Allow Golf Carts in McCordsville Neighborhoods!

148

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The Issue

We, the undersigned residents and community members of McCordsville, Indiana, are calling for a fair and reasonable policy that allows the responsible use of golf carts within our neighborhoods.

For many young people in McCordsville, there are limited options for safe, accessible outdoor recreation. Golf carts offer a practical way for teens and families to spend time outside, connect with friends, and enjoy their community without relying on cars or staying indoors. In a time when communities are striving to promote healthier, more active lifestyles, this is a simple step toward that goal.

However, current enforcement practices have created confusion and concern. Local youth have reported being stopped and questioned in ways that feel excessive and intimidating, even when no clear guidelines have been communicated about what is allowed. This inconsistency has led to a sense of unfair treatment and anxiety rather than safety.

We believe in accountability—but it must be applied fairly. If rules are to be enforced, they should be clearly defined, consistently applied, and communicated to everyone. No individual or group should feel singled out without a transparent and equitable standard. Fair enforcement means either holding everyone to the same clear rules or reconsidering policies that are not working for the community.

Other towns across Indiana have successfully implemented golf cart ordinances that include reasonable safety requirements such as age limits, permits, and basic equipment standards. McCordsville has the opportunity to adopt a similar approach that balances safety with community well-being.

We respectfully ask town officials to:

Establish clear, consistent regulations for golf cart use in neighborhoods
Ensure enforcement practices are fair, transparent, and community-focused
Provide safe, accessible ways for young people to spend time outdoors and connect with others

This is not just about transportation—it is about creating a community where residents, especially young people, feel safe, included, and supported.

Sign this petition to encourage McCordsville to adopt a fair, modern approach that reflects the needs of its residents.

Love, your fellow McCordsville residents 

The Decision Makers

McCordsville Town Council
5 Members
1 Responded
John Price
McCordsville Town Council - District 3
“Hello, As you can see from Tim Gropp's response, the Town of McCordsville does have an Ordinance detailing the requirements for the use of golf carts in the Town. This Ordinance is available on the website for the Town of McCordsville (mccordsville.in.gov). Click on "local codes", select Title VII, Chapter 73 (or search "golf cart"). You can also call the Town at 317-335-3151. If local youth (or parents) are not aware of the Ordinance, they may be stopped by law enforcement, due to the lack of compliance of the Ordinance. Your next step is to work with your neighbors and HOA to follow the requirements to become a golf cart community. [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Scott Jones
McCordsville Town Council - At Large
Bryan Burney
McCordsville Town Council - At Large
Tim Gropp
Tim Gropp
Town Manager, Town of McCordsville
Responded
“Our local code has a process already in place to allow golf carts within neighborhoods, rules for equipment and penalties outlined. Chapter 73: Golf Cart Regulations outlines the rules and process to apply. This can be found on our website by clicking “local code” on the upper bar and searching for “golf cart”. 73.04 DESIGNATED ROADWAYS. To protect the safety of the town’s residents, golf carts shall only be operated on roadways within neighborhoods where the following conditions have been met: (A) (1) At least 75% of all lot owners belonging to the neighborhood’s homeowners’ association (“HOA”) has voted in favor of allowing golf carts to operate on roadways within in the neighborhood by voting affirmative to the following question and certifying the result of such election results to the town: “Shall golf carts be used on designated roadways within the [insert the name of the neighborhood/HOA?”]; (2) If the neighborhood, or development does not have a formally defined boundary, a map showing the self-designated boundaries must be submitted and approved by the town prior to proceeding with the aforementioned vote; and (3) Consideration of a change to allow or disallow implementation of the provisions of this chapter may occur once every two years from the first vote regarding the same and shall require at least a 75% vote of all lot owners belonging to the neighborhood’s homeowners’ association (“HOA”) vote in favor of the proposed change. (B) The town has determined, in writing, that the vote was properly conducted and that golf carts may be safely operated on some roadways within the neighborhood. (Ord. 081115, passed 8-11-2015) Penalty, see § 73.99 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mccordsville/latest/mccordsville_in/0-0-0-7576#JD_73.99 73.05 SIGNS. Signs that designate the neighborhood as a golf cart community must be installed at each entrance to the neighborhood, by the neighborhood prior to use, under the following conditions: (A) The neighborhood is responsible for utility locates prior to installation. (B) All signs approved by the town shall be conspicuously located designating the neighborhood, or roadways within the neighborhood that are available for golf cart use (collectively “designated roadways”). (C) All signs must meet minimum MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) standards for size, material type, and retro-reflectivity for the following signs: W11-11 & W16-l. (See Exhibit “A” below). (D) This chapter does not prohibit or limit the town from having discretion to require additional signs should conditions require such. (E) A map showing the locations of all such signs shall be provided to McCordsville Public Works Commissioner prior to installation and approval. (F) All signs required by this chapter shall be purchased, maintained and the responsibility of the neighborhood. Failure to maintain the signs, approved in this section may cause the town to revoke its approval of golf cart usage. 73.06 PROHIBITION AGAINST OPERATIONTIME OF OPERATION. Golf carts shall only be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset. (Ord. 081115, passed 8-11-2015) Penalty, see § 73.99 § 73.07 CURRENT DRIVING LICENSE REQUIRED. Only persons possessing a current driving license issued by the State of Indiana or another state of the United States of America shall be permitted to operate a golf cart on designated roadways within the town. Persons operating a golf cart on designated roadways shall have his or her driver’s license in his or her possession during operation. (Ord. 081115, passed 8-11-2015) Penalty, see § 73.99 § 73.08 PUBLIC WAYSPLACE OF OPERATION. Golf carts shall not be operated in the town on any of the following: (A) Sidewalks; (B) Non-designated roadways; (C) Multi-use pathways; and (D) Crossing a roadway that has a designated speed of greater than 30 miles per hour. (Ord. 081115, passed 8-11-2015) Penalty, see § 73.99 § 73.09 GOLF CART EQUIPMENT. Only golf carts that have not been converted or altered from their OEM shall be permitted to operate on designated roadways. (Ord. 081115, passed 8-11-2015) Penalty, see § 73.99 § 73.10 OCCUPANTSMAXIMUM NUMBER. The number of occupants in a golf cart shall be limited to the number of persons for whom factory (OEM) seating is installed and provided for on the golf cart. The operator and passengers shall be seated in the golf cart and no parts of the bodies of the operator or occupants shall extend outside the outer perimeter of the golf cart while the golf cart is in motion. (Ord. 081115, passed 8-11-2015) Penalty, see § 73.99 § 73.11 SLOW MOVING VEHICLE EMBLEM. Golf cart equipment exception; slow moving vehicle emblem. Except for the equipment requirement designated by § 73.09, all golf carts being operated on designated roadways must display a slow moving vehicle emblem. The…”
Tim Gropp
City Manager

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates