Chartridge Community Association Board Action referencing motorcycles in the common area:

Tonight’s meeting discussed the recent occurrence of motorized vehicle operation on the common area grounds and the following decisions were rendered in consideration of the operator –

• No motorized vehicles (off-road) shall be operated on the Common Area grounds.  There is no intent to give implicit or explicit permission at any time for these activities due to the potential liability and damage which the community is not willing to accept.
• The Common Area grounds are private property owned and maintained by Chartridge Association, Inc for the benefit of the community and requires explicit permission for any such activity to occur – this will not be granted.  The board will not set a precedent that will likely result in damages to our community property.  The additional items below provide additional substantiation of our opinion.
• Maryland State law explicitly prohibits operation (in any location) of off-road 2, 3, and 4 wheel vehicles by anyone under the age of 12 and the operator must hold an operator’s license or learner’s permit.  Additionally, the law prohibits noise exceeding 84 dba at 50 feet during operation.  The law also prohibits operation of such vehicles on public roads and sidewalks – inevitable transit of these areas is required to access our Common area.
• Natural Resources regulations provide several penalties against such activity to include a first offense $500/second $1000 and/or 1 yr maximum penalty for operation under 12 yrs of age. The same penalties are assessed for not first obtaining learner’s or operators’ licensure. Operating the vehicle not in conformance with State Law carries the same penalties in addition to the State Law penalty.
• EPA regulations prohibit operation of 2 and 4-cycle off-road vehicles (2,3,4 wheel ORVs) within 300 and 150 ft respective of any residence due to air quality standards. Knowingly allowing such activity on private property carries stiff penalties for the owner in addition to the operator of the ORV.