ADAMS TWP — Township leaders took a step forward on trail ordinance development at Monday's work session.

The planning commission has drafted a preliminary ordinance on trail development, and plans to post it for public feedback.

“What we're looking to do is codify the standards,” said Sean Gallagher, planning commission solicitor.

Months ago, township leaders decided to form a public committee specifically for developing regulations for township trail development.

Specifically, the ordinance helps to plan for connectivity between developments in Adams Township. Gallagher said though the township doesn't have a formal trail ordinance, past developers have been accommodating in building trails and trailheads into their communities.

“Most of them have been very cooperative,” Gallagher said.

Establishing an ordinance will work to both regulate trail development and identify where the township wants trails.

“It will effect new developments that are coming into the township,” said Ron Olsen, township engineer. “It's sort of a first step.”

Martin McKinney, planning commission chair, added having a definite plan for building trails in the township can lead to things like grant opportunities for trail projects.

The township is specifically looking to detail expectations of first, second and third order trails.

A first-order trail in considered a walking “highway” that allows for people to access major destinations, such as the library.

A second-order trail typically works to connect developments. A third-order trail is considered more “wooded,” and is left unsurfaced.

One of the provisions of the draft is any new development over 20 acres must address the need for first, second and third-order trails.

The draft also suggests things like bicycles wouldn't be allowed on future trails.

Responding to comments from several community members who raised concerns on this point, Gallagher said the stipulation was taken from current township park ordinances. Gallagher said this could be changed down the road.

“That's a question for planning,” Gallagher said.

Community members also discussed the possibility of new trails being mixed-use and open to things like horseback riders.

The draft will be posted on the township website for public feedback.