SB338 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew JonesSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Cherokee County, provides for permitting, inspection, operation, and fines for ATV parks

Summary

Cherokee County would require ATV parks to obtain permits, undergo inspections, and follow new rules with fines for violations.

What This Bill Does

Starting October 1, 2024, ATV parks in Cherokee County must have a valid county permit to operate. The bill defines terms like access point, approved access point, ATV, and ATV park, and explains what counts as an ATV park. Applicants must submit detailed information (emergency services contract, maps, access routes, drainage considerations, operator and agent contact info, insurance, and other certifications) and must pass an inspection before a permit is issued. Violations can lead to civil fines, including up to $5,000 per day for operating without a permit and up to $500 per day for operating outside approved hours, with a process for hearings and enforcement.

Who It Affects

• ATV park operators in Cherokee County, who must obtain a permit, provide extensive information, pay potential fees, undergo inspections, and comply with operating rules and fines.
• Cherokee County government (county commission and license inspector), which would issue permits, conduct inspections, set operating hours, enforce fines, and manage appeals and enforcement actions.

Key Provisions

• Creates a Cherokee County ATV park permit system; parks may not operate after October 1, 2024 without a county permit.
• Defines terms (access point, approved access point, ATV, ATV park) and sets criteria for what counts as an ATV park (size, fee levels, hosting races, etc.).
• Requires detailed permit applications including emergency services contract, area maps with tract locations and access points, drainage and access details, routes to and from public roads, acreage, anticipated access dates, operator/agent contact info, insurer information, and other necessary certifications; parks must be inspected by the county license inspector before approval.
• Gives the county authority to charge a permit fee up to $50 and an inspection fee; allows the county to establish reasonable operating hours.
• Imposes civil fines for violations (up to $5,000 per day for operating without a permit; up to $500 per day for operating outside approved hours) and outlines enforcement procedures, including hearings and debt collection into the county road and bridge fund.
• Specifies best management practices and potential assistance from the State Forester for inspections; allows injunctions to stop noncompliant parks; applies only to Cherokee County and becomes effective June 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Cherokee County