Police chief outlines proposed Katy ordinance to allow golf carts in subdivisions, restrict ATVs and UTVs

At a special workshop on March 18, 2026, the City Council of Katy heard a presentation from Police Chief Will on a draft ordinance intended to regulate golf carts, and to restrict higher-speed off-road vehicles such as ATVs and UTVs.

Chief Will told the council that "currently, the city does not have any type ordinance for golf carts. We basically follow along the state statute for golf carts," and that under current state rules only the Cane Island master-plan community is explicitly allowed to operate golf carts publicly. He said staff’s proposal would let residents operate golf carts within their subdivisions provided the vehicles meet requirements for registration, insurance, capacity and operator licensing.

The draft would, according to staff, keep faster, louder ATVs and UTVs off public streets: "ATVs, UTVs go anywhere up to 50 miles an hour, and also extremely loud," Chief Will said, framing the distinction as a safety and noise concern.

Council members focused on where the city should draw the line for permitted cart operation. Several members argued for using Avenue D as a clear, street-based boundary for enforcement; others urged adding Franz Road and the Katyland corridor or limiting allowances to the Cane Island Master Plan Community. Council members raised safety concerns about busier stretches such as Franz Road near Katy Junior High and Hutzel Elementary, saying school traffic made some segments inappropriate for cart travel.

On equipment and enforcement, a council member asked about seat-belt requirements when many carts are not factory-equipped. Staff said they had revised the draft to require seat belts only "if it comes with seat belts," rather than mandating retrofits. The council also discussed operator minimums and penalties: staff said the state registration fee is $10 and that drivers would need a full driver’s license ("learner's permit doesn't count"); penalties for violations would be "not to exceed $200."

Resident Michael Payne, speaking during public comment, asked for clarification: "Why completely ban ATV?" Payne said, prompting staff to emphasize the proposed ordinance distinguishes slower neighborhood golf carts from higher-speed ATVs and UTVs for safety.

The council did not take any action on the ordinance at the workshop; Chair said staff will draft revisions and return them to a future meeting. At the end of the session, Councilmember Kortz moved to adjourn; Councilmember Taylor seconded and the motion carried.

The workshop materials and the revised draft ordinance are expected to be circulated to council members prior to the next meeting.