfers who generate repeated complaints; discussion did not produce a formal policy or vote. The council did not adopt an enforcement ordinance during the worksession and staff were asked to explore options and next steps with attention to residents' property rights and course operations.