Sun Lakes Boulevard Could See Lowered Speed Limit For Golf Carts

BANNING, CA — Next week, Banning City Council will discuss the possibility of reducing the maximum speed limit on Sun Lakes Boulevard to allow golf carts in the traffic mix.

During the July 13 meeting, council members will discuss a draft of a "Golf Cart and Low-Speed Vehicles/Neighborhood Electric Vehicles Transportation Plan and Ordinance" and provide direction to city staff on how to proceed.

For several years, City Council has heard requests from the public for a policy to allow golf carts, low-speed vehicles and neighborhood electric vehicles in certain parts of Banning, according to a city staff report. Initial requests revolved around the use of golf carts on Sun Lakes Boulevard, a city-owned-and-maintained street next to the Sun Lakes Country Club and its golf courses.

Currently, approved specific plans for the master-planned communities of Atwell (formerly Butterfield) and Rancho San Gorgonio include accommodations for LSVs and NEVs within their internal street networks.

There are no provisions for golf carts on Sun Lakes Boulevard, however. The city can make a provision as long as certain conditions and safety requirements are met, but one thing that would have to change is the maximum speed limit on that street, according to the staff report.

California Vehicle Code permits golf carts and LSVs/NEVs to be operated on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. Sun Lakes Boulevard is posted at 35 mph — too fast.

The city can reduce the speed limit, but the process would not be cost-free. City staff estimates that a speed reduction report would cost between $5,000 and $7,500. There would also be costs related to the implementation and enforcement of the ordinance.

"At this time, it is unknown what the costs would be; although it is intended that said costs would be directly offset by permit fees and enforcement actions where required," according to the staff report.

On Tuesday, Banning City Council will likely decide on how to proceed. Even if council members nix the idea of golf carts on Sun Lakes Boulevard, they will still have to iron out the draft plan and ordinance. Without that document in place, LSVs and NEVs would not be permitted as approved in the specific plans for the Atwell and Rancho San Gorgonio communities, according to city staff.

The council will meet in council chambers at 5 p.m., 99 E. Ramsey Street. See the full meeting agenda here.