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Final 2045 Comprehensive Plan - redline City of Atlantic Beach 2045 Comprehensive Plan 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Index of Tables and Maps 3 Background and Summary of the City’s Comprehensive Planning Process 4 General Characteristics of the City of Atlantic Beach 5 Demographics & Existing Conditions of the City of Atlantic Beach 6 - 44 Ecosystem Analysis 45 - 57 Comprehensive Plan Elements A. Future Land Use Element A1 - A18 B. Transportation Element B1 - B-16 C. Infrastructure Element C-1 - C8 D. Conservation and Coastal Management Element D-1 - D-13 E. Recreation and Open Space Element E-1 - E-6 F. Housing Element F-1 - F-5 G. Intergovernmental Coordination Element G-1 - G-6 H. Capital Improvements Element H-1 - H-12 I. Public Schools Facilities Element I-1 - I-24 J. Property Rights Element J-1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS City of Atlantic Beach Commission City of Atlantic Beach Staff Curtis Ford, Mayor Bill Killingsworth, City Manager Bruce Bole, Commissioner Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager Michael Waters, Commissioner Amanda Askew, Director of Planning & Community Development Candace Kelly, Commissioner Brian Broedell, Principal Planner & Environmental Coordinator Jessica Ring, Commissioner Abrielle Genest, Planner 3 INDEX OF TABLES AND MAPS The Future Land Use Map and all Maps included within the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Map Series are includ- ed and adopted as part of this Comprehensive Plan amendment. In the event of any conflict between any Maps and the text of the Plan, the text of the Plan shall control. Table A-1: Residential Land Use Classification and Permitted Density A-7 Table A-2: Mixed Use Distribution Standards A-15 Table B-1: FDOT Traffic Volumes B-5 Table B-2: City Traffic Volumes B-6 Table B-3: Collector Roadway LOS B-7 Table B-4. Projected Annual Average Daily Trips (AADT) B-8 Table B-5: City of Atlantic Beach Planning Area Minimum Levels of Service B-11 Table B-6: Minimum Pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) B-11 Table B-7: Minimum Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) B-12 Table C-1: Atlantic Beach Service Area Water Projections C-2 Table C-2: Daily Average Water Reuse C-3 Table E-1: Recreation and Open Space Level of Service Standards E-3 Table E-2: Existing Public Recreation and Open Space Facilities, 2009 E-4 Table H-1: Sanitary Sewer Level of Service Standards H-5 Table H-2: Solid Waste and Potable Water Level of Service Standards H-5 Table H-3: Drainage Level of Service Standards H-5 Table H-4: Schedule of Capital Improvements H-9 Map A-1: Generalized Land Use Map A-2: Future Land Use Map Map A-3: Vacant Parcels Map A-4: Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map A-5: Wetlands Map A-6: Military Influence Zone Map A-7: Energy Efficient and Conservation Zones Map A-8: Soils Map A-9: Contour Elevations Map B-1: Roadway Functional Classification Map B-2: Roadway Context Classification Map B-3: Roadway Access Classification Map B-4: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Map C-1: Potable Water Wells Map C-2: Utility Service Area Map D-1: Coastal High Hazard Area Map D-2: Evacuation Zones Map D-3: Shallow Coastal Flooding Areas Map D-4: FEMA Flood Zones Map D-5a: Projected Sea Levels Map D-5b: Projected Nuisance Flooding Map D-5c: Projected Flood Hazard Areas Map E-1: Parks Map 4 Background and Summary of the City’s Comprehensive Planning Process In 1975, Florida enacted the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act which required all local govern- ments to have comprehensive land use plans in order to manage growth and protect the natural environ- ment. As a result of this legislation, the City of Atlantic Beach began working on its first comprehensive plan in 1976 and officially adopted it in 1981 (Ordinance 95-81-21). In 1985, in response to a rapidly growing population and associated development pressures, Florida passed the “Growth Management Act” , which substantially amended the 1975 Act. Pursuant to the 1985 Act, all local comprehensive plans must be consistent with State and Regional plans and be approved by the State. Further, all comprehensive plans must include specific elements, a Future Land Use Map (FLUM), and associ- ated land development regulations. In 1990, the City of Atlantic Beach adopted its second comprehensive plan (Ordinance 95-90-48). Pursuant to Section 163.3191 of the Florida Statutes, local governments are required to evaluate their com- prehensive plans at least once every seven years to determine whether the plan needs to be amended to reflect changes in state requirements since the last update. Prior to 2011, the state required the preparation and adoption of an Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) at least once every seven years to determine if amendments to the plan are needed due to changes in state requirements and/or local conditions. These reports were adopted by the city via resolution and then submitted to the state. The City of Atlantic Beach adopted EARs in 1997, 2003, 2008, and 2010. The comprehensive plan has been amended several times since its original adoption, often as a response to changes in state requirements. Notable amendments occurred in 2009 with the addition of the Public Schools Facilities Element and in 2012 with the addition of policies addressing military compatibility and co- ordination, both in response to new state legislation at the time. In 2015, the state enacted the “Peril of Flood” statute which required the city to include a redevelopment component with principles to eliminate inappropriate and unsafe development in coastal areas. The city amended the comprehensive plan in 2019 to comply with this requirement. Most recently, in 2021, the state passed legislation that requires local gov- ernments to add a Property Rights Element to their comprehensive plan. 5 General Characteristics and Conditions of the City of Atlantic Beach The City of Atlantic Beach is a small coastal community consisting of approximately four square miles of land area and a population just shy of 14,000. The City is located between two miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront on the east and the expansive marsh and estuarine environment of the San Pablo Creek / Intracoastal Water- way on the west. The City is a near fully-developed municipality where the predominant land use is residen- tial consisting of stable and well-established neighborhoods. The City possesses a unique character and “personality” where a high quality of life, diverse recreational activities, preservation of community charac- ter and protection of natural resources are day-to-day priorities to residents and elected officials as well. The City contains two commercial corridors: the north side of Atlantic Boulevard (SR10) extending from the ocean westerly to the Intracoastal Waterway, and Mayport Road (SR A1A), extending from Atlantic Boule- vard northerly to the municipal limits. Both corridors continue to experience a solid level of market -driven redevelopment. The appropriate redevelopment and aesthetic enhancements to the Mayport Road corridor continue to be strategic planning priorities to the City. In 2018, a community driven Mayport Road Visioning Implementation Plan (MRVIP) was completed to guide future development along the Mayport Road corridor. The MRVIP includes recommendations for new design standards and activity programming. The City contains a wealth of natural resources and parks including the beach, preserves, and a dense tree canopy. Since adoption of the 1990 Comprehensive Plan, the City has annexed and acquired extensive marsh areas extending westerly to the Intracoastal Waterway. The future land use of these areas is designated as Conservation, and invaluable recreational resources have been established therein. Tide Views Preserve, which opened to the public in 1996, consists of eight acres of passive park and offers scenic views of the In- tracoastal Waterway, 2500 feet of trail and boardwalk, a scenic overlook, canoe launch and fishing area. Dutton Island Preserve, which opened in 2003, is a 40-acre passive park containing 9,000 feet of nature trails, fishing and viewing piers, a canoe and kayak launch, pavilions and picnic areas and primitive camping areas. The 2009 acquisition of the 350-acre Buckman Pritchard Trust marsh tract, renamed the River Branch Pre- serve, significantly increased the City’s inventory of Environmentally Sensitive Lands and passive open space. Additionally in 2018, the City purchased a 3.52 acre parcel adjacent to Sherman Creek, often referred to as Selva Preserve. Preservation and protection of these natural coastal resources, particularly the City's dense native tree canopy, are strongly held community values. 6 POPULATION Year Population Growth/Decline 1930 164 - 1940 468 185% 1950 1,604 243% 1960 3,063 91% 1970 6,132 100% 1980 7,847 28% 1990 11,636 48% 2000 13,368 15% 2010 12,655 -5% 2020 13,513 7% In 1926, Atlantic Beach was incorporated and became the “Town of Atlantic Beach.” At that time, the population was about 164. Subse- quently, the town became the “City of Atlantic Beach” and currently has an estimated popula- tion of 13,513. The table and chart on this page illustrate the population by decade, showing rap- id growth between the 1940s and 1970s. While the rate of growth decreased after 1970, the to- tal population has more than doubled since that time. Between 2000 and 2010, the population declined by an estimated 5%; the only decade experiencing a decline in population. As most of the developable land within the city has been developed within the last 20 years, the growth rate has declined considerably. This trend is ex- pected to continue. DEMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT 7 RACE The table below illustrates the race of Atlantic Beach residents from 1980 to 2020 as reported by the U.S. Census. The table shows the majority of the population reported their race as White (81.1%), followed by Black or African American (7.3%). Historic data demonstrates an increase in population since 1980 re- porting their race as White and as Two or more races and a decline in population reporting their race as Black or African American. The Hispanic or Latino percentage of the population has decreased slightly since 2010. Year White Black or African American Asian Native Ha- waiian and Other Pacific Islander American Indian and Alaska Na- tive Two or more races Other 1980 75.1% 18.7% 5.3% 0.3% N/A 0.6% 1990 80.2% 15.4% 3.2% 0.1% 0.3% N/A 0.8% 2000 82.2% 12.7% 2.1% 0.03% 0.3% 1.6% 1.1% 2010 82.5% 10.8% 1.9% 0.1% 0.5% 2.8% 1.4% 2020 81.1% 7.3% 2.1% 0.1% 0.4% 7.5% 1.6% 8 9 AGE Overall, the population of Atlantic Beach has increased in age over the past three decades as shown in the reported median age and age cohorts shown below. The median age has increased from 32.7 in 1990 to 48.6 in 2020, higher than the median age of Duval County and of Florida. Similarly, the percentage of the popula- tion 65 years of age and older has increased from 9% to 23% in that time, while the percentage under 18 years of age has decreased from 33% to 18%. Year Under 18 18 and over 65 and older 1990 33% 67% 9% 2000 22% 78% 15% 2010 20% 80% 17% 2020 18% 82% 23% Place Median Age Atlantic Beach 48.6 Duval County 36.3 Florida 42.2 10 Below is a “population pyramid” for Atlantic Beach in 2020. Population pyramids are a tool used by demogra- phers to visualize an area’s age and sex at a given time. The population pyramid below shows the number of Atlantic Beach residents by sex in different age cohorts. The pyramid shows a large portion of the population, both female and male, are between 45 and 70 years of age. The two maps on the following pages show the median age and the percent of the population 65 years and over by census block group. The maps indicate that the age of the population generally decreases as you move east to west. 11 12 13 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT According to the 2020 ACS, 94.6% of the population aged 25 years and over has at least a high school degree (includes equivalency), which is higher than the rate reported for Duval County (90.1%) and the state (88.5%). The percentage with at least a Bachelor ’s degree was roughly 53%., which has remained consistent over the past five years. The chart at the bottom of the page shows the percentage of the population 25 years and over broken down by educational attainment. The maps on the following pages illustrate the percentage of the population 25 and over with at least a Bachelor’s degree and with a Graduate, Professional, or Doctorate degree. Place % with High School Degree Atlantic Beach 94.6 Duval County 90.1 Florida 88.5 14 15 16 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT According to the 2020 ACS, the population 3 years and over that are enrolled in school is 2,785. Of this popu- lation, 7.6% are enrolled in nursery school/preschool, 69.4% are enrolled in Kindergarten to 12th grade, and the remaining 23% are enrolled in college or professional school. The majority, 73.6%, are enrolled in a pub- lic school while the remaining 26.4% are enrolled in a private school. In Duval County, 79.5% are enrolled in public school. Of the 639 Atlantic Beach citizens en-rolled in college or graduate school, 65% are female and 35% male. 17 GRADUATION RATE According to the Florida Department of Education, the 2019-2020 graduation rate for Duncan U. Fletcher High School, which Atlantic Beach is zoned for, was 97.4%. This rate was higher than that of both Duval Coun- ty and the state of Florida for that year. Fletcher High School’s Graduation Rate FL Graduation Rate Duval County Graduation Rate 97.4% 90% 90.2% Fletcher High School’s 2019-2020 graduation rate trended upward over the past 8 school years and contin- ues to be higher than that of Duval County and the state as shown in the chart below. 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% 90.0% 100.0% 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Graduation Rates Fletcher High School Duval County Florida 18 GRADUATION RATE The 2019-2020 graduation rates by gender and race/ethnicity are shown below. The graduation rate for White (97.5), Black or African Americans (96.4), Hispanic/Latino (100), and Asian (100) graduates are all within 5 percentage points of one another. Similarly, the graduation rates for fe- male (98.4) and male (96.4) cohorts, were also within 5 percentage points of one another. Further, at Fletcher High School each race/ ethnicity reported by the FL Department of Education had a higher or equal graduation rate when compared to the state average. Race/Ethnicity Fletcher HS Graduation Rate Florida HS Graduation Rate American Indian or Alaska Native (fewer than 10 students) 84.1% Asian 100% 98% Black or African American 96.4% 86.6% Hispanic/Latino 100% 89.5% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (fewer than 10 students) 90.5% White 97.5% 91.7% Two or more races 90.5% 90.5% Female 98.4% Male 96.4% 19 MEDIAN INCOME The median household income includes income of all persons 15 or older in a household. It is commonly used to provide data about the wealth of a geographic area and is considered by many statisticians to be a better indicator than the mean household income as it is not dramatically affected by unusually high or low values (USDOH). According to the 2020 ACS, the median household income in Atlantic Beach was $84,830, which was and has been consistently higher than that of Duval County and Florida. The median household income for the city has grown at a rate similar to that of the county and state as shown below. Atlantic Beach Florida Duval County $84,830 $57,703 $56,769 Households Families Married-couple families Nonfamily households Median Income $84,830 $102,816 $132,717 $57,500 Mean Income $123,038 $153,260 - $74,996 20 21 COST BURDEN Households with an income of 80% or less than the area median income (AMI) are often considered low in- come, those with an income of 50% or less of the AMI are often considered very low income, and those 30% or less are often considered extremely low income. In addition, households are often considered to be “cost burdened” if housing costs equal or exceed 30% of the household income and severely cost burdened if they exceed 50% of the household income. Below are cost burden estimates for Atlantic Beach by the University of Florida Shimberg Center for Housing Studies. These estimates show the estimated number of low income, very low income, and extremely low income households and the respective housing cost burden for those households. % of the Area Median Income (AMI) Number of Households Extremely low income 30 or less 530 Very low income 30.01 to 50 454 Low income 50.01 to 80 767 All Households, Cost Burden by Income, 2020 Estimate (Summary) Housing Cost Burden Geography Household Income 30% or less 30.1-50% More than 50% Atlantic Beach 30% AMI or less 70 10 450 Atlantic Beach 30.01-50% AMI 60 247 147 Atlantic Beach 50.01-80% AMI 378 221 168 Atlantic Beach 80.01-100% AMI 261 121 14 Atlantic Beach Greater than 100% AMI 3396 465 71 Sources: Estimates and projections by Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, based on U.S. Department of Housing Development, Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) dataset and population projections by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Florida 22 23 24 POVERTY RATE The poverty rate is the ratio of the number of people whose income falls below the poverty line. The 2020 reported poverty rate in Atlantic Beach was 4.3%, lower than the rate reported for the past 6 years. Similarly, Atlantic Beach reported a much lower poverty rate than Duval County and Florida. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 Atlantic Beach Duval County Florida 2020 Poverty Rate 25 26 OCCUPATION/EMPLOYMENT According to the 2020 ACS , there were 5,204 full-time year-round employed civilians 16 years and older in Atlantic Beach. Of this population, over half (51.4%) are employed in the manage- ment, business, science, and arts occu- pations as shown in the charts below. Occupation Percent Management, business, science, and arts occupations 51.4 Service occupations 12.9 Sales and office occupations 25.9 Natural Resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 5.1 Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 4.7 27 OCCUPATION/EMPLOYMENT The unemployment rate represents the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the civilian labor force. The unemployment rate for the population 16 years and over in Atlantic Beach was 2.9% in 2020. This rate was lower than that reported for Atlantic Beach in 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010. Further, this rate was lower than that reported for Duval County and Flori- da in 2020, both of which were above 5%. Atlantic Beach Florida Duval County 2.9% 5.4% 5.3% 28 29 HOUSING The 2020 ACS reported an estimated 6,774 total housing units within the city of Atlantic Beach, which rep- resents an increase in 595 units since 2010. The chart below shows an estimated 2,899 housing units, roughly 43% of the existing stock, were constructed in Atlantic Beach between 1980 and 2000. The 1980’s experienced the highest increase in housing units of any decade with 1,784 additional units being con- structed. Year Total Housing Units Increase in Housing Units 1970 2,434 - 1980 3,104 670 1990 4,888 1,784 2000 6,003 1,115 2010 6,179 176 2020 6,774 595 30 HOUSING Year Housing units Single-family detached Single-family attached Two or more apartments Mobile home or other type 2010 6,179 58.7% 19.1% 20.7% 1.5% 2015 6,533 60% 14.7% 23.9% 1.4% 2020 6,774 65.6% 15.6% 17% 1.8% According to the 2020 ACS estimates, there were 6,110 occupied housing units within the city. Of these occu- pied units, the majority (65.6%) were single-family detached units. The percentage of the housing units which are single family detached has increased about 7% since 2010 while the percentage of two – and multi-family units has decreased in this time period. 31 32 HOUSING The chart below shows when the housing units in Atlantic Beach were constructed. The chart shows the vast majority of the homes (62.4%) were built between 1970 and 1999 with 1980’s experiencing the highest num- ber of housing units constructed. Of the 6,110 occupied housing units in the city, the 2020 ACS estimates that just over half (51%)of the householders moved to Atlantic Beach between 2010 and 2018. It is estimated that roughly 14% of house- holders moved to the city prior to 1990. 33 34 35 HOUSING Of the 6,774 total housing units reported in Atlantic Beach, an estimated 6,110 (90.2%) were occupied and an estimated 664 (99.8%) were vacant in 2020. Similar to the national trend, the average household size in At- lantic Beach has decreased each decade from 3.18 in 1970 to 2.26 in 2020. When compared to the county and state, Atlantic Beach has a smaller average household size. Year Total Housing Units Vacancy Rate Average Household Size 1970 2,434 8.3% 3.18 1980 3,104 9.9% 2.82 1990 4,888 7.1% 2.56 2000 6,003 6.3% 2.36 2010 6,179 10.5% 2.29 2020 6,774 9.8% 2.26 Of the estimated 6,110 occupied housing units in the city, roughly 72% were owner occupied while the re- maining 28% were renter occupied. The percentage of owner occupied units has increased about 6% since 2000 as shown below. Place Average Household Size Atlantic Beach 2.26 Duval County 2.51 Florida 2.62 36 37 38 HOUSING In 2020, the median home value of owner occupied homes was estimated to be $397,200 in Atlantic Beach, much high- er than that of Duval County and the state of Florida. The map below shows the median home value by census block group. Place Median Home Val- ue (owner occu- pied) Atlantic Beach $397,200 Duval County $195,600 Florida $232,000 39 TRANSPORTATION Of the 7,055 estimated workers 16 years and over in Atlantic Beach, 2.1% do not have a vehicle available for transportation. The remaining 97.9% have one or more vehicles available. The majority of this population (80.6%) drive alone to work in a car, truck or van, while 3.2% walk to work and 2.7% bicycle to work. Further, 9.8% worked from home, which is double the rate reported in 2010. 40 TRANSPORTATION The 2020 ACS estimates 21.9% of workers 16 and over work in Atlantic Beach, while 91.8% of workers 16 and over work in Duval County. The average travel time to work was 25.4 minutes in 2020, similar to that for Duval County and Florida. The time of departure for work varies, however as expected, large portions of workers depart between 7:00am and 8:30am as well as between 9:00am and 11:59pm. Place Mean travel time to work (minutes) Atlantic Beach 25.4 Duval County 24.9 Florida 27.9 41 42 43 44 45 Ecosystem Analysis Topography & Flooding Atlantic Beach is a relatively flat and low-lying coastal community that borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on the West. The highest elevations in the city, ranging from about 10 to over 30 feet above mean sea level, are located along the ocean side where sand dunes have developed over time and the lowest elevations, at or just above sea level, are generally located along the Intracoastal Waterway on the west side of the city. Additional low-lying areas of the city are located along Sherman Creek and Hop- kins Creek, two of the city’s primary drainage basins. As a low-lying coastal community, Atlantic Beach is especially vulnerable to flood risks as experienced during Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Mathew, and the November 2015 Nor ’easter. Unsurprisingly, flooding impacts have been most notable in the lowest areas of the city, notably along the Intracoastal Waterway, near Hop- kins Creek, and along Sherman Creek. In addition, most of the city was developed prior to modern storm- water regulations for flood protection which has further contributed to these flooding issues. In recent years, the city has also experienced the development of lots on the west side of the city that have been historically untouched/ignored due to low-lying topography, wetlands, and flooding concerns. This development trend is expected to continue as remaining undeveloped lots are scarce and the demand for housing in the area con- tinues to increase. As a result, the city has taken several initiatives to address an increasing threat of urban flooding. In 2018, the city updated the Stormwater Master Plan which led to recommended capital improve- ment projects that have since either been implemented or incorporated into the city ’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). In 2019, the city completed a Coastal Vulnerability Assessment which included highly detailed modeling of projected changes in sea levels, rainfall, soil storage, wave sizes and impacts, and increases in impervious surfaces which was then utilized to create projected special flood hazard areas (flood zones) for 25, 50, and 100 year timeframes. In addition to modeling projected flood zones, sea levels, storm surges, nui- sance flooding, and rainfall flooding, the report assessed potential impacts to critical infrastructure and facili- ties as well as private property and has been used to inform the recently approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), proposed code changes, and the completion of the city’s Adaptation Plan in 2021. The Adaptation Plan identifies focus areas within the city and prioritizes critical infrastructure and facilities that are vulnerable to flooding impacts and then recommends strategies to adapt to these projected impacts. Geology The University of Florida identifies the geologic unit for Atlantic Beach as undifferentiated Pleistocene and Holocene coastal deposits. These sediments exist along the present day coast of Duval County and the asso- ciated lagoons and coastal rivers and streams. They are composed of sands, silts and days that sometimes contain varying percentage of organic matter. The sands may contain mica and heavy minerals. The sands are poorly to well sorted depending on the depositional environment. These include beach, marsh and la- goonal sediments which lie on older undifferentiated Quaternary sediments or Nashua Formation. Sand dunes are also present in Atlantic Beach but are not the predominant landform. The quartz sands comprising the dunes may contain shell fragments and often contain 5-10 percent heavy minerals and lies on undifferen- tiated Pleistocene and Holocene coastal deposits. 46 Soils The majority of Atlantic Beach has been developed with either residential or com- mercial development except for the beach and generally undevelopable areas of salt- water marshes. As such, the majority of Atlantic Beach has been identified as Ur- ban Land with the remainder largely iden- tified as a type of fine sand due to the city’s proximity to the coast. The drainage class for nearly all soils range from some- what poorly to very poorly. Map Unit Sym- bol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent AOI Prime Farmland 7 Arents, nearly level 16.07 0.63% No 10 Beaches, very frequently flooded 7.7 0.30% No 14 Boulogne fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes 279.1 11.03% No 22 Evergreen-Wesconnett complex, depressional, 0 to 2 percent slopes 19.76 0.78% No 24 Hurricane and Ridgewood soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes 22.76 0.90% No 29 Kureb fine sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes 37.08 1.47% No 32 Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes 512.62 20.25% No 33 Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequent- ly flooded 1.65 0.07% No 35 Lynn Haven fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes 135.99 5.37% No 36 Mandarin fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes 82.3 3.25% No 42 Newhan-corolla, rarely flooded, complex, gently undulating to hilly, 2 to 20 percent slopes 4.13 0.16% No 49 Pamlico muck, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes 21.27 0.84% No 58 Pottsburg fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes 26.22 1.04% No 62 Rutlege mucky fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, fre- quently flooded 23.28 0.92% No 68 Tisonia mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very fre- quently flooded 423.65 16.74% No 69 Urban land 75.05 2.97% No 71 Urban land-Leon-Boulogne complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes 755.96 29.87% No 99 Water 86.4 3.41% No 47 48 Vegetation & Habitat Tree Canopy. A designated Tree City USA since 1992, Atlantic Beach boasts a tree canopy recognized as one of its most valuable assets by City leadership and citizenry, alike. The canopy largely consists of live oak, slash pine, and cabbage palms. In 2014, the city conducted an urban tree canopy assessment which analyzed digi- tal images of the city’s tree canopy taken in both December, 2003 and January, 2014 in order to estimate changes to the canopy during that time period and to quantify long term impacts from the three hurricanes that passed through the city in 2004. The final report noted that there did not appear to be widespread dis- turbances in the canopy, either natural or human -caused, indicated that property owners appeared to be conscientious in conserving trees on private lands, and spoke positively of the city ’s measures to protect its canopy. The assessment estimated that the city’s tree canopy percentage was at 32% in 2003 and 30% in 2014. If the land areas occupied by marshes, open water, and dunes is deducted from that assessment, this percentage increased to 39% for 2014. These figures compare favorably with the average Florida statewide tree canopy coverage in developed areas of 26.7%, and 32.1% when unplantable areas are eliminated. A sec- ond tree canopy assessment was completed in 2023 for the years 2021 and 2010 which estimated that the city’s tree canopy to be 32% in 2021 and 33% in 2010. Further, in 2017 the City of Jacksonville conducted a tree canopy assessment which estimated the city’s canopy percentage to be 48% in 2015 (excluding open water from the land area). This assessment also estimated the 2015 canopy coverage for the Jacksonville Beaches as a whole to be 29%. 49 Tree Canopy Coverage by Census Block Group (2021) 23% 18% 30% 31% 29% 29% 66% 68% 46% 50 Vegetation & Habitat Land Coverage. Atlantic Beach is a built-out community consisting mostly of developed land. The highest in- tensity of developed land is located along the city’s two commercial corridors of Atlantic Boulevard and May- port Road where suburban type shopping malls with large parking lots as well as wholesale and storage uses occupy much of this land. Additional “medium intensity” developed land is located along the coast where several multi-family developments and dense single family developments exist. The remaining residential areas are generally classified as “low intensity” developed land due to lower residential densities, larger lots, and more tree canopy. Woody wetlands are shown along Shermans Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) while the 350+ acre River Branch Preserve is shown as Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands. Lastly, many of the city’s parks and open spaces make up the pockets of Evergreen Forest shown on the USGS land cover- age map. Forests and woody wetlands provide a host of ecosystem services including climate regulation, wa- ter quality protection, biodiversity conservation, erosion control, air quality maintenance, and recreational, cultural, and aesthetic values. Within the 350+ acre River Branch Preserve, located between the ICW and the city ’s uplands, a 2018 current conditions report found four natural communities; saltwater marsh, mixed hardwood -coniferous, mixed scrub-shrub wetland, and estuarine. Saltwater marsh is an estuarine wetland on muck, sand, or limestone substrate, inundated by saltwater daily tides. No trees are present and vegetation includes a dense herb layer with few shrubs, and common species of saltmarsh cordgrass, needle rush, saltgrass, saltwort, perennial glasswort, and seaside oxeye. Mixed hardwood-coniferous ecosystems have a canopy dominated by sand live oak, live oak, water oak, slash pine, loblolly pin, red cedar, red bay, sabal palm, and southern magnolia. The understory consists of species such as wax myrtle, yaupon holly, gallberry, saw palmetto, wiregrass, and brackenfern. Mixed scrub-shrub wetlands are dominated by vegetation less than 20 feet in height. Soil is often saturated and mucky, occasionally shallowly inundated. Vegetation consists of dense stands of shrubs, with trees often absent or sparse. Common species include sphagnum moss, titi, black titi, fetterbush, large gallberry, laurel greenbier, pond pine, and slash pine. Estuarine habitats include deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands that are usually semi - enclosed by land but have open, partly obstructed, or sporadic access to the ocean, with ocean derived wa- ter at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land. 51 Impervious Surface Coverage by Census Block Group (2021) 20% 55% 44% 32% 49% 34% 23% 22% 38% 52 Hydrology & Aquatic Ecosystems Atlantic Beach is located within the Lower St. Johns Watershed, which covers the portion of the St. Johns Riv- er and its tributaries from Lake George to the mouth of the river at the Atlantic Ocean. The Lower St. Johns River is an elongated estuary that extends about 101 miles from its union with the Ocklawaha River to the Atlantic Ocean, and is joined near its mouth by the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The hydrology of the Lower St. Johns River is highly varied and influenced mainly by the interaction of tide, wind, freshwater flows, and the confines of the river banks and bottom. The Lower St. Johns contains both freshwater and saltwater wet- lands. Salt marshes are common along the ICW in the northern end of the watershed and provide important nursery areas of saltwater commercial fisheries. In Atlantic Beach, tidal salt marsh creeks drain west in the ICW, which then drains to the north in the St. Johns River which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean. Drainage Basins. Stormwater in Atlantic Beach flows to four primary drainage basins; Sherman Creek, Hop- kins Creek, Puckett Creek, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Sherman Creek begins within Howell Park and flows north to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and is where the majority of water in the city drains. Hopkins Creek drains the Royal Palms and Donner subdivisions in the central part of the city and runs south through Neptune Beach into the ICW. Hopkins Creek and Shermans Creek watersheds both originate within the city however only a small portion of the northern end of the Hopkins Creek watershed, approximately 340 acres, is located within the city. The Shermans Creek watershed within the city limits is partially ditched and pri- marily wooded. It originates within Howell Park and flows north through a drainage ditch flowing across the Atlantic Beach Country Club through heavily developed areas until its confluence with Puckett Creek at SR A1A. Areas west of Mayport Road flow into the Intracoastal Waterway or into Puckett Creek. The Puckett Creek headwaters are located near Dutton Island Road on the city ’s northern boundary and flows through the residential and commercially developed areas until its confluence with the Shermans Creek canal at SR A1A where it then flows through salt marsh to Shermans Creek. The City primarily drains through storm- water pipe collection systems that route water to larger ditch/creek systems. The City ’s stormwater discharg- es to the Intracoastal Waterway via direct discharge from ditches, by way of Hopkins Creek or Sherman - Puckett Creek. A majority of the City drains through Hopkins Creek or Sherman-Puckett Creek, which flows through a combination of ditches and large culver crossings owned and maintained by other entities before discharging to the Intracoastal Waterway. 53 54 Hydrology & Aquatic Ecosystems Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Atlantic Beach has approximately 1,085 acres of SFHA area within the city limits, mostly “AE” zones. Generally, the SFHA is shown along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) on the west side of the city, in the Aquatic Gardens area near the Hopkins Creek ditch and pond, along Sherman Creek and canal, and on the beach. These areas correspond to reported flooding issues as well as projected flood- ing issues and priority areas as identified in the city ’s stormwater master plan, coastal vulnerability assess- ment, and adaptation plan. The city has a number of regulations and policies related to flood protection. This includes a minimum finished floor elevation of 8.5 feet NAVD and at least 2.5 feet above the base flood elevation. This requirement is meant to ensure that habitable living area is elevated above potential flood waters. Also, the city requires on-site water retention for all development within the city, including single family, which is extremely rare in the state. New development is required to retain water equal to a 25 -year and 24-hour rainfall (9.3 inches) over the site. Development within a special flood hazard area (SFHA) is also is required to retain water onsite to mitigate for any filling in order to ensure a no net loss of floodplain stor- age. In addition, the city has managed to acquire land within the SFHA for preservation and flood protection purposes. 55 56 57 Hydrology & Aquatic Ecosystems Wetlands. A majority of the wetlands in Atlantic Beach are located along the western coast where the salt- marsh and uplands meet. As undevelopable land in the city becomes scarce, many wetlands areas are seeing increased interest from developers. Wetlands provide flood protection, water quality improvements, erosion control, and habitat for aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals. Recognizing the importance of preserving this environmentally sensitive land, the city has purchased over 350 acres of environmentally sensitive land along the Intracoastal Waterway compromising of three preserves collectively referred to as the “Marsh Pre- serves”. The Marsh Preserves offer the public enjoyment of the saltwater marsh, pine flatwood forests, live oak, magnolia, and water oak forests, and resource-based recreational facilities. The creation of the pre- serves has protected a large land area of undeveloped wilderness within the urban landscape along the In- tracoastal Waterway (ICW) including saltwater marshes, which are the most productive ecosystems on earth. The City’s Comprehensive Plan, the Marsh Master Plan, respective Management Plans, and a recorded ease- ment all serve to ensure that these preserves will remain passive and natural in function. In addition to salt- water marshes, there are “mixed scrub-shrub” and “mixed forested” wetlands along the ICW and “mixed wetland hardwoods” along Shermans Creek toward the center of the city. Beaches. The City of Atlantic Beach contains about two miles of public beaches along the Atlantic Ocean that residents and visitors enjoy year round. There are 21 public beach access points along the beach with most located at a street terminus while a few are narrow easements over private property. The majority of the beach is adjacent to single-family homes, with the exception of several multi-family developments and the One Ocean Resort and Spa. Sand dunes lie between ocean front development and the beach and provide the city’s first line of protection against storm surge. A primary concern of Atlantic Beach, and other Florida coastal communities, is beach erosion caused by wave action. As a response to major erosion experienced in Northeast Florida between the 1950s and 1970s, the Duval County Shore Protection Project was implement- ed in 1978 and since then, six principal renourishments have occurred (1985 -87, 1991, 1995, 2005, 2011 and 2016-17) in addition to periodic placement of maintenance-dredged sand. The beach renourishment occurs about every five to six years to maintain beaches at their original design as part of the project. The renourish- ment is funded in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Duval County. The goal of engineered shore projects is to reduce risk and promote coastal resilience. Shore projects help to reduce the damages – economic, environmental, infrastructure, human health and safety – of tropical storms and hurricanes. Along with providing economic stability and opportunities, beach nourishment projects also have inherent benefits in restoring critical habitat. It provides more sand for en- dangered sea turtles, which normally nest on the same beach where they hatch, to find sufficient areas for nesting. Several species of shorebirds also nest along the beach. And, of course, the beach is essential to the area’s economic driver, tourism. The 2016-17 Project Description: The Duval County shore protection project nourished eroded beaches and rebuilt dunes devastated by Hurricane Matthew ’s passing in October 2016. The City of Jacksonville funded the additional dune work that included building dunes in Jacksonville, Nep- tune and a portion of Atlantic Beach. More than a million cubic yards of sand – equivalent to more than 2.7 billion pounds – was dredged, piped and tilled across about ten miles of county shoreline. Roughly 860,000 cubic yards went to building the beach and another 200,000 cubic yards went to rebuilding dunes. Construc- tion started in mid-September 2016 to widen the beach berm between 20 to 60 feet, and raise the elevation of the beach by about 3 to 5 feet. In addition to beach renourishment, the coastal dunes are protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ’s (FDEP) Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) Pro- gram which regulates structures and activities which can cause beach erosion, destabilize dunes, damage upland properties, or interfere with public access as well as regulations to protect sea turtles and dune plants. A - 1 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A. FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 2 According to the U.S. Census the estimated 2020 population of Atlantic Beach was 13,513. This represents an increase of about 7% from the 2010 census reported population of 12,655. The population increase during the 1990s was a result of several new residential developments within the city such as the Fleet Landing retirement community and the Sevilla Gardens and Selva Linkside neighborhoods. After these developments, the city became mostly “built-out” with limited available land for development. In fact, the city’s population actually decreased between 2000 and 2010 by an estimated 713 people. The increase in population from 2010 to 2020 can largely be attributed to the annexation and development of the Atlantic Beach Country Club which added about 150 single-family homes to the city. Year Population Source 2020 13,513 U.S. Census 2010 12,655 U.S. Census 2000 13,368 U.S. Census 1990 11,636 U.S. Census The city’s population is expected to remain stable with little to no growth anticipated. The city is largely “built-out” with an estimated 49 acres of vacant land, most of which is difficult to develop due to environmental and flooding concerns. Further, the city is experiencing an aging population with the median age and percentage of the population 65 years and over both continuing to increase. Also, single- family homes are accounting for an increasing share of the total residential units in the city, thus lowering residential density, and the average household size within the city continues to decrease. Finally, high vacancy rates within the higher property value areas of the city demonstrate that an increasing share of homes may be vacation or “second” homes. All of these factors indicate a low population growth rate, however, as land continues to increase in value and scarcity, remaining vacant lots will likely be developed resulting in additional population. As such, a 10-year population growth rate of 1% has been applied to project population for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050. Year Projected Population Growth Rate 2030 13,649 1% 2040 13,786 1% 2050 13,924 1% The following inventory of existing land uses is based on the 2023 Duval County Property Appraiser GIS parcel data and real estate tax roll. The total acreage does not include open water, rights-of-way, and beaches within the city limits as these are not parcels included in the GIS data set. Also note that the percentage of total acreage does not equal 100% due to rounding the percentages to the nearest whole number. Land Use Acreage Percent of Total Acreage Residential 1,041 52% Conservation & Parks 509 25% Commercial & Industrial 290 14% Government 69 3% Institutional 51 3% Formatted: Justified Formatted: Normal Formatted Table Formatted Table Formatted: Normal, Centered Formatted: Normal, Line spacing: Multiple 1.04 li Formatted: Centered Formatted Table Formatted: Centered Formatted: Centered Formatted: Centered Formatted: Normal, Line spacing: Multiple 1.04 li Formatted: Normal Formatted: Normal, Line spacing: Multiple 1.04 li Formatted Table Formatted: Left Formatted Table Formatted: Left Formatted: Left 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 3 Vacant 49 2% There are an estimated 163 vacant parcels totaling roughly 49 acres within the City. This number does not include city owned parcels or parcels classified as “waste land” by the property appraiser as these areas are unsuitable for development. Additionally, this number does not include those parcels which were classified as vacant but now have active construction occurring on the site. These vacant parcels are largely scattered throughout the City, with the largest concentration of vacant lots on the western edge of the Marsh Oaks neighborhood (see Map A-8). Much of this area is low in elevation, contains wetlands, and experiences flooding resulting in challenging building conditions. A. Future Land Use Element Goals, Objectives, and Policies Future land use, new development and redevelopment within the City of Atlantic Beach shall be in accordance with the following Goals, Objectives, and Policies and as further controlled by the Land Development Regulations, as may be amended to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of this Comprehensive Plan. Development areas shall be defined by the land use categories described within the Future Land Use Element and as depicted on the Future Land Use Map, included in this Plan amendment as Map A-1 of the Future Land Use Map Series. Pursuant to Section 163.3194(1), Florida Statutes, as may be amended, all Development undertaken, and all actions taken in regard to Development, shall be consistent with this Comprehensive Plan. Further, all Land Development Regulations enacted or amended shall be consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan, and in the event of inconsistency between the requirements of any zoning or Land Development Regulations and the Comprehensive Plan, the regulatory provisions of this Comprehensive Plan shall prevail. Goal A.1 The City shall manage growth and redevelopment in a manner, which results in a pattern of land uses that: 1) encourages, creates and maintains a healthy and aesthetically pleasing built environment, 2) avoids blighting influences, 3) preserves and enhances coastal, environmental, natural, historic and cultural resources, 4) maintains the City’s distinct residential community character, 5) provides for reasonable public safety and security from hazardous conditions associated with coastal locations, 6) that provides public services and facilities in a timely and cost effective manner, and 7) that encourages energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources. Objective A.1.1 Environmental Resources Land development activities and project review procedures shall include requirements intended to protect natural environmental features and improve the physical characteristics of the City so as to ensure the conservation and protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas, as defined by Policy D.3.2.8 of the Coastal Conservation Element and any other natural resources including wetlands, wildlife habitats, estuarine systems, and surface and groundwater resources. Formatted: Normal, Centered, Line spacing: Multiple1.04 li Formatted: Normal, Line spacing: Multiple 1.04 li Formatted: Normal 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 4 Policy A.1.1.1 Land development within the City shall be permitted only where such development is compatible with environmental limitations of the site and only when submitted plans demonstrate appropriate recognition of topography, soil conditions, flooding conditions, trees, vegetation and other Environmentally Sensitive Areas, including wetlands and coastal resources, and habitat protection of rare, endangered or threatened species and areas of unique natural beauty. Policy A.1.1.2 The City shall maintain an inventory of lands, which possess significant environmental features, habitats, and areas of unique interest or beauty. The potential for development proposals to adversely impact such areas shall be considered prior to the issuance of development permits. Policy A.1.1.3 The City shall protect potable water well fields and surface waters from the adverse impacts of development and shall prohibit the establishment of incompatible land uses adjacent to potable water wells. Such incompatible land uses shall include all Industrial and manufacturing uses, but shall also include uses, which have the potential to contaminate surface water or groundwater resources. Objective A.1.2 Wetlands, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Estuarine Environments The City shall protect, conserve and enhance the natural functions of existing wetlands, marsh and estuarine systems, and other Environmentally Sensitive Areas in order to maintain the quality and function of natural systems and wildlife habitats. Note: The terms “wetlands” or interchangeably “natural wetlands” as used within this Plan shall mean those wetland areas which have been created through natural means or through restoration or wetland creation projects of government agencies having authority over these resources, and shall not be construed to include stormwater ponds, or other manmade drainage facilities, which may be designated as jurisdictional for the purpose of stormwater management, but which are not natural Wetlands. Policy A.1.2.1 The City shall protect natural wetlands and other Environmentally Sensitive Areas, as may be identified by Map A-52 and Map A-4 of the Future Land Use Map Series or as may be identified by other accepted environmental survey methodologies, and their functions from the adverse impacts of development by maintaining the following required upland buffers between wetlands and adjacent development as set forth herein and as also implemented through the Land Development Regulations. (a) After the effective date of this plan amendment, a minimum natural vegetative upland buffer of fifty (50) feet shall be required and maintained between developed areas and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) regardless of any other regulatory agency requirement of a lesser distance. This requirement shall also apply to the portions of tributaries, streams, or other water bodies connected to the Intracoastal Waterway. Such portions of the ICW and these tributaries, streams, or other water bodies subject to this buffer requirement shall be established by the presence of a Mean High Water Line of the adjacent tributary, stream or other water body as established in accordance with Section 177.26, Florida Statutes, and such Mean High Water Line 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 5 shall be depicted on all Site Plans, proposed development plans, and other documents submitted for review and permitting. The fifty (50) foot upland buffer shall be measured from the Mean High Water Line.St. Johns River Water Management District or Florida Department of Environmental Protection Wetland jurisdictional line. Determinations of vested rights which may supersede the requirement for this 50 foot buffer shall be made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Land Development Regulations and applicable Florida law. (b) In addition to the buffer listed above, a minimum natural vegetative upland buffer of fifty (50) feet shall be required and maintained between developed areas and wetlands for all development and subdivisions of three (3) or more lots. However, single- and two-family lots of record platted prior to the effective date of this plan amendment shall be exempt from this fifty (50) foot buffer, but shall maintain a twenty-five (25) foot natural vegetative buffer between developed areas and wetlands. Buffers shall be measured from the Water Management District or State jurisdictional wetland line. the case of other natural wetland areas, which may not be directly connected to Intracoastal related streams or waterways as described above, but are part of the coastal marsh and estuarine system, a natural vegetative upland buffer of twenty-five (25) feet shall be required and maintained between development and adjacent wetlands. Where required, such buffer shall be measured from the jurisdictional wetland line as established by the appropriate regulatory agency. (c) With the exception of facilities to provide public access for the recreational use of Intracoastal related natural resources, any buffers as may be required by preceding paragraphs (a) or (b) shall be maintained in a natural state with the exception of the clearing of Understory Vegetation as defined by Chapter 23 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, and any such clearing shall be approved by the City and if required, the appropriate State or Federal agency prior to any form of clearing, alteration or disturbance of a required buffer. (d) Where remaining natural wetlands have been damaged or degraded over time through previous development, storm events, improper drainage runoff or other adverse activities, but where wetland vegetation and habitat still are predominant in quantity on a proposed development site, all plans submitted for review or permitting shall demonstrate a plan for mitigation, restoration, enhancement or recovery of jurisdictional wetlands. It is the express intent of the City that no net loss of jurisdictional wetlands occur through any development action within the City. Any impacted wetlands on a development site shall be replaced elsewhere on the same site or elsewhere within the City of Atlantic Beach. The City shall incorporate appropriation provisions within the Land Development Regulations to further implement this policy. Policy A.1.2.2 The City shall protect wetlands and estuarine environments from the adverse impacts of development and shall prohibit the establishment of incompatible land uses adjacent to 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 6 wetlands. Such incompatible land uses shall include all Industrial uses, but shall also include uses, which have the potential to disturb, contaminate or degrade wetland functions or natural systems associated with wetlands and estuaries. Policy A.1.2.3 The City shall require that, as a condition of development approval, new construction projects provide effective stormwater management, which avoids the contamination of Environmentally Sensitive Areas, wetlands, marsh and estuarine environments in accordance with applicable water quality standards of the St. Johns River Water Management District, the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permit and Stormwater Management Plan and the Land Development Regulations, as may be amended. Policy A.1.2.4 The City shall not issue development permits that would significantly alter wetland communities and functions. Policy A.1.2.5 New development shall be subject to the stormwater regulations as set forth within the Land Development Regulations, and post development conditions shall not discharge any increased level of stormwater run-off into the City’s stormwater system. Policy A.1.2.6 The City shall enforce all applicable wetland regulations, including those as set forth within the Conservation and Coastal Management Element of this Plan, and shall continue to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to provide for the effective protection of wetlands, marsh and estuarine systems, and other Environmentally Sensitive Areas within and adjacent to the City. Policy A.1.2.7 The City shall encourage shorelines lacking wetland vegetation to be planted with native vegetation in order to minimize potential flood damage, stabilize the shoreline and trap sediments and other non-point source pollutants, and provide additional habitat for fish and wildlife. Policy A.1.2.8 The City shall support and encourage the development of a strict flood plain management program by state and local governments to preserve hydrologically significant wetlands and other natural flood plain features. Objective A.1.3 Maintaining Residential Character The City shall encourage future development and redevelopment, which 1) retains the exceptionally high quality of life and the predominantly residential character of the City of Atlantic Beach, 2) provides for the preservation and protection of the dense tree canopy, and 3) which provides for varied and diverse recreational opportunities, including the preservation, acquisition and development of public access to the beach, Intracoastal Waterway and other water-related resources, and which provides for and maintains energy efficient land use patterns. Policy A.1.3.1 Additional commercial or industrial development shall be permitted only on those lands that are zoned to permit such development as of the adoption date of this Plan amendment, or following adoption of an amendment to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", Hanging: 1.01" 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 7 In considering any such application for a FLUM amendment, the City shall find that each of the following conditions are demonstrated by the applicant seeking said amendment. (a) There are adequate public facilities available to serve the proposed development. (b) The proposed commercial or industrial development shall not have adverse impacts to surrounding neighborhoods, other properties, the natural environment, the aesthetic qualities of the City and shall not impair or degrade scenic natural views. (c) There is a demonstrated deficiency of commercial or industrial lands within the City to serve the needs of residents of the City for such uses. Policy A.1.3.2 The City shall continue to rigorously enforce its tree protection, landscaping and buffering regulations, as well as the City’s “Adopt-a-Tree” and right-of-way tree planting program. Policy A.1.3.3 The City shall continue to manage, preserve and construct facilities that provide diverse opportunities to all residents for both passive and active recreation, including parks, nature preserves, trails and bikeways, skateboard parks and ball fields, dune crossovers, waterway accesses and associated amenities. Policy A.1.3.4 The City shall not permit, either through public or private action, public access ways to the beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, or other waterways, which are open to the public as of the date of adoption of this Plan amendment, to be closed, vacated or restricted from public use in any manner. Policy A.1.3.5 The City shall continue to expand opportunities and facilities for public access to the beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, and associated creeks and marshes for passive and natural resource based recreation activities, such as hiking and biking, canoeing and kayaking, birding, fishing and other similar activities that have limited impact on these resources. Objective A.1.4 Historic PreservationOld Atlantic Beach Sites, structures, and neighborhoods, which have been identified as having historic, architectural, archaeological, civic or cultural importance, shall be protected from damage or destruction, and the preservation of such valuable resources shall be encouraged by the City. Policy A.1.4.1 Sites and structures within the City, which are determined to have historic or archeological significance, and which are found to be worthy of preservation in accordance with standards established by the Florida Division of Historical Resources, shall be protected to the extent possible. Policy A.1.4.2 The City shall encourage the preservation of significant historic and archaeological sites through public information programs, incentives and recognition of the preservation efforts of individuals and organizations. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 8 Policy A.1.4.3 The City shall maintain within its Land Development Regulations provisions intended to retain the unique community identity, the architectural character, and the residential scale of that area of the City known as Old Atlantic Beach. Objective A.1.5 Sound Development Patterns The City shall maintain development patterns, which 1) prevent blighting influences and eliminate nonconforming uses; 2) foster diverse and stable neighborhoods; 3) protect coastal and environmental resources; 4) provide proper locations for public facilities and utilities and energy-efficient land use patterns, and 5) which encourage healthy and aesthetically pleasing living conditions. Policy A.1.5.1 The City shall review all applications for development permits to determine compliance with the Land Development Regulations, particularly with regard to provision of open space, required parking, on- site traffic flow, appropriate signage, impervious surface area limits, landscaping and tree protection so as to avoid traffic congestion, hazardous public safety conditions and inefficient land use, which may also result in harmful environmental or aesthetic effects. Policy A.1.5.2 The City shall consider, in conjunction with the issuance of all development permits within its boundaries, the impacts of development upon adjacent jurisdictions, regional service entities, regional planning policies, and hurricane evacuation plans. Further, the City shall cooperate with such entities to ensure equitable, timely, and coordinated urban development activities. Policy A.1.5.3 The City shall not permit expansion or replacement of land uses in a manner that is inconsistent with this Comprehensive Plan, as amended. Policy A.1.5.4 The City shall continue to enforce provisions for landscaping and other buffering methods as set forth within the Land Development Regulations, in order to prevent and minimize incompatible land use relationships, excessive noise transmission, and to provide screening of unattractive views and to enhance the aesthetic qualities of streets, neighborhoods, and public areas of the City. Policy A.1.5.5 Flexible regulatory methods shall be utilized to provide incentives for achieving environmental enhancement, economical land development and energy efficient patterns of land use that provide for an appropriate mix of uses within the City. Policy A.1.5.6 Commercial and light industrial development shall be located and designed so as to minimize adverse effects on residential areas, traffic facilities and the aesthetic character of the City. Policy A.1.5.7 Public facilities and utilities shall be located and designed to provide the most cost effective service and to minimize public inconvenience 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 9 Policy A.1.5.8 The City shall permit residential development only in compliance with the residential density limitations as set forth within the Land Development Regulations, and as designated on the Future Land Use Map in accordance with the following table. Table A-1. Residential Land Use Classification and Permitted Density Residential Land Use Classification Maximum Density Permitted per Acre Residential – Low Density (RL) Up to six (6) Dwelling Units Residential – Medium Density (RM) UpSeven (7) to fourteen (14) Dwelling Units Residential – High Density (RH) UpFifteen (15) to twenty (20) Dwelling Units Policy A.1.5.9 The City shall permit non-residential development only in compliance with the following non-residential intensity standards for commercial and industrial land use classifications as designated on the Future Land Use Map and in accordance with the following table. Table A-2. Non-Residential Intensity Standards Classification Maximum Floor Area Ratio* Impervious Surface Area Limit Commercial 2.50 - .70 Floor Area Ratio 70% maximum Central Business District 2.50 - .70 Floor Area Ratio 70% maximum Industrial .25 - .71.0 Floor Area Ratio 70% maximum Public and Semi-Public .50 - .70 Floor Area Ratio 70% maximumAs set forth in the land development code for the applicable zoning district. * The Floor Area Ratio is determined by dividing the gross floor area of a building by the size of the property upon which the building will be constructed. Objective A.1.6 Preservation of Older Neighborhoods The City shall preserve the sound structural condition and the diverse character of the built environment of the City and shall encourage development programs and activities that are directed at infill development as well as the conservation, redevelopment and re-use of existing structures and the preservation of and re- investment in older neighborhoods. Policy A.1.6.1 The City shall continue to implement code enforcement procedures in order to prevent physical deterioration and blight throughout the City. Policy A.1.6.2 The City shall encourage and assist in the revitalization of older neighborhoods that provide housing for very low, low and moderate- income residents, particularly neighborhoods 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 10 containing sound, but aging housing stock, where adequate public services and facilities re existing. Policy A.1.6.3 The City shall discourage redevelopment practices that displace very low, low and moderate-income residents. Objective A.1.7 Coordination with Other Agencies and Adjacent Cities The City shall coordinate its planning and development activities with the resource management plans of the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Department of Environmental Protection, the City of Jacksonville and the City of Neptune Beach, as well as with other private entities and public agencies, as may be appropriate. Policy A.1.7.1 The City shall develop and adopt regulations and policies, which are consistent with resource management plans of other government agencies and any special districts within which the City is located. Policy A.1.7.2 The City shall not issue local development permits prior to the issuance of any other required permit from County, State or Federal agencies having jurisdiction and permitting authority over the proposed development. Issuance of a required permit from County, State or Federal agencies shall not be a presumption of any entitlement to a local Development Permit. Objective A.1.8 Post-Disaster Redevelopment The City shall encourage innovative land development approaches and concepts in the event of post disaster redevelopment, which will have the effect of reducing dependence upon automobile travel, conserving valuable natural resources and Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and preventing property damage as well as threats to human safety and security. Policy A.1.8.1 Opportunities for encouraging the use of innovative land development practices shall be provided within the Land Development Regulations. Policy A.1.8.2 The City shall continue to be a participating agency in the Duval County Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) and shall continue to implement the goals and objectives of the LMS. Policy A.1.8.3 The City shall identify the Coastal High Hazard Area as the area below the Category 1 storm surge line as established by the Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricane (SLOSH) computerized storm surge model pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. Policy A.1.8.4 Within residential development areas, that are within the Coastal High Hazard Area, as depicted by the Coastal High Hazard Area map, adopted as Map DA-13 of the Future Land Use Map Series and made part of this Plan, the City shall not approve Plan or Map amendments that increase residential densities. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 11 Policy A.1.8.5 The City shall not approve changes to Zoning District classifications or amendments to the Future Land Use Map that would have the effect of increasing populations with special hurricane evacuation needs, as described within Section 252.355, Florida Statutes. Objective A.1.9 Public Services and Facilities The City shall coordinate future land development and redevelopment with the availability of public services and facilities so as to avoid deficient levels of service as established within this Plan. Policy A.1.9.1 Development permits issued by the City shall be conditioned upon the availability of facilities and services necessary to serve the proposed development, and facilities and services shall be authorized at same time said development is approved. Facilities and services shall meet the established levels of service as adopted in this Comprehensive Plan and shall be available concurrent with the impacts of development, or an alternative means of meeting concurrency requirements shall be provided. Policy A.1.9.2 The City shall amend its Land Development Regulations as appropriate to effectively implement the land use classifications as adopted on the Future Land Use Map and as required to meet the Objectives and Policies set forth within this Plan. Objective A.1.10 Surrounding Land Uses The City shall continue to maintain a development character, which is compact in form, orderly in its land use pattern, and diversified in its makeup so as to ensure employment opportunities, affordable housing, a pleasant living environment, and cost-effective and energy efficient public services. Policy A.1.10.1 The City shall undertake land annexation only when it can demonstrate an ability to provide services and facilities in a manner that maintains the level of service standards as set forth within this Plan and only when such annexation contributes to the orderly growth and development of the region within which the City is situated. Policy A.1.10.2 Those areas of the City, which are designated as Development Areas, are substantially developed as of the adoption date of this Plan with no opportunity for sprawl development. The City shall not, however, approve amendments to the Future Land Use Map that would convert areas designated as Conservation to Development Areas where adverse impacts to wetland and estuarine systems would result from development activities. Adverse impacts shall be presumed to result from activities, which contaminate, diminish the quantity or degrade wetlands and Environmentally Sensitive Areas, or natural functions and systems associated with such areas. Policy A.1.10.3 The City shall encourage the clustering of uses in locations where infrastructure facilities are available or where extensions and enlargements can be achieved efficiently, particularly with respect to commercial infill development along the Mayport Road corridor. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 12 Policy A.1.10.4 The City shall actively support the appropriate redevelopment and infill development of the Mayport Road corridor. Retail and service uses that sustain neighborhoods, and 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 13 encourage a more aesthetically pleasing and pedestrian friendly environment shall be encouraged. New development along Mayport Road shall be in compliance with the Commercial Corridor Development Standards as set forth within the Land Development Regulations. Policy A.1.10.5 Along the Mayport Road corridor, the continuation and proliferation of light industrial uses, automotive sales and repair businesses and other more intensive commercial business activities shall be discouraged in favor of those businesses and uses that provide neighborhood serving retail products and services that generate daily activity and interaction between residents of the surrounding neighborhoods such as banks, drugstores, restaurants, churches, child care centers, grocery stores and similar businesses and uses. Objective A.1.11 Appropriate Land Use Patterns The City shall provide for land use, development and redevelopment in an efficient manner, which supports the land use designations as set forth within the 2030 Future Land Use Map; which enforces the residential densities and the limitations upon the type and intensity of uses, and which results in development appropriate to the sensitive coastal location of the City, particularly with respect to the predominantly residential character and small-town scale of the City. Policy A.1.11.1 The lands use categories, as depicted upon the 2030 Future Land Use Map (FLUM), which is Map A-21 of the Future Land Use Map Series, shall permit the following uses and activities. (a) Conservation – Conservation lands shall include those lands so designated on the FLUM. These areas are generally composed of open land, water, marsh and wetlands and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Conservation lands may be either publicly or privately owned. It is intended that the natural and open character of these areas be retained and that adverse impacts, which may result from development, shall be prohibited or minimized. Adverse impacts shall be presumed to result from activities, which contaminate or degrade wetlands and Environmentally Sensitive Areas, or natural functions and systems associated with such areas. Permitted uses within the Conservation category shall be limited to the following and shall be further controlled by the Land Development Regulations. • Activities intended for the conservation, re-establishment and re-nourishment, or protection of natural resources. • Recreation uses and facilities that are customarily described as passive in nature including, but not limited to, fishing, hiking and biking, canoeing, kayaking, and the use of other similar small, quiet low-speed watercraft. • Very low intensity outdoor or water-dependent recreational related uses (excluding commercial marinas) that are determined not to be in conflict with the 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 14 intent of the Conservation category, subject to applicable Federal, State and local policies and permitting requirements. (b) Commercial – The Commercial land use category is intended to provide appropriate locations for neighborhood and community businesses providing services and retail sales for the City and the closely surrounding communities. Government, civic, religious, cultural and institutional uses, may also be located within this category. Permitted uses within the Commercial category, along with uses that may be allowed by special exception, shall be limited to the following and as more specifically described within the Land Development Regulations and when located within the respective Zoning District classifications, which are intended to provide a decreasing level of use intensity due to proximity to residential uses. Residential uses, not exceeding the Medium Density category shall also be permitted, provided that such residential development shall not be permitted within the Coastal High Hazard Area. • General Commercial. These areas shall include those businesses that provide retail goods and services, which serve the routine and daily needs of residents, including banks and professional services, grocery and convenience stores, restaurants, accredited public and private schools and child care, but not including manufacturing, warehousing, storage, mini-warehouses, mini-storage, personal storage, or high intensity commercial activities of a regional nature, or uses that have the potential for negative impact to surrounding properties due to excessive noise, light or extremely late hours of operation. Residential uses, not exceeding the Medium Density category shall also be permitted, when in conjunction with, or adjacent to commercial development and redevelopment, provided that such residential development shall not be permitted within the Coastal High Hazard Area. • Limited Commercial. These areas shall include low intensity office, service and retail businesses that are compatible when located in close proximity to neighborhoods. These uses are intended primarily to serve the needs of the closely surrounding neighborhood. Large-scale discount super-centers or “BigBox” retailers or similar intense commercial uses intended to serve a regional market are not permitted within the Limited Commercial category. • Professional and Office. These areas shall be limited to small neighborhood scale businesses and professional offices that are compatible with, and have no measurable or noticeable adverse impacts, upon surrounding residential uses. Such uses include offices for doctors and dentists (but not clinics or hospitals), accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, land surveyors, real estate brokers, financial planners, insurance and real estate agents and the like. (c) Central Business District – This area contains a well-established pattern and character of development, and permitted uses include retail, office, restaurant, and certain entertainment uses, which contribute to the commercial, civic and cultural vitality of the City as illustrated within the Atlantic Beach Town Center area. The Central Business District is an economic, cultural, historic and architectural anchor of the City. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 15 In order to sustain these qualities, new development and redevelopment within the Central Business District shall be reflective of the architectural styles and fabric of the area. Consistency and compatibility with the existing built environment shall be considered in the review and issuance of Development Permits within the Central Business District. Residential uses, not exceeding the Medium Density category shall also be permitted, when in conjunction with, or adjacent to commercial development and redevelopment, provided that such residential development shall not be permitted within the Coastal High Hazard Area. (d) Saltair Business District - This general area was originally developed by the Saltair Development Corporation in 1925. Today this area reflects a mixed development pattern that transitions between the historic Town Center and suburban retail to the west along Atlantic Boulevard with Sturdivant Avenue to the north. The land use category was created to allow the Town Center to expand incrementally towards Sailfish Drive without creating conflicts with properties zoned Commercial General. Residential uses, not exceeding the Medium Density category shall also be permitted, when in conjunction with, or adjacent to commercial development and redevelopment, provided that such residential development shall not be permitted within the Coastal High Hazard Area. The following zoning districts are consistent with the Saltair Business District land use category and the uses within this category shall be limited to the following and as more specifically described within the Land Development Regulations and when located within the respective zoning district: • Central Business District – This area contains a well-established pattern and character of development, and permitted uses include retail, office, restaurant, and certain entertainment uses, which contribute to the commercial, civic and cultural vitality of the City as illustrated within the Atlantic Beach Town Center area. The Central Business District is an economic, cultural, historic and architectural anchor of the City. In order to sustain these qualities, new development and redevelopment within the Central Business District shall be reflective of the architectural styles and fabric of the area. Consistency and compatibility with the existing built environment shall be considered in the review and issuance of Development Permits within the Central Business District. • General Commercial. These areas shall include those businesses that provide retail goods and services, which serve the routine and daily needs of residents, including banks and professional services, grocery and convenience stores, restaurants, accredited public and private schools and child care, but not including manufacturing, warehousing, storage, mini-warehouses, mini-storage, personal storage, or high intensity commercial activities of a regional nature, or uses that have the potential for negative impact to surrounding properties due to excessive noise, light or extremely late hours of operation. (e) Marsh Oaks Business District - This area was identified during the 2018 Mayport Road Visioning Implementation Plan for pedestrian friendly redevelopment. The land use category was created to allow properties to redevelop with a Traditional Marketplace 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 16 zoning district without creating conflicts with properties zoned General Commercial and Limited Commercial. Residential uses, not exceeding the High Density category shall also be permitted, when in conjunction with, or adjacent to commercial development and redevelopment, provided that such residential development shall not be permitted within the Coastal High Hazard Area. The City in its Land Development Code, shall provide density bonuses or special design considerations to provide affordable housing. The following zoning districts are consistent with the Marsh Oaks Business District land use category and the uses within this land use category shall be limited to the following and as more specifically described within the Land Development Regulations and when located within the respective zoning district. • General Commercial. These areas shall include those businesses that provide retail goods and services, which serve the routine and daily needs of residents, including banks and professional services, grocery and convenience stores, restaurants, accredited public and private schools and child care, but not including manufacturing, warehousing, storage, mini-warehouses, mini-storage, or personal storage, or high intensity commercial activities of a regional nature, or uses that have the potential for negative impact to surrounding properties due to excessive noise, light or extremely late hours of operation. • Limited Commercial. These areas shall include low intensity office, service and retail businesses that are compatible when located in close proximity to neighborhoods. These uses are intended primarily to serve the needs of the closely surrounding neighborhood. Large-scale discount super-centers or “BigBox” retailers or similar intense commercial uses intended to serve a regional market are not permitted within the Limited Commercial category.  Traditional Marketplace – This area contains development standards similar to the Central Business District with an expanded range of permitted uses more consistent with General Commercial. The permitted uses include a mixture of residential, retail, office, restaurant, and certain entertainment uses, which contribute to the commercial, civic and cultural vitality of the City. New development, including without limitation redevelopment, within this area shall reflect urban design principles that promote bicycle and pedestrian activity such as minimal building setbacks which allow buildings to be closer to streets and adjacent property lines. (f) Light Industrial – The Light Industrial category shall be limited to light manufacturing and production, storage, warehousing and distribution uses as further controlled by the Land Development Regulations. Light industrial uses may have outdoor storage and business related activity, but such uses shall not include processes that create negative effects to surrounding properties due to noise, heat, fumes, debris, chemicals or hazardous materials. Formatted: No underline 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 17 (g) Public and Semi-Public – These areas include uses such as accredited public and private schools, government uses, buildings, structures, utilities and public services and infrastructure, including police, fire and emergency services. (h) Recreation and Open Space – These areas include public and private parks, open space, passive and active recreation areas. Note: Some park and open space lands may be more appropriately designated as Conservation, such as the public lands on the western marsh front. All beach areas that are seaward of private property lines shall be considered as Recreation. Permitted uses shall include active and passive recreation activities including bikeways and pedestrian trails, skateboard parks, ball fields, tennis courts and the like. Public safety uses, including lifeguards, fire, and police services may be located in Recreation areas. The use and development of Recreation areas shall be further controlled by the Code of Ordinances for the City of Atlantic Beach and the Land Development Regulations. (i) Residential – Residential uses shall be permitted in those areas so designated in accordance with the applicable permitted density and as further controlled by the Land Development Regulations and the Florida Building Code. (j) Electric Distribution Substations – New electric distribution substations shall be a permitted use in all land use categories within a utility's service territory except those designated as preservation, conservation, or historic preservation on the Future Land Use Map or by duly adopted ordinance. The standards as set forth in Section 163.3208, Florida Statutes, shall apply. (k) Public Schools – Public schools shall be a permitted use in all land use categories except for lands designated as Conservation and lands located within the Coastal High Hazard Area. Policy A.1.11.2 The Future Land Use Map and all Maps included within the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Map Series are adopted herewith as part of this Plan. In the event of any conflict between any Maps and the text of the Plan, the text of the Plan shall control. Policy A.1.11.3 The City’s Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, zoning or other maps, and any regulations within the City’s Code of Ordinances related to the use and development of land shall be subordinate to the Comprehensive Plan and the Future Land Use Map, which is part thereof. Policy A.1.11.4 Where interpretation is required to determine exact boundaries as depicted upon the Future Land Use Map, boundaries shall be determined by the nearest property line, the right-of-way line of Streets, municipal boundaries, section, township and range lines, or environmental or geographic features which serve as natural boundaries, as may be appropriate. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 18 Policy A.1.11.5 The Commercial District, Central Business District, Saltair Business District and Marsh Oaks Business District densities and intensities will be governed by tables A.1 and A.2. Policy A.1.11.6 The Commercial District, Central Business District, Saltair Business District and Marsh Oaks Business District use distributions will be governed by tables A.3. Table A-3. Mixed-Use Distribution Standards Uses Maximum Percent Residential 70% Commercial 70% Light Industrial 5% Public and Semi-Public 10% Recreation and Open Space 25% Electric Distribution 5% Public Schools 5% Objective A.1.12 Public Schools and School Planning Any new public schools within the City shall be located in accordance the Comprehensive Plan and with the procedures set forth within the Interlocal Agreement for Public School Facility Planning, adopted pursuant to Section 163.3177, Florida Statutes, between the Duval County School Board, the City of Atlantic Beach, the City of Jacksonville, the City of Neptune Beach, the City of Jacksonville Beach and the Town of Baldwin and in accordance with Public School Facilities Element of this Plan. Policy A.1.12.1 The City shall maintain its shared use agreements with the single public school within the City (Atlantic Beach Elementary) and shall continue to encourage the shared use of public facilities. Policy A.1.12.2 The City shall coordinate with the Duval County School Board and the Navy to advocate for the retention of elementary and middle schools which serve this community, particularly Navy personnel and their families where these schools serve the particular and special needs of the military community. Objective A.1.13 Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Provisions for Public Participation in the Planning Process The City shall have the authority to amend the adopted Comprehensive Plan in accordance with the process established within Section 163.3184, Florida Statutes, and shall, establish procedures to provide for the review and amendment of the Comprehensive Plan. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 19 Policy A.1.13.1 As required by Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, the City shall evaluate its comprehensive plan once every seven years to determine if plan amendments are necessary to reflect changes in state requirements and notify the state land planning agency as to its determination. prepare and adopt an Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) in accordance with the schedules and procedures as established by the State land planning agency. Policy A.1.13.2 The City shall provide for the public notification, review and the public participation in all amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and also in the preparation and adoption of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report. Policy A.1.13.3 The City shall not support amendments to the Future Land Use Map or the Plan, which would authorize development within Conservation and Environmentally Sensitive Areas that may be reasonably foreseen to have adverse impacts to such areas unless such impacts are mitigated with equal resource replacement within the City. Policy A.1.13.4 Applications to amend the Comprehensive Plan shall be reviewed and evaluated based upon the following factors: (a) Consistency with the Goals, Objectives and Policies of this Plan; (b) Consistency with the State Comprehensive Plan and the Northeast Florida Strategic Regional Policy Plan; (c) Consistency with other adopted policies and plans of the City, the County, the State or other agencies having regulatory authority over the City; (d) The potential for adverse impacts to Environmentally Sensitive Areas, the natural environment or the aesthetic quality of the City, andor (e) The potential to cause deficiencies in adopted levels of service or to adversely impact available water supplies, public facilities, infrastructure and services. Objective A.1.14 Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation The City shall encourage the development and use of renewable energy resources in order to conserve and protect the value of land, buildings, and resources, and to promote the good health of the City’s residents. Policy A.1.14.1 The City shall maintain an energy efficient land use pattern and shall continue to promote the use of transit and alternative methods of transportation that decrease reliance on the automobile. Policy A.1.14.2 The City shall continue to encourage and develop the “walk-ability and bike-ability” of the City as a means to promote the physical health of the City’s residents, access to recreational and natural resources, and as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy A.1.14.3 The City shall develop and implement an energy management plan to minimize electric, fuel and water resources in City buildings, fleet vehicles and on public properties. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 20 Policy A.1.14.4 No action of the City shall prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar collectors, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on a building and as further set forth within Section 163.04, Florida Statutes. Policy A.1.14.5 Public buildings and facilities shall be constructed, and adapted where reasonably feasible to incorporate energy efficient designs and appropriate “green” building standards. Green building standards that should be observed are contained in the Florida Green Commercial Building Designation Standard, Version 2.0, published by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. Policy A.1.14.6 The City shall continue to promote and enforce energy efficient design and construction standards as these become adopted as part of the Florida Building Code. The City shall also promote commercial and residential standards that are promulgated from time to time by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. Objective A.1.15 Military Compatibility and Coordination with Naval Station Mayport The Florida Legislature finds that incompatible development of land close to military installations can adversely affect the ability of such an installation to carry out its mission; that such development also threatens the public safety because of possibility of accidents occurring within the areas surrounding the military installation; that the economic vitality of a community is affected when military operations and missions must relocate because of incompatible urban encroachment; and that it is desirable for local governments to cooperate with military installations to encourage compatible land use, help prevent incompatible encroachment, and facilitate the continued presence of major military installations. The City of Atlantic Beach, as a municipality in close proximity and with strong cultural and economic ties to Naval Station Mayport, shall cooperate with the military installation, shall coordinate on land use decisions that may affect the mission of the military installation, and shall support development practices that are compatible with the land uses of the military installation. Policy A.1.15.1 The City of Atlantic Beach shall transmit to the Commanding Officer, Naval Station Mayport, or his or her designee, information relating to proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan, and proposed changes to the Land Development Regulations, which, if approved, would affect the intensity, density, or use of land in close proximity to the military installation. At the request of the Commanding Officer, the City of Atlantic Beach shall also transmit copies of applications for development orders requesting a variance or waiver from height or lighting restrictions or noise attenuation reduction requirements within areas defined as being in a zone of influence of the military installation, as defined in Map A-6, Military Influence Zone, of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Map Series. The Commanding Officer shall be afforded adequate opportunity to review and comment on the proposed changes prior to final action. Policy A.1.15.2 The Commanding Officer, Naval Station Mayport, or his or her designee, may provide advisory comments to the City of Atlantic Beach on the impact of such proposed changes 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 21 may have on the mission of the military installation. Such advisory comments shall be based on appropriate data and analysis provided with the comments and may include: (a) Whether such proposed changes will be compatible with the safety and noise standards contained in the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) adopted by Naval Station Mayport for the on-premise airfield; and (b) Whether the military installation’s mission will be adversely affected by the proposed actions of the City of Atlantic Beach. The Commanding Officer’s comments, underlying studies, and reports shall be considered by the City of Atlantic Beach in the same manner as the comments received from other reviewing agencies pursuant to Section 163.3184, Florida Statutes. Policy A.1.15.3 The City of Atlantic Beach shall take into consideration any comments and accompanying data and analysis provided by the Commanding Officer or his or her designee, as they relate to the strategic mission of the base, public safety, and the economic vitality associated with the base’s operations, while also respecting private property rights and not being unduly restrictive on those rights. To this end, the City shall promote development strategies that discourage incompatibility and provide alternative means to preserve development rights, including the following: (a) In instances where these policies result in limitations on the ability of the landowner to utilize their land pursuant to its current land use and zoning designation, the City shall support land use map amendments and rezoning to compatible uses. (b) In instances where nonresidential uses that are consistent with current land use and zoning designation, but incompatible with military influence zones, are discontinued for a period of twelve consecutive months or more, the City shall not allow those nonresidential uses to be restarted under the Land Development Regulations. (c) In instances where land within the Military Influence Zone is proposed for development, the City shall require techniques such as Planned Unit Development or Special Planned Area zoning to cluster development away from accident potential zones. The City shall forward a copy of any comments regarding Comprehensive Plan amendments to the state planning agency. Policy A.1.15.4 The City of Atlantic Beach, in order to facilitate the exchange of information and foster close coordination and communication, shall maintain a representative appointed by the Commanding Officer, Naval Station Mayport, as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the City’s local planning agency. The designated military representative shall be notified of all meetings and provided copies of all agenda packets. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A - 22 Policy A.1.15.5 The City of Atlantic Beach shall coordinate grant writing and management efforts with Naval Station Mayport, and the Commanding Officer is encouraged to provide information about any community planning assistance grants that may be available to the City through programs such as those of the Federal Office of Economic Adjustment as incentive to participate in a joint planning process that would further facilitate the compatibility of community planning and the activities and mission of Naval Station Mayport. B - 1 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 2 B. Transportation Element Introduction This Transportation Element has been prepared to meet the requirements of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. The 1990 Plan contained only a Traffic Circulation Element; however, Section 163.3177(6)(j), Florida Statutes was amended in 1994 to require each unit of local government within an urbanized area to adopt a Transportation Element in lieu of the more limited Traffic Circulation Element. The Transportation Element “shall provide for a safe, convenient multimodal transportation system, coordinated with the future land use map or map series and designed to support all elements of the comprehensive plan.” (Section 163.3177(6)(b), Florida Statutes). In addition, the element addresses traffic circulation; alternative modes of travel; parking; hurricane evacuation capacity; land use densities to support public transportation and energy efficient strategies for reducing greenhouse gases. Existing and planned Transportation Facilities are identified within Maps B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-4 of the Future Land Use Map Series. This Transportation Element provides an analysis of transportation and mobility issues within the City of Atlantic Beach. A planning timeframe of twenty years is incorporated into the analysis of future conditions. Traffic data from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and the City’s Department of Public Works has been compiled into this element. Quality/Level of Service (Q/LOS) Standards and Criteria According to the 2023 FDOT Multimodal Q/LOS Handbook, quality of service (QOS) is a traveler-based perception of how well a transportation service or facility operates. Level of Service (LOS) is essentially a measure of the quality of the operating characteristics of a street or highway for each travel mode. There are four major travel modes: automobile, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit. Factors involved in determining the LOS include speed and safety, as well as travel time; traffic conflicts and interruptions; freedom to maneuver; convenience and comfort; and operating costs. Motorized vehicle LOS quantifies quality of service into six letter grades: Level of Service (LOS) is a method of describing the operating conditions of a roadway for various traffic volumes. It is a qualitative measure of the effect of a number of factors including speed and travel time, traffic interruptions, freedom to maneuver safely, driving comfort, convenience, and operating costs. Measurement criteria to establish traffic circulation efficiency goals are often expressed in terms of average speed for arterial streets and highways. Because of the difficulty in measuring actual average speeds, traffic flow or Level of Service (LOS) comparison is used to show a measure of efficiency along the roadway. Levels of service represents a range of operational conditions, not a precise number or volume. The following are general descriptions of the six Levels of Service as established by the Transportation Research Board, 1997. LOS A – This is a condition of free flow, accompanied by low volumes and high speeds. Traffic density is low, with uninterrupted flow speeds controlled by driver desires, speed limits, and physical roadway conditions. Little or no restriction in maneuverability due to the presence of other vehicles enables drivers to maintain their desired speeds and arrive at their destinations with little or no delay. LOS B – This is a condition of stable flow, with operating speeds somewhat restricted by traffic conditions. Drivers still have reasonable freedom to select their speed and lane of operation. Reductions in speed are not unreasonable, with a low probability of traffic flow being restricted. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 3 The lower limit (lowest speed, highest volume) of this Level of Service has been used in the design of highways. LOS C – This is still a stable flow, but speeds and maneuverability are more closely controlled by the higher volumes. Most drivers are restricted in their freedom to select their own speed, change lanes or pass. A relatively satisfactory operating speed is still obtained, with service volumes suitable for urban design practice. LOS D – This Level of Service approaches unstable flow, with tolerable operating speeds being maintained, though considerably affected by changes in operating conditions. Fluctuations in volume and temporary restrictions to flow may cause substantial drops in operating speeds. Drivers have little freedom to maneuver, and comfort and convenience are low. These conditions can be tolerated, however, for short periods of time. LOS E – This Level of Service cannot be described by speed alone, but represents operations at low operating speeds, typically, but not always, in the neighborhood of 30 miles per hour, with volumes at or near the capacity of the highway. Flow is unstable, and there may be stoppages of momentary duration. This Level of Service is associated with operation of a roadway at capacity flow. LOS F – This describes a forced-flow operation at low speeds, where volumes are well above capacity. In the extreme, traffic comes to a standstill. These conditions usually result from vehicles backing up from a restriction. The section under study will be serving as a storage area during parts or all of the peak hour. Speeds are reduced substantially, and standstills may occur for short or long periods of time because of the downstream congestion. The most recent edition of the FDOT Level of Service Standards Handbook was used to estimate the standards for determining acceptable and unacceptable operating conditions for roadways within the City of Atlantic Beach. The FDOT Handbook incorporates standardized service volumes for each of the LOS designations listed above. The Handbook is a tool to provide for a general overview of the operating conditions of the roadway segments. More refined methods can be used during concurrency review for those segments where a more detailed traffic engineering analysis is critical for determining whether there exists adequate roadway capacity. The FDOT Handbook determines service volumes based on a number of standardized factors. These factors include; 1) area type; 2) roadway functional classification; 3) number of lanes; 4) median type; and 5) number of signals per mile. The FDOT’s LOS Policy Handbook sets the minimum motorized vehicle Level of Service targets standards for roadways on the State Highway System. The LOS target standards for an urbanized area of over 500,000 people apply to roadways within Atlantic Beach, in that the since the City of Atlantic Beach is part of the Jacksonville Urbanized Area. The FDOT motorized vehicle LOS target for state roadways during peak travel hours in urbanized areas is LOS D. standard for all roadways in such an urbanized area is LOS D. However, pursuant to S. 163.3180(10), Florida Statutes, a local government may adopt alternative LOS standards for any State roadway that is not on the Florida Intrastate Highway System (FIHS). None of the roadways within the City of Atlantic Beach are on the FIHS; therefore, LOS standards lower than those adopted by FDOT may be adopted. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 4 The 2023 handbook uses level of traffic stress (LTS) as a performance measure to evaluate bicycle and pedestrian quality of service. LTS only addresses comfort traveling along a facility as it relates to facility type, width, and continuity; vehicular posted speeds; vehicular volumes; and separation from traffic. It does not address the impacts of intersection design or delay, crossing frequency, or number of driveways. Bicycle level of stress BLTS is a performance measure that quantifies the amount of discomfort that people feel when they bicycle close to traffic. BLTS considers bicycle facility type, facility width, posted speed, separation from traffic, and traffic volume to assess the roadway environment. BLTS designates quality of service in to four categories: BLTS 1: The level that most children can use confidently. BLTS 2: The level that will be tolerated by most adults. BLTS 3: The level tolerated by confident cyclists who still prefer having their own dedicated space for riding. BLTS 4: The level tolerated only by those with limited route or mode choice or cycling enthusiasts that choose to ride under stressful conditions. Pedestrian level of stress (PLTS) quantifies the amount of discomfort that people feel when they walk along a road within the right of way. PLTS considers existence of sidewalks, sidewalk continuity, sidewalk width, posted speed, separation from traffic, and vertical separation to assess the roadway environment. PLTS designates the quality of service into four categories: PLTS 1: The level suitable for all users including teenagers traveling along, the elderly, and people using a wheeled mobility device. People feel safe and comfortable on the pedestrian facility and all users are willing to use the pedestrian facility. PLTS 2: The level where all users are able to use the facility and most users are willing to use the facility. PLTS 3: The level where some users are willing to use the facility, but others may only use the facility when there are limited route and mode choices available. PLTS 4: The facility is difficult or impassible by a wheeled mobility device or users with other limitations in their movement and most likely used by users with limited route and mode choice. Roadway Classifications The FDOT utilizes two roadway classification systems, the traditional functional classification of roadways and the newer context classification of roadways. Functional and context classification should be considered together when determining the role and function of a roadway. Functional classification defines the role that a particular roadway plays in servicing the flow of vehicular traffic through the transportation network. Roadways are assigned to one of several possible functional classifications within a hierarchy described below and in accordance with the FDOT 2020 Functional Classification Handbook. See Map B-1 for functional classification of roadways within the city. • Principal Arterial: Serves a large percentage of travel between cities and other activity centers, especially when minimizing travel time and distance is important. • Minor Arterial: Provides service for trips of moderate length, serves geographic areas that are smaller than their higher arterial counterparts, and offers connectivity to the higher arterial system. • Collector: Collects traffic from local streets and connects them to arterials; more access to adjacent properties compared to arterials. • Local: Any road not defined as an arterial or collector; primarily provides access to land with little or no through movement. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 5 More significant than FDOT’s functional classification of roadways, is the newer system of context classifications. This new system is used to plan and design roadways in greater harmony with the surrounding land use characteristics. The context classification assigned to a roadway helps identify anticipated users of a roadway and is used to inform key design elements such as design speeds, lane widths, and types of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The classification system includes: • C1 – Natural • C2 – Rural • C2T – Rural Town • C3R – Suburban Residential • C3C – Suburban Commercial • C4 – Urban General • C5 – Urban Center • C6 – Urban Core Existing Operating Conditions Roadways – An inventory of the existing transportation network within the City of Atlantic Beach was undertaken to determine the type of transportation systems available, functional classification of roadways, and context classification of state roadways number of through lanes, corresponding capacities and daily volumes. Within the city, there are two arterial roadways - Atlantic Boulevard (SR 10) and Mayport Road (SR 101). Both roadways are state operated and designated hurricane evacuation routes (Map A-3b). The FDOT’s current context classification, as shown in Map B-2, assigns Atlantic Boulevard west of Seminole Road and Mayport Road north of Dutton Island Road as C3C. It assigns Atlantic Boulevard east of Seminole Road and Mayport Road south of Dutton Island Road as C4. Atlantic Boulevard (State Road 10) is one of three major roadway corridors from I-95 to the County’s beaches. It is also the most heavily traveled of the three corridors, primarily because it is the most direct route from the communities of Jacksonville to the Mayport Naval Station. The Navy base is one of the largest employers within the County. Within the City, Atlantic Boulevard is a divided six-lane arterial roadway with several signalized intersections. A construction project was completed in 2002 that widened Atlantic Boulevard to six-lanes over the Intracoastal Waterway. Commercial establishments are located on both the north and south sides of Atlantic Boulevard, and much of the existing traffic results from motorists entering and exiting driveways that serve these establishments. Mayport Road extends from the southern limits of the City at Atlantic Boulevard to the northern limits of the City near Assisi Lane. Mayport Road continues within the City of Jacksonville providing access to the Mayport Naval Station and on to the north as State Road A1A. Numerous local public streets and driveways intersect with Mayport Road on both sides of the roadway. These streets and driveways serve mostly low to moderate density residential and strip-type commercial developments. In March 2002, the Mayport Flyover was completed and opened to traffic. The Mayport Flyover provides an interchange at the intersection of the two most traveled roadways within the City of Atlantic Beach. Construction of the Flyover alleviated a traffic problem identified in the 1990 Traffic Circulation Element. The intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and Mayport Road was identified as operating at LOS F prior to completion of the Mayport Flyover. The Wonderwood Connector, which was completed and open to traffic in 2007 provides an alternative east-west connection between the City of Atlantic Beach, Mayport Village, Naval Station Mayport and I-295. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 6 All other streets within the city are designated as collector or local roadways, see Map B-1. Seminole Road, Ocean Boulevard, Plaza, and Sherry Drive are urban collectors, which primarily serve the residential areas north of Atlantic Boulevard, and east of Mayport Road. Similarly, Levy Road and Dutton Island West are collectors that primarily serve the residential and commercial areas west of Mayport Road. Local roads predominately serve single- and two-family residential developments. These are all two-way, two-lane roadways and experience relatively low traffic volumes with low accident rates. Due to the built-out status of the city, no significant changes in traffic volumes are expected on these roadways. The Wonderwood Connector, which was completed and open to traffic in 2007 provides an alternative east-west connection between the City of Atlantic Beach, Mayport Village, Naval Station Mayport and I295. Table B-1. FDOT Traffic Volumes Street Link 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Atlantic Boulevard San Pablo Rd to Florida Blvd exit 49,000 48,000 51,500 42,500 41,500 51,500 Atlantic Boulevard Florida Blvd exit to Penman Rd 34,500 37,000 38,500 31,000 40,500 36,500 Atlantic Boulevard Penman Rd to 3rd St 23,000 24,500 25,000 21,000 26,000 24,500 Atlantic Boulevard Mayport Rd to Westbound on-ramp 12,000 12,000 12,500 11,000 11,000 11,000 Atlantic Boulevard Westbound exit to Mayport Rd 5,800 5,800 5,600 5,300 7,400 5,900 Mayport Road Atlantic Blvd to Forrestal Circle S 29,000 26,700 28,200 23,800 26,400 22,500 Mayport Road Forrestal Circle S to Donner Rd 36,000 35,500 38,000 29,500 34,500 34,500 Mayport Road Donner Rd to SR-A1A 27,400 27,500 30,500 25,500 29,500 27,000 Mayport Flyover Atlantic Blvd to W 6th St 8,900 8,700 9,500 8,300 8,600 8,900 Seminole Road Atlantic Blvd to 17th St 6,800 6,900 7,000 6,800 6,800 6.800 Sherry Drive Atlantic Blvd to Seminole Rd 5,400 5,500 5,600 5,400 5,400 5,400 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 7 Source: Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Table B-2. City Traffic Volumes Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Street Block Classification Year ADT Donner Road 200 Collector 2023 1,368 Dutton Island Rd W 200 Collector 2019 2,351 East Coast Drive 500 Collector 2023 1,782 Levy Road 200 Collector 2020 2,740 Ocean Boulevard 300 Collector 2023 1,465 Plaza 800 Collector 2023 7,814 Royal Palms Drive 300 Collector 2020 2,874 Sailfish Drive 500 Collector 2023 2,087 Source: City of Atlantic Beach Traffic counts for each location were conducted over one week. Where more than one count was completed for the same street, the most recent data was used. Table B-3 below shows the assessed vehicle level of service (LOS) and level of traffic stress (LTS) for arterial and collector roadways within the city. Context classifications were assigned for collector roadways based on their surrounding land uses and development patterns in accordance with the 2022 FDOT Context Classification Guide. The LOS and LTS ratings for Atlantic Boulevard and Mayport Road were derived using 2021 traffic volume data and the 2023 FDOT QLOS Handbook generalized service volume tables. The vehicle LOS for collector roadways is based on the QLOS Handbook criteria for non-state roadways. The bicycle and pedestrian LTS ratings for collector roadways were completed in accordance with the criteria below which was influenced by the 2023 FDOT QLOS Handbook. Note that all collector roads are two-lane and 25 MPH. Bicycle LTS: Arterials: follow flow charts within the QLOS Handbook. Collectors: - 8’+ Shared use path on both sides of the road = LTS 1 - Separated (physical barrier) bicycle lanes = LTS 1 - 8’+ Shared use path on one side of the road = LTS 2 - Bicycle lanes or paved shoulders = LTS 2 - No facilities = LTS 3 Local roads: - Shared use path, bicycle lanes, or paved shoulders = LTS 1 - No facilities with residential land use = LTS 2 - No facilities with commercial land use = LTS 3 Pedestrian LTS: Arterials: follow flow charts within the QLOS Handbook. Collector and Local roads: - Continuous sidewalk on both sides of the road = LTS 1 - Continuous sidewalk on one side of the road = LTS 2 - No sidewalk and ADT = or < 1,000 ADT = LTS 3 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 8 - No sidewalk and over 1,000 ADT = LTS 4 Table B-3. Roadway LOS & LTS Street Functional Classification Context Classification Vehicle LOS Bicycle LTS (BLTS) Pedestrian LTS (PLTS) Atlantic Boulevard Principal Arterial West of Flyover Ramp C3C C 4 3 Ramp to A1A to W A1A Junction C3C F 4 4 East of Mayport Rd C3C & C4 D 4 2 Donner Road Collector C3R C 2 2 Dutton Island Road W Collector C3R C 3 2 East Coast Drive Collector C3R C 3 2 Levy Road Collector C4 D 3 2 Mayport Road Minor Arterial South of Dutton Island Rd C4 C 4 3 North of Dutton Island Rd C3C C 4 3 Ocean Boulevard Collector C3R C 3 1 Plaza Collector C3R C 2 1 Royal Palms Drive Collector C3R C 3 2 Sailfish Drive Collector C3R C 3 2 Seminole Road Collector C3R C 1 1 Sherry Drive Collector C3R C 2 2 Table B-3 shows that all roadways, except for a 0.4 mile stretch of Atlantic Boulevard, meet or exceed their respective minimum vehicle LOS. Collector roadways are operating well under the LOS D service volume (ranging from roughly 5% to 40% of the service volume). Needs Assessment and Future Traffic Projections There have been a number of traffic improvements within and surrounding the City of Atlantic Beach that have addressed capacity issues on major roadways. The Mayport Flyover addressed the capacity problems experienced at the intersection of Mayport Road and Atlantic Boulevard. The widening of Atlantic Boulevard to six- lanes over the Intracoastal Waterway significantly increased capacity for the improved segments of Atlantic Boulevard. Completion of the Wonderwood Connector has improved traffic patterns within the northeast section of the County. Most recently, construction of raised landscaped medians and improvements to access management conditions has improved the aesthetic quality and safety of Mayport Road. The City is close to build out and the majority of future development will be infill redevelopment. As a result, the city’s permanent population is stabilizing and local and collector roadways are not expected to experience significant increases in traffic volume. Therefore, the city is focused on enhancing multi-modal transportation options with a focus on pedestrians and bicyclists and will continue to coordinate with the FDOT, North Florida TPO, and Duval County in doing so. Further, access management is a priority, notably on the city’s two arterial roadways, for improved safety for all roadway users. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 9 In 2018, the Mayport Road Vision Implementation Plan was completed. As part of this study, an initial analysis of roadway capacity and level of service (LOS) was performed on the section of Mayport Road south of Dutton Island Road. The analysis demonstrated that Mayport Road currently operates well below its capacity, suggesting that the roadway, in its current state, is wider than needed which encourages speeding and pass-through trips. The Mayport Road Vision Implementation Plan recommends the following transportation improvements to the roadway: • Reduce the posted speed of Mayport Road from 45 MPH to 35 MPH to improve safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists. • Provide intersection improvements at Plaza and Donner streets, such as bricked crosswalks, gateway signage, bulb-outs and better pedestrian lighting to improve safety. • Providing enhanced landscaping in the form of street trees within the right-of-way to provide a sense of enclosure and calm traffic. • Provide pedestrian refuges within existing medians. • Reduce building setbacks along Mayport Road to define the street edge and enhance the pedestrian experience. • Initiate a Complete Streets Plan or a Lane Reduction Plan. Table B-1. Projected Traffic Volumes Street Link 2010 2015 2020 S.R. AIA 0.1 mile North of SR 101 17,417 18,467 19,517 S.R. 101 0.1 mile North of SR A1A 35,667 38,167 40,667 S.R. AIA 200 feet North of Church Street 54,417 57,167 59,917 S.R. AIA North of 2nd Street 43,417 45,167 46,917 S.R. AIA South of 11th Street 57,333 59,833 62,333 SR 10 175 feet West of Third Street 35,250 37,000 38,750 SR 10 East of SR AIA (East of Ramps) 45,333 48,333 51,333 A linear regression analysis was performed to calculate the projected traffic volumes. For the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan EAR based updates it is suggested that the above descriptions replace the current traffic descriptions provided in the Plan. (NEFRC used the TTMA and PTMS sites to determine the best suited sites to report in the Transportation Element) Table B-4. Projected Annual Average Daily Trips (AADT) Street Link 2027 2030 2035 2040 Atlantic Boulevard San Pablo Rd to Mayport Flyover 56,931 58,968 62,363 65,757 Atlantic Boulevard Mayport Flyover to Mayport Rd 50,697 52,348 55,100 57,851 Atlantic Boulevard Mayport Rd to 3rd St. 34,414 35,479 37,254 39,029 Mayport Road Atlantic Blvd to Dutton Island Rd 34,725 35,745 37,445 39,144 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 10 Mayport Road Dutton Island Rd to Wonderwood Dr 25,286 25,988 27,159 28,330 Source: Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Mass Transit Transit service within the City of Atlantic Beach is provided by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). The JTA operates three two routes through the City including two local routes with service 7 days a week and one community shuttle with a fixed route and curbside service 6 days a week. Route 10 is a local route operating along Atlantic Boulevard, connecting the South Beach area of Jacksonville Beach to downtown Jacksonville. Route 24 is the other local route providing a loop between Mayport Village to the north of the City and the Atlantic Village shopping center on Atlantic Boulevard. Route 303 is the community shuttle and consists of a loop that connects the Atlantic Village shopping center on Atlantic Boulevard, with the Mayo Clinic via Penmen Road and South Beach Parkway. The JTA is currently constructing a Bus Rapid Transit route as part of their First Coast Flyer system that will connect Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach with Downtown Jacksonville. There is also the Mayport express route 202 operating rush hour service six days a week north of the City between Naval Station Mayport and the Regency area of Jacksonville. The transit routes, which serve the City of Atlantic Beach, are part of a larger system of transit routes that were redesigned as a result of JTA’s efforts to enhance service within eastern Duval County. These routes have been successful in meeting the transit needs for the City of Atlantic Beach. Following the discontinuation of the Beaches Trolley, the JTA partnered with Beach Buggy to provide transportation to residents and visitors of Atlantic Beach. Beach Buggy provides free rides and operates zero-emission, long range, electric carts and passenger vans. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities In 2021, Tthe City completed a bicycle and pedestrian connectivity plan to serve as a long-range planning tool to shape the direction, development and delivery of on and off-street facilities that help create safe and comfortable connections to neighborhoods, recreation amenities, commercial districts, schools, community centers and the beach, and as a guide to assist with decision-making on matters pertaining to budgeting on and off street amenities. This document analyzed existing conditions, identified opportunities, and provided cost estimates and implementation tools. Previous studies and plans were used to inform this plan including a pathway planning and public participation study in collaboration with the City of Neptune Beach and the City of Jacksonville Beach in 2002. This collaboration produced a general and conceptual plan for a system of bike and pedestrian routes to connect each of the three beach Cities, and also provides for a better system of east-west bikeway connections within each City and to other existing or planned facilities. Based on the findings of the study a priority list of desired routes was developed and the City of Atlantic Beach has adopted a phased development approach to implement the interconnected multi-use path system. The first phase of the City’s bikeway plan was in completed in 2004. The plan was updated in early 2009, and development of future phases will continue as budget resources permit with consideration to community desires. In addition, the North Florida TPO completed the 2019 Regional Multi-Use Trail Plan which included recommendations for bicycle facilities including bike lanes, sharrows, and wayfinding on local roadways. These recommendations were incorporated into the city’s connectivity plan. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 11 Bike and pedestrian facilities continue to be a high priority to this community in order to provide for a high level of recreational activity, energy efficiency and conservation and decreased reliance on vehicular transportation. In 202018, construction was completed began on a Safe Routes to School project along Sherry Drive and Seminole Road that identified in the bikeway plan. Once completed, the project will links approximately 1.4 miles of residential neighborhoods to the Atlantic Beach Elementary School with an eight foot multiuse path. In 2021, an eight foot multiuse path was completed along a one-half mile stretch of Seminole Road, south of City Hall, which connects residential areas with two parks, city hall, and to commercial businesses. In 2023, an eight foot multiuse path was also constructed on the north side of Donner Road from Mayport Road to Sandpiper Lane. According to the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Safety Plan, corridors with C3C or C4 context have the highest likelihood of bicycle and pedestrian crashes based on the exposure and risk in these areas. Mayport Road and Atlantic Boulevard, the city’s two arterial roadways, are designated as C3C and C4 roadways. To improve bicycle and pedestrian safety on Mayport Road, a lane re-purposing project that will include a shared use path along the east side of Mayport Road is included in the North Florida TPO’s 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). See Map B-4 for existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities. B. Transportation Element Goals, Objectives, and Policies All transportation related activities within the City of Atlantic Beach shall be in accordance with the following Goals, Objectives, and Policies. Goal B.1 The City shall provide a safe, reliable and efficient roadway system with reasonable operational and maintenance characteristics. Objective B.1.1 Safe Roadway Conditions The City shall develop and maintain a roadway system that provides the safest possible environment for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Policy B.1.1.1 The City shall maintain a program to promote the safety of all activities occurring on streets and within right-of-ways under the City’s jurisdiction. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 12 Policy B.1.1.2 The City’s Department of Public Works shall be responsible for the planning, review, supervision and coordination of all activities that impact the safety characteristics of the roadway system. Policy B.1.1.3 The City shall develop and maintain its roadway system in accordance with the minimum criteria as set forth within the FDOT’s Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance for Streets and Highways. Policy B.1.1.4 The City shall require warrants for installation of new traffic control devices and coordinate their efforts with FDOT. Policy B.1.1.5 The City shall coordinate traffic signal systems with FDOT. maintain coordinated or traffic actuated traffic signal systems. Objective B.1.2 Construction and Maintenance Standards The City shall maintain procedures for construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of all city roads, as well as and also for utility and emergency services functions, which provide for safe roadway operating conditions during these activities. Policy B.1.2.1 The City shall continue to implement the Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance for Streets and Highways prepared by the FDOT for minimum requirements of work site safety. Policy B.1.2.2 The City shall maintain its program of work site safety, and all roadway plan reviews and permit applications shall be reviewed for compliance with established Maintenance of Traffic and Safety Practices. Policy B.1.2.3 The City shall coordinate construction scheduling within the public right-of-ways and shall minimize whenever possible, any adverse impacts to normal traffic flow resulting from such construction. Objective B.1.3 Operating Conditions The City shall provide streets with operating characteristics that conform to established and accepted standards so as to ensure safe conditions for vehicles, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Policy B.1.3.1 The City shall accept the most recent2010 Highway Capacity Manual definitions for Levels of Service, which utilize qualitative measures for establishing the operational characteristics of the various roadways. Policy B.1.3.2 The City shall manage land development regulation changes and prioritize transportation infrastructure improvements to meet or exceed the target The minimum Level of Service (LOS) and Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) standards, as established by FDOT, and as shown by 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 13 the following tables, shall be applicable to all local streets and State highway system facilities within the City of Atlantic Beach. Table B-52. City of Atlantic Beach Planning Area Minimum Vehicle Levels of Service (LOS) Freeways Level of Service D Principal Arterials Level of Service D Minor Arterials Level of Service E Collector Streets Level of Service E Local Streets Level of Service E Table B-6. Minimum Pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) Roadway Classification Minimum LTS Minimum Facilities Arterial (40 MPH or greater) 2 Continuous 6’+ sidewalk on both sides with vertical and horizontal separation. Arterial (< 40 MPH) 2 Continuous 6’+ sidewalk on both sides with horizontal separation. Collector (commercial) 1 Continuous sidewalk on both sides of the road. Collector (residential) 2 Continuous sidewalk on one side the road. Local (commercial) 1 Continuous sidewalk on both sides of the road. Local (residential) ADT < 1,000 3 No facilities. ADT = or > 1,000 2 Continuous sidewalk on one side of the road. Table B-7. Minimum Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) Roadway Classification Minimum LTS Minimum Facilities Arterial 1 10’+ shared use path or separated bicycle lane on both sides of the road. Collector 2 Shared use path (8’+) on one side of the road or buffered bicycle lanes on both sides of the road. Local (commercial) 1 Shared use path, bicycle lane, or paved shoulder. Local (residential) 2 No facilities. Policy B.1.3.3 The City shall make vehicle LOS determinations on an as needed basis by utilizing Average Daily Traffic (ADT) and/or peak hour data with the methods established in the most recent2010 Highway Capacity Manual. Policy B.1.3.4 The City shall maintain provisions for landscaping and other buffering methods within the Land Development Regulations so as to prevent inappropriate land use relationships; prevent noise transmission; provide screening of unattractive views; and enhance the aesthetic qualities of streets, neighborhoods, and public areas of the City. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 14 Policy B.1.3.5 The City shall support the incorporation of bike paths and pedestrian way systems in the design of new roadway facilities and the upgrading of existing facilities in accordance with accepted design standards and in response to the demonstrated need for such facilities based on applicable survey data or information maintained by the City and the North Florida TPO. Goal B.2 The City shall provide an integrated system of streets that encourage and facilitate coordinated and compatible land use patterns, including the integration of private development with public transportation facilities. Objective B.2.1 Operating Standards The City shall meet all accepted design and operating standards in the design and construction of all streets within its jurisdiction. Policy B.2.1.1 The City shall coordinate with FDOT for the incorporation of minimum standards for roadway construction, reconstruction and maintenance for City streets as presented in FDOT Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance for Streets and Highways and the FDOT Access Management Manual. Policy B.2.1.2 Minimum design standards for the construction of new streets or the reconstruction of existing streets shall be in accordance with FDOT roadway and traffic design standards. Policy B.2.1.3 Traffic control devices on private property shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, as published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Objective B.2.2 Private Driveways and Access Management The City shall, to the extent feasible, provide for the satisfactory resolution of conflicts between the public roadway system and private driveways and parking areas in order to enhance public safety as well as existing and future neighborhood environmental conditions. Policy B.2.2.1 The City shall ensure proper management of the connections and access points of driveways and private roads to State roadways by coordination of development permitting with FDOT to achieve applicable design standards. Policy B.2.2.2 The City shall protect existing and future right-of-ways from building encroachment by on- going coordination with the North Florida TPO and FDOT to establish right-of-way requirements for future widening projects prior to issuance of development permits. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 15 Policy B.2.2.3 New development sites and redevelopment sites shall be required, where possible, to provide for interconnectivity and the sharing of existing access points to major arterials. Public streets shall not be used as an integral part of the internal circulation pattern of a commercial development. Policy B.2.2.4 The City shall coordinate traffic planning and development permitting with State and Federal agencies so as to assist in implementing air quality improvement programs. As part of the North Florida TPO, air quality status and future projection levels are monitored. FDOT uses the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Model (NFRPM) to monitor air quality. The future projections come from estimated building permit, housing and traffic projections provided by each entity in North Florida area. Policy B.2.2.5 The City shall continue to enforce land use and subdivision regulations to provide for the safe and convenient on-site traffic flow, considering motorized and non-motorized traffic movements and parking requirements. Policy B.2.2.6 The spacing and location of access points shall be predicated upon reducing conflicts between and among motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Objective B.2.3 Provision of Sidewalks, Bikeways and Multi-use Facilities All new right-of-ways established within the City shall be of adequate width to provide for bikeways, sidewalks or similar facilities as required to encourage safe and increased pedestrian and bicycle activity. Where possible, existing right-of-ways should provide for bikeways, sidewalks, or similar facilities to encourage safe and increased pedestrian and bicycle activity. Policy B.2.3.1 All new streets, including unimproved existing right-of-ways, shall be constructed to provide for safe use by bicycles, and where sufficient right-of-way exists, separated bicycle paths shall be provided. Policy B.2.3.2 All new residential developments containing five or more dwelling units shall provide for internal sidewalks, bike paths, or multi-use paths, and it shall be the responsibility of the developer to construct such facilities and to provide connections to any other such public facilities existing on adjoining lands. Policy B.2.3.3 All existing rights-of-way shall be reviewed when resurfaced, redesigned or modified to provide for bikeways, sidewalks, multi-use paths, or similar facilities throughout the city to provide linkages to schools, parks, and other destination points. Policy B.2.3.4 The City shall seek opportunities to repurpose or add new rights of way to enhance connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 16 Objective B.2.4 Coordination with Transportation Agencies The City shall coordinate its transportation related activities with the plans and programs of all transportation facility providers including the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Policy B.2.4.1 Coordination of transportation activities should include the following: • Supervision and/or coordination of all activities to promote safe and efficient operation. • Coordination of all activities to provide consistency within a given jurisdiction. • Coordination with adjacent jurisdictions to develop a compatible transportation system. • Coordination with others transportation modes to promote overall transportation efficiency.The City shall continue to enforce land use and subdivision regulations to provide for the safe and convenient on-site traffic flow, considering motorized and non-motorized traffic movements and parking requirements. Objective B.2.54 Energy Efficient Strategies The City shall maintain its existing street patterns, which have developed to provide a network of connected neighborhoods and an ability to walk, bike and travel throughout the City with minimum vehicular travel miles and minimal traffic congestion. Policy B.2.54.1 New retail and commercial services development and redevelopment shall be designed to provide maximum opportunity for accessibility to transit, for pedestrians and bicycles and where possible, shall connect to adjacent commercial uses. Policy B.2.54.2 Strategies to promote mixed-use development and redevelopment in appropriate locations, which shall be those locations that currently have Commercial land use designations or High Density Residential land use designations, and where adjacent to other commercial development or adjoining commercial corridors, shall be used to provide opportunities for living in proximity to the workplace as an alternative housing and transportation choice. Policy B.2.54.3 Mixed-use development and redevelopment as described in the preceding Policy shall not be construed to permit industrial or intense commercial activities in combination with or close proximity to new or existing residential uses, but rather to provide for an appropriate mix of residential and neighborhoods serving retail, services and office types of uses where the need for vehicular miles travelled can be minimized. Policy B.2.5.4 The City may require new development and redevelopment to support alternative modes of transportation through such measures including, but not limited to, the provision of sidewalks, bikeways, transit stops or other facilities that support alternative modes of transportation. Goal B.3 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT B - 17 The City shall work towards developing an integrated and connected multimodal transportation system of Complete Streets that serves all neighborhoods. Objective B.3.1 Complete Streets Transportation projects shall strive to create a network of continuous bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly routes, including routes that connect with transit and allow for convenient access to work, home, commercial areas, and schools. Policy B.3.1.1 All new construction and reconstruction of roadways shall be planned, designed, constructed, and maintained to benefit all users, with consideration given to land use context, right-of-way availability and costs. Policy B.3.1.2 The City shall consider all elements of the right-of-way and utilize all applicable Complete Streets policies as part of roadway repaving and resurfacing projects. Policy B.3.1.3 The City shall work to ensure the gradual implementation of Complete Streets policies on existing streets, and incorporate these policies into applicable projects included in the Capital Improvements Program. Policy B.3.1.4 Street trees, landscaping and amenities that provide shade and promote aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environments for walking and cycling shall be incorporated into Complete Streets projects. Policy B.3.1.5 Promote infrastructure that facilitates crossing of the right of way, such as accessible curb ramps, crosswalks, refuge islands and pedestrian signals, where applicable. Policy B.3.1.6 Promote complete streets that contribute to the slowing down of traffic, reduce pollution and emissions, improve environmental quality and provides for local economic opportunities, where applicable. Policy B.3.1.7 The City shall request that Complete Streets policies are incorporated into projects funded by outside agencies such as FDOT. C - 1 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENT C. INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENT C - 2 Introduction The Infrastructure Element is “correlated to principles and guidelines for future land use, indicating ways to provide for future potable water, drainage, sanitary sewer, solid waste, and aquifer recharge protection requirements for the area”, as specified in Section 163.3177(6)(c), Florida Statutes. Potable Water The City provides potable water to customers within the city limits (Atlantic Beach Service Area) as well as the Buccaneer Service Area which is located in the City of Jacksonville north of city limits. The system consists of nine Floridan aquifer supply wells, four water treatment plants with ground storage tanks, two elevated storage tanks, and an interconnected distribution system. The City’s potable water supply is fresh groundwater pumped from the Florida aquifer. Florida Statutes require the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) to prepare a water supply plan for a 20-year planning period in order to ensure that existing water sources are adequate to meet projected water demand. As a result of this requirement, the SJRWMD developed the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan (NFRWSP). This plan contains specific activities and projects that regulated entities must undertake to reduce water consumption. Concurrently, local governments within the regional water supply planning area are required to develop a water supply facilities work plan (WSFWP) to ensure that adequate water supply is available to meet future demands over a minimum 10-year planning period. In 2019, the City of Atlantic Beach completed the 2020-2040 Water Supply Facilities Work Plan (WSFWP). According to the city’s WSFWP, the nine Floridan aquifer supply wells that serve the City of Atlantic Beach’s public water supply system have an operating capacity of 8.52 million gallons of water per day (MGD), which is adequate to meet the water demands for the next 20-year planning horizon. Also, the NFRWSP did not identify the city as an area with water shortages through the 2035 planning horizon and the findings of this plan indicate that the city may continue utilizing the Floridan aquifer as its source of potable water. No alternative water supply sources were identified. Table C-1 shows the projected water demands and the city’s water capacity through 2040. Table C-1. Atlantic Beach Service Area Water Projections 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Projected Population* 25,670 27,474 29,055 30,509 31,857 Projected Water Demand (MGD) 3.07 3.26 3.44 3.60 3.75 Consumptive Use Permit Allocation (MGD) 3.75 3.75 3.75 3.75 3.75 WTP Combined Capacity (MGD) 8.52 8.52 8.52 8.52 8.52 *UF BEBR & U.S. Census Sanitary Sewer The City of Atlantic Beach provides sanitary sewer service within the city limits and to a small area of Jacksonville. There are currently an estimated 46 septic tanks within the city, representing about 3% of the city’s total buildings. The remaining buildings within the city are connected to the city’s central sewer system. The city operates the Atlantic Beach Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) which has a treatment capacity of 3.5 million gallons per day (MGD) annual average daily flow (AADF). Under the current Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit, the Atlantic Beach WWTF is also 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENT C - 3 authorized to discharge 4.9 MGD AADF to the St. Johns River at Outfall D-001 and 3.0 MGD AADF to the Intracoastal Waterway at D-002 during extreme wet weather. It also authorizes the reuse of 0.5 MGD AADF via a slow rate public system. Water Reuse The City of Atlantic Beach operates a reuse treatment and distribution program. This effort included upgrading the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) to meet reuse standards and offset up to 0.5 MGD of ground water withdrawal through irrigation at the Atlantic Beach Country Club. The WWTF has consistently provided reuse for on-site use at the facility as well as for irrigation for the golf course, common areas, and residential homes within the Atlantic Beach Country Club. As the reuse system is expanded in the future it is expected that reuse water will be used for irrigation on city right-of-ways adjacent to the country club in addition to other areas throughout the city. The city continues to look for funding opportunities in accordance with the City’s Reuse Feasibility Study, as authorized by the Comprehensive Plan. As a requirement of the recently passed Florida Senate Bill 64, the city will initiate a study to eliminate all surface water discharge of treated effluent from the WWTF. This study will identify the means to expand the reuse water system, protect the existing groundwater sources and reduce water consumption. Table C-2 shows the water reuse rates from 2014 to 2021. Table C-2. Daily Average Water Reuse Year Reuse (MGD) 2014 0.384 2015 0.179 2016 0.236 2017 0.278 2018 0.254 2019 0.238 2020 0.201 2021 0.201 Stormwater Management The City of Atlantic Beach is approximately 4 square miles in area and primarily drains through stormwater pipe collection systems that route water to larger ditch/creek systems. The City’s stormwater discharges to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) via direct discharge from ditches, by way of Hopkins Creek or Sherman-Puckett Creek. A majority of the City drains through Hopkins Creek or Sherman-Puckett Creek, which flow through a combination of ditches and large culvert crossings owned and maintained by other entities before discharging to the ICW. Most of the city was developed prior to modern stormwater regulations requiring on-site retention/detention systems for flood protection. This, coupled with the flat and low lying topography of the city, has resulted in flooding issues. As a response, the City updated its Stormwater Master Plan (SWMP) in 2018, conducted a Coastal Vulnerability Assessment in 2019 and completed an Adaptation Plan in 2021. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENT C - 4 C. Infrastructure Element Goals, Objectives, and Policies The provision of public facilities and public infrastructure within the City of Atlantic Beach shall be in accordance with the following Goals, Objectives, and Policies. Goal C.1 The City shall provide needed public facilities and infrastructure in a manner, which protects investment in the existing facilities and promotes efficient and appropriate use by existing and future development. Objective C.1.1 Adequate Public Facilities and Infrastructure The City of Atlantic Beach shall maintain procedures to ensure that adequate facility capacity is available at the time a development permit is issued or will be available when needed to serve the development. Policy C.1.1.1 In order to ensure that Level of Service standards are maintained, methodologies for determining available capacity and demand shall incorporate appropriate peak demand coefficients for each facility and for the type of development proposed. Policy C.1.1.2 All improvements for the replacement, expansion or increase in the capacity of public facilities shall be compatible with the adopted Level of Service standards for such facilities. Policy C.1.1.3 Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the City will ensure that adequate water supplies, wastewater treatment capacity, sewer collection infrastructure, and water infrastructure facilities will be in place and available to serve no later than issuance of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent. Policy C.1.1.4 The City’s Director of Public Utilities shall provide written certification verifying that adequate water supplies to serve new development will be available no later than the anticipated date of issuance by the local government of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent. Objective C.1.2 Public Facilities Planning The City of Atlantic Beach shall incorporate capital improvement needs for public facilities within the five- year Capital Improvements Schedule to be updated annually in conformance with the review process for the Capital Improvement Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Policy C.1.2.1 The City shall incorporate the proposed capital improvement projects, as identified within the Water and Sewer Master plans, to create the five-year Capital Improvements Plan and a five-year financial plan for water and sewer improvements. Both plans shall be prioritized and updated annually, as appropriate. Policy C.1.2.2 The City shall participate in the development of updates to coordinate with the SJRWMD’s regional water supply plan and shall provide or maintain its identified water supply facilities, pursuant to Section 163.3177(6)(c), Florida Statutes. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENT C - 5 Policy C.1.2.3 The City shall maintain a Water Supply Facilities Work Plan (WSFWP) that is coordinated with the SJRWMD’s regional water supply plan. The WSFWP and appropriate Comprehensive Plan policies will be updated every 5 years, and within 18 months of any update to the NFRWSP that affects the City, pursuant to Section 163.3177(6)(c), Florida Statutes. Policy C.1.2.4 The City’s Water Supply Facilities Work Plan 2020-2040 is adopted by reference as part of this comprehensive plan. Objective C.1.3 Elimination of Septic Tanks It is the intent of the City to eliminate all septic tanks within the City. The City shall limit such on-site wastewater treatment systems to areas currently using septic tanks and shall install central sewer service in accordance with Capital Improvements budgeting and planning in order to reduce the number of septic tanks within the City. Policy C.1.3.1 Pursuant to the City of Atlantic Beach Land Development Regulations, use of on-site wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks) shall be limited to the following conditions. (a) Existing septic tanks, which are properly functioning, may remain in service until such time as centralized service is available within distances as set forth within the City’s utility regulations. (b) All new subdivisions and new development shall be required to provide central sewer service as set forth within the Land Development Regulations. (c) The use of new septic tanks on any single lot of record, existing as of the date of this Plan shall be permitted only in accordance with the Land Development Regulations. More than one adjoining, but previously undeveloped lot of record that is developed concurrently with multiple dwellings or as part of any unified development project shall provide central sewer and water services. Policy C.1.3.2 The City of Atlantic Beach shall continue to coordinate with the Florida Department of Health in Duval County Duval County Health Department to promote the inspection, efficient operation and maintenance of existing septic tanks. Policy C.1.3.3 Issuance of building permits shall be conditioned upon demonstration of compliance with applicable Federal, State and local permit requirements for on-site wastewater treatment systems where applicable. Policy C.1.3.4 The City of Atlantic Beach shall coordinate with appropriate local, federal and state agencies to require that issuance of permits for replacement or expansion of existing onsite waste- water treatment systems is conditioned upon compliance with current regulatory requirements and water quality standards. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENT C - 6 Objective C.1.4 Capital Improvements and Infrastructure Facilities The City of Atlantic Beach shall provide sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage and potable water facilities and services to meet the existing and projected demands as identified within this Plan. Policy C.1.4.1 Capital Improvements and infrastructure projects shall be undertaken in accordance with the schedule provided within the Capital Improvements Element of this Comprehensive Plan. Policy C.1.4.2 Projects and improvements needed to correct existing deficiencies shall be given priority in the formulation and implementation of the annual budget of the City. Policy C.1.4.3 The construction and expansion of capital improvements shall be scheduled so as to minimize disruption of services and duplication of labor and to maintain acceptable service levels for all facilities. Policy C.1.4.4 All required Federal and State permits shall be obtained before the City undertakes or authorizes contractors to begin construction and/or operation of infrastructure facilities. Objective C.1.5 Conservation of Potable Water Resources The City of Atlantic Beach shall conserve its potable water resources through regulations, policies and coordination activities, which shall reduce consumption and provide encouragement for water reuse, where feasible. Policy C.1.5.1 The City agrees to comply with the water conservation rules issued by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The City shall also promote the SJRWMD irrigation restrictions and implement other conservations measures to reduce potable water use by its citizens and shall coordinate with the Water Management District’s regional water supply plan. Policy C.1.5.2 The City shall maintain its adopted water conserving rate structure in order to reduce potable water consumption. Policy C.1.5.3 The Department of Public Utilities shall continue to monitor all facility meters and quantify water loss within the potable water infrastructure. Any deficiencies shall be remedied through the City’s ongoing maintenance and repair program. Policy C.1.5.4 The City shall continue to consider, where appropriate, reuse water for non-potable water needs in accordance with the Reuse Feasibility Study completed as part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Permit renewal and the City’s Consumptive Use Permit renewal. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENT C - 7 Goal C.2 Adequate stormwater management and provisions for drainage shall be provided to afford reasonable protection from flooding and to prevent degradation in the quality of receiving surface water and ground water. Objective C.2.1 Protection of Natural Drainage Features The City shall maintain provisions, in accordance with the Stormwater Master Plan, within the Land Development Regulations that establish a basis for orderly provision of drainage facilities so as to protect natural drainage features and to ensure that future development utilizes drainage facilities consistent with the City’s Level of Service standards and the Stormwater Master Plan. Policy C.2.1.1 The City shall maintain provisions within the Land Development Regulations, which require development to minimize stormwater runoff and eliminate erosion of areas adjacent to natural drainage features. Policy C.2.1.2 The City shall maintain Land Development Regulations that require land development projects to submit plans, which demonstrate that drainage design and stormwater management will be in compliance with the City’s LOS standards and that additional stormwater generated shall be retained on-site and will not adversely impact existing drainage and stormwater systems. Objective C.2.2 Stormwater Management and Drainage Facilities The City shall continue to identify existing stormwater and drainage facility deficiencies and correct these through the provision and maintenance of an efficient drainage system, which shall protect life, property, water quality and the natural environment. Policy C.2.2.1 The City shall work with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to coordinate maintenance and improvement to the drainage and stormwater facilities owned by the FDOT. Policy C.2.2.2 The City shall continue to implement the updated Master Stormwater Plan, completed in November of 2018, to address the identified drainage and stormwater problems areas. Policy C.2.2.3 The City of Atlantic Beach shall update the capital improvement schedule to include improvements to the drainage systems identified in the Stormwater Master Plan in accordance with the priorities as recommended within the Plan, and subject to availability of funding. Goal C.3 The functions of natural groundwater aquifer recharge areas within the City shall be protected and maintained. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENT C - 8 Objective C.3.1 Protection of Aquifer Recharge Areas The City of Atlantic Beach, in coordination with the SJRWMD, shall maintain a map of natural groundwater aquifer recharge areas within the City. Policy C.3.1.1 Existing potable water wells are depicted within Map C-1 of the Future Land Use Map Series. Areas that may be identified as potential recharge areas shall be designated as Conservation areas on the City’s Future Land Use Map. D - 1 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D. CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 2 Introduction The Conservation Element focuses on the “conservation, use, and protection of natural resources” within the city along with “factors that affect energy conservation”, as specified in Section 163.3177(6)(d), Florida Statutes. Due to its coastal location, the City of Atlantic Beach is also required to include a Coastal Management Element within its comprehensive plan. The intent of the Coastal Management Element, per Section 163.3178(1), Florida Statutes, is to restrict development activities where such activities would damage or destroy coastal resources. D. Conservation and Coastal Management Element Goals, Objectives and Policies All conservation related activities and the management of coastal resources within the City of Atlantic Beach shall be in accordance with the following Goals, Objectives, and Policies. Goal D.1 The City shall protect, enhance and preserve coastal wetlands and beach and dune systems, as well as other coastal resources of environmental value, through proper maintenance and management practices, the avoidance of inappropriate use and development, including publicly-financed improvements within the Coastal High Hazard Area, and shall continue an ongoing program of re- vegetation and installation of properly designed public access-ways in areas that are subject to erosion such as the dune system. Objective D.1.1 Coastal High Hazard Area The City shall limit public expenditures that subsidize development within the Coastal High Hazard Area except for the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of natural resources, and the provision for appropriate public access to and use of natural resources. Policy D.1.1.1 The Stormwater Master Plan, as revised and adopted in 2018, shall be implemented based upon priority of need and in accordance with annual capital improvement planning and budget review and adoption. The plan shall be reviewed and updated by 2028. Policy D.1.1.1 The City establishes, for regulatory purposes, the Coastal High Hazard Area as the area below the Category 1 storm surge line as established by the Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricane (SLOSH) computerized storm surge model pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. Policy D.1.1.2 The City shall limit new public construction in the Coastal High Hazard Area to improvements that do not increase residential density and to that which customarily supports recreation and open-space use of the beach and waterway related resources, and which achieves dune stabilization and prevention of erosion through environmentally sound practices. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 3 Objective D.1.2 Storm and Flood Hazards The City shall continue best management practices that are intended to reduce damage to and erosion of dune systems and dune vegetation and estuarine environments that result from pedestrian traffic. The City encourages the use of best practices for development and redevelopment, including principles, strategies, and engineering solutions that will result in the removal of coastal real property from flood zone designations established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Policy D.1.2.1 The City shall rigorously enforce its floodplain management regulations to conform with or exceed the requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Policy D.1.2.2 The City shall continue to partner in the Duval County Local Mitigation Strategy and participate in the Duval County emergency preparedness operations. The City shall review new Land Development Regulations for consistency with the Local Mitigation Strategy prior to adoption. Policy D.1.2.3 The Stormwater Master Plan, as revised and adopted in 2018, shall be implemented based upon priority of need and in accordance with annual capital improvement planning and budget review and adoption. The plan shall be reviewed and updated by 2028. Objective D.1.3 Protection of Dune Systems and Dune Vegetation The City shall prevent damage and destruction of dunes and dune vegetation. Policy D.1.3.1 The City shall rigorously enforce coastal construction code, and the Florida Building Code as these regulate construction within Coastal Areas. Policy D.1.3.2 The City shall continue best management practices that are intended to reduce damage and erosion of dune systems and dune vegetation, which may result from construction activities and inappropriate pedestrian traffic. Objective D.1.4 Public Beach and Waterways Access The City shall ensure adequate and convenient public access to the beach and other public waterways through maintenance of all public waterway and beach access-ways at the twenty-one street end locations existing as of the adoption date of this Plan. Policy D.1.4.1 The City shall maintain all existing accesses including barrier-free ramps and shall join with other beach communities, the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), the City of Jacksonville and others in seeking means of accommodating beach visitors as a preferred alternative to the construction of parking facilities at beach access-ways. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 4 Policy D.1.4.2 The City shall maintain all beach parking existing as of the date of this Plan, and reduction in the number of public parking spaces available at beach accesses shall not be permitted unless such eliminated spaces are replaced in equal numbers and within similar proximity to the beach. Policy D.1.4.3 The City shall not permit, either through public or private action, public access ways to the beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, or other waterways, which are open to the public as of the date of adoption of this Plan, to be closed, vacated or restricted from public use in any manner. Policy D.1.4.4 The City has determined that there are no appropriate locations for marinas within the City of Atlantic Beach. Policy D.1.4.5 The City will cooperate and coordinate with the City of Jacksonville to provide information as necessary related to any County marina development or applicable plans. Objective D.1.5 Environmental Conditions The City shall limit new development of shoreline sites so as to conform to the objective of reducing environmental degradation, as well as to encourage visual and physical accessibility, open space conservation, wildlife preservation and compatibility between adjacent uses. Policy D.1.5.1 In accordance with Section 163.3202, Florida Statutes, the City shall maintain within its Land Development Regulations establish the following: (a) Percentage of native vegetation to be protected, preserved or replaced within Environmentally Sensitive Areas during and following site development or construction activities. (b) A buffer zone of natural vegetation around wetland and deepwater habitats. (c) Stormwater retention and detention standards, which maintain rates and amounts equal to conditions existing prior to development. Objective D.1.6 Marshes, Wetlands and Natural Flood Plain Features The City shall conserve or improve marshes, wetlands, and aquatic resources and natural flood plain features to maintain their environmental and recreational value. Policy D.1.6.1 The City shall require new development to preserve native vegetation on site when applicable. This should not be interpreted to allow development in wetlands or protected areas. Policy D.1.6.2 The City shall take every effort to protect these resources as follows: 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 5 (a) Development and redevelopment shall be compatible with the surrounding environment; (b) The clearing of trees and wetland vegetation shall be prohibited, unless a mitigation plan is submitted and approved by the City, the objective being no net loss of wetlands and trees; and (c) All applications for site development approval shall be subject to site plan review in accordance with the land development regulations. Goal D.2 The City shall maximize, to the extent feasible, provisions and opportunities for the protection of life and property from the effects of hurricanes and other natural disasters. Objective D.2.1 Hurricane Evacuation The City shall maintain a comprehensive hurricane evacuation management plan and shall incorporate into that plan measures deemed necessary to maintain or reduce the City’s evacuation clearance times. Policy D.2.1.1 The City shall cooperate with and assist other communities in identifying adequate public upland shelter spaces and shall not approve new development that creates undue burdens on the number of spaces available for threatened populations. Policy D.2.1.2 The City hereby adopts and shall maintain a Level of Service standard of a 12-hour evacuation time for a Category 5 storm for out-of-county hurricane evacuation. Policy D.2.1.3 The City shall not approve Plan amendments that increase residential density within Coastal High Hazard Areas in that such increases to existing densities have the effect of concentrating populations in hazard prone areas and may result in an increase of hurricane evacuation times for the City and the County. Policy D.2.1.4 The City shall coordinate hurricane preparedness activities with other local governments and affected agencies within the region; review its emergency preparedness plan each year; maintain a broad program of activities to increase public awareness; meet the evacuation needs of special populations, and through coordination with other local governments, strive to achieve an evacuation time within the “quick” response time frame for each storm category. Policy D. 2.1.5 The City’s evacuation plan shall be consistent with the Duval County Hurricane Evacuation Traffic Management Plan as amended and shall maximize efficiencies in traffic movement so as to reduce or maintain evacuation clearance times within the City of Atlantic Beach. Objective D.2.2 Redevelopment after a Natural Eventwithin the Coastal High Hazard Area Redevelopment activities within the Coastal High Hazard Area shall be guided by the redevelopment provisions as set forth within the Land Development Regulations, which shall serve the purpose of reducing the vulnerability of people, property and natural resources to damage from coastal storms. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 6 Policy D.2.2.1 The City shall coordinate with Duval County in reviewing and revising the City’s Hurricane Plan and pertinent portions or regulatory codes as necessary to achieve the following policies. Policy D.2.2.2 Implement a temporary moratorium on construction immediately following a hurricane occurrence until damage assessments and redevelopment policies have been determined. Policy D.2.2.3 Prior to re-entry of the population into evacuated areas, complete all critical cleanup and repair activities required to assure public health and safety. Policy D.2.2.4 Structures that are storm damaged over 50% of their most recent appraised value may be reconstructed only when the entire structure will then conform to all applicable regulations, including all Land Development Regulations, and Florida Building and coastal construction codes. Repairs made to structures damaged to a lesser degree shall comply with all applicable Land Development Regulations and Florida Building and coastal construction codes in effect at the time of such work. Policy D.2.2.5 The City establishes, for regulatory purposes, the Coastal High Hazard Area as the area below the Category 1 storm surge line as established by the Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricane (SLOSH) computerized storm surge model as mapped in the Storm Tide Atlas prepared by the Northeast Florida Regional Council as part of the current Regional Evacuation Study pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. Objective D.2.3 Hazard Mitigation The City shall seek appropriate means of reducing the potential for loss of life and property through provisions within the Land Development Regulations, including implementation of hazard mitigation policies from the Local Mitigation Strategy. Policy D.2.3.1 The City shall maintain provisions within its Land Development Regulations, which require that all new residential development within the Coastal High Hazard Area assess impacts to hurricane evacuation times and shelter provision. Policy D.2.3.2 The City shall not approve Plan amendments, which increase residential density within the Coastal High Hazard Area, or where demands upon existing shelter space shall be increased. Goal D.3 The City shall protect, preserve and maintain natural environmental resources so as to maintain or enhance air quality, water quality, vegetative communities, wildlife habitats and the natural functions of soils, fisheries, wetlands and estuarine marshes. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 7 Objective D.3.1 Air Quality The City shall cooperate with adjacent communities in regional air quality management programs so as to provide a high standard of air quality. Policy D.3.1.1 The City shall implement policies of the Local Mitigation Strategy appropriate to protect air quality and shall require mitigation prior to permitting of projects that may adversely affect air quality. Objective D.3.2 Conservation and Protection of Natural Coastal Resources The City shall maintain or adopt provisions within its Land Development Regulations for private and public development, which conserve and enhance soils, native vegetation, living marine and water resources and wildlife habitats to the maximum extent possible. Policy D.3.2.1 The City shall require applicants for development permits to submit appropriate environmental surveys and reports prior to the issuance of development permits. All applications for development permits and applications to rezone to Planned Unit Development and other zoning related applications shall be required to identify environmental features, including any wetlands, CCCL, natural water bodies, open space, buffers and vegetation preservation areas, and to sufficiently address any adverse impacts to Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Policy D.3.2.2 The City shall cooperate with the St. John’s River Water Management District (SJRWMD) in implementation of water conservation measures as set forth within the management plans and rules of the SJRWMD and the City’s Consumptive Use Permit issued by the SJRWMD. Policy D.3.2.3 The City shall protect potable water well cones of influence, and shall maintain maps of such cones of influence and shall continue to implement the well-field protection regulations, as set forth within the Land Development Regulations so as to prohibit incompatible land uses. Such incompatible uses shall include all industrial uses, but shall also include uses, which have the potential to contaminate or degrade potable water supply wells, wetland functions or natural systems associated with Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Policy D.3.2.4 The City shall appropriately restrict land use activities, which may threaten water sources from stormwater runoff into recharge areas by maintaining the Stormwater, Drainage, Storage and Treatment Requirements as set forth within the Land Development Regulations. Development permits shall be issued only in accordance with the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permit, in addition to the requirements of the Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. NPDES requirements shall include use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) prior to discharge into natural or artificial drainage systems. All construction projects of one acre or more shall require a NPDES permit. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 8 Policy D.3.2.5 In accordance with Section 163.3202, Florida Statutes, the City shall establish and maintain within its Land Development Regulations, all necessary requirements and restrictions to ensure that land development, land disturbing activities, and land uses are managed in a manner which protects and conserves the natural functions of soils, fisheries, wildlife habitats, rivers, flood plains, wetlands (including estuarine marshes) and marine habitats including hatchling turtles. Policy D.3.2.6 The City shall cooperate with adjacent local governments and regulatory agencies to conserve and protect, as may be appropriate, unique vegetative communities located within the City and within adjacent jurisdictions. Policy D.3.2.7 The City shall designate Environmentally Sensitive Areas requiring protection as a means of implementing the Comprehensive Plan and shall include in its Land Development Regulations, prepared in accordance with Section 163.3202, Florida Statutes, means of ensuring protection of such lands from degradation. Policy D.3.2.8 Environmentally Sensitive Areas shall include lands, waters or areas within the City of Atlantic Beach which meet any of the following criteria: (a) All wetlands, including those determined to be jurisdictional, and which are regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD); (b) Estuaries, or estuarine systems; (c) Outstanding Florida Waters and natural water bodies; (d) Areas designated pursuant to the Federal Coastal Barrier Resource Act (PL97-348), and those beach and dune areas seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line; (e) Areas designated as Conservation by the Future Land Use Map; (f) Essential Habitat to Listed Species as determined by approved methodologies of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Policy D.3.2.9 The City shall ensure environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes and reduction of potential problems resulting there from, through a multi-faceted program incorporating public information, enforcement of regulations and monitoring of waste handling activities. The following components shall be included within the City’s program: (a) Support the enforcement of current State and Federal regulations aimed at prohibiting discharge of wastewater containing hazardous and industrial waste into septic tanks or through stormwater runoff into aquifer recharge areas or surface water bodies. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 9 (b) Public education programs encouraging residents and business owners to avoid the dumping of used petroleum products, paint, hazardous materials and pesticides onto the ground or water bodies. (c) City coordination and monitoring of hazardous wastes by collection and transportation entities to ensure safe and responsible handling practices. Policy D.3.2.10 The City shall seek to increase its conservation areas, through land acquisition, when possible, incentives for protective easements, and other appropriate protective mechanisms to ensure the preservation of natural resources and listed animal species habitat. Policy D.3.2.11 The fragmentation of large wetland communities shall be avoided by encouraging density transfers, conservation easements, clustering of development, and other land development tools to enhance conservation. Objective D.3.3 Regulatory Authority The City shall continue to cooperate with other permitting and regulatory agencies to improve estuarine environmental quality to achieve the estuarine water quality standards established by FDEP. Policy D.3.3.1 The City shall maintain, and amend as necessary, provisions within its Land Development Regulations to achieve consistency with the rules and regulatory authority of the SJRWMD. Policy D.3.3.2 The City shall coordinate with other governmental agencies during the review, permitting and development of sites which, if improperly developed, could have adverse impacts upon estuarine water quality and related resources, and through such coordination, the City shall ensure adequate sites within the drainage basin for water-dependent uses; prevent estuarine pollution which could adversely affect another governmental jurisdiction and ensure public access and reduce exposure to flood hazards. Policy D.3.3.3 The City shall coordinate its permitting activities with existing resource protection plans by notifying the administrators of such plans of any pending development activity or public improvement in a timely manner in order to ensure that such projects and activities can be reviewed and comments returned to the City prior to permitting. Objective D.3.4 Shoreline Development The City shall give priority consideration to shoreline land uses and site development improvements, which meet the following criteria: (a) Prevent adverse environmental effects; 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 10 (b) Maintain or exceed the standards within this Plan for public access; (c) Avoid shoreline hardening structures; and (d) Enhance estuarine water quality. Objective D.3.5 Natural Resource Based Recreation and Public Access The City shall provide opportunities for appropriate recreational uses and access to public waterways, the beach and natural areas and shall restrict activities that harm or diminish the public’s right to use such publicly owned natural resources. Policy D.3.5.1 The City shall prohibit the closure or abandonment of public right-of-ways or public lands that would restrict access to any public water bodies. Policy D.3.5.2 The City shall enforce the requirements for public access to beach areas as set forth in the Coastal Protection Act of 1985 in all permitting activities and through the course of coastal redevelopment programs. Policy D.3.5.3 The City shall prohibit the closure of existing beach and waterway accesses and any presently unopened easements, except in the case of risk to public safety as determined by the City’s public safety officials, or in the case of adverse environmental impact. Policy D.3.5.4 The City shall adopt within its Land Development Regulations provisions to provide for the appropriate recreational use of surface waters within the City that under public control or City ownership including dock construction, mooring and anchoring and resource protection regulations to the extent that the City has regulatory control over such resources. Policy D.3.5.5 The beach, River Branch Preserve, Dutton Island Preserve and Tide Vviews Preserve are the most significant natural resources within the City, and provision for the public’s use, enjoyment and access to these natural resources shall be a priority of the City through the provision of activities and facilities that are appropriate to character and environment of each location. Goal D.4 The City shall promote and encourage energy conservation and efficiency in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT D - 11 Objective D.4.1 Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation The City shall encourage the development and use of renewable energy resources in order to conserve and protect the value of land, buildings, and resources, and to promote the good health of the City’s residents. Policy D.4.1.1 The City shall maintain an energy efficient land use pattern and shall continue to promote the use of transit and alternative methods of transportation that decrease reliance on the automobile. Policy D.4.1.2 The City shall continue to encourage and develop the “walk-ability and bike-ability” of the City as a means to promote the physical health of the City’s residents, increase access to recreational and natural resources, and as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy D.4.1.3 No action of the City shall prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar collectors, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on a building and as further set forth within Section 163.04, Florida Statutes. Policy D.4.1.4 The City shall continue to promote and enforce energy efficient design and construction standards as these become adopted as part of the Florida Building Code. The City shall also promote commercial and residential standards that are promulgated from time to time by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. Objective D.4.2 City Buildings and Equipment The City shall improve energy conservation and efficiency in City buildings, facilities and equipment. Policy D.4.2.1 The City shall develop and implement an energy management plan to minimize electric, fuel and water resources in City buildings, fleet vehicles and on public properties. Policy D.4.2.2 The City shall conduct periodic energy audits of public buildings and facilities to identify methods to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. Policy D.4.2.3 Public buildings and facilities shall be constructed, and adapted where reasonably feasible to incorporate energy efficient designs and appropriate “green” building standards. Green building standards that should be observed are contained in the Green Commercial Building Designation Standard, Version 2.0, published by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. Policy D.4.2.4 The City shall continue to replace light-duty vehicles in need of replacement with hybrids, alternative fuel vehicles, or the most fuel- efficient and least-polluting vehicles available for specific functions whenever cost and reliability are similar to traditional vehicles. 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT 12 Goal D.5 The City shall ensure the development and redevelopment of property requires principles, strategies, and engineering solutions that reduce flood risks which result from high-tide events, storm surge, flash floods, stormwater runoff, and the related impacts of sea-level rise. Objective D.5.1 Development and Redevelopment The City shall implement development and redevelopment principles, strategies and engineering solutions to reduce or eliminate flood risk. Policy D.5.1.1 The City shall protect and restore floodplain areas when possible through land acquisition or conservation easement acquisition; regulation, including setbacks, buffer zones, designated wildlife corridors, low density zoning, performance standards and open space requirements. Policy D.5.1.2 The City shall designate a Floodplain Administrator whom, when possible will be Certified Floodplain Manager, to enforce the provisions of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances and other applicable regulations. Policy D.5.1.3 No development or redevelopment, including but not limited to site improvements, and land disturbing activity involving fill or regrading, shall be authorized in the regulatory floodway, as amended from time to time by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to accommodate for changing external conditions, unless the floodway encroachment analysis required in the Floodplain Management Ordinance demonstrates that the proposed development or land disturbing activity will not result in any increase in the base flood elevation. Policy D.5.1.4 Development or redevelopment within flood hazard areas shall be constructed with a minimum finished floor elevation of eight and one-half (8.5) feet above mean sea level or D - with two and one-half (2.5) feet freeboard, whichever is greater, in order to reduce flood losses. Policy D.5.1.5 The City shall manage its planning, regulatory and utility services to steer future population concentrations away from the Coastal High Hazard Areas (CHHA) by prohibiting utility expansions that would allow greater populations in the CHHA and increasing utility availability outside of the CHHA to encourage development in those areas. Policy D.5.1.6 The City shall continue to upgrade its stormwater infrastructure through drainage improvements, while utilizing sustainable flood management actions such as the installation of bioswales, the use of pervious pavement and the maintenance of natural preserve areas. 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT 13 Policy D.5.1.7 The City shall continue to work with the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to mitigate flooding hazards through the acquisition, elevation or relocation of repetitive loss properties mitigation alternatives by utilizing such programs as the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP), Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC). Objective D.5.2 Flood Regulations The City shall continue to require development and redevelopment to abide by the requirements of the Florida Building Code and State Statutes in encourage the development and use of renewable energy resources in regards to flooding. Policy D.5.2.1 The City shall continue to require development and redevelopment be consistent with the flood resistant construction requirements in the Florida Building Code and applicable flood plain management regulations set forth in 44 C.F.R part 60. Policy D.5.2.2 The City shall continue to require development and redevelopment seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) established pursuant to F.S 161.053 be consistent with Chapter 161 of the Florida Statutes. Objective D.5.3 National Flood Insurance Program The City shall continue to implement ways to reduce flood insurance premiums for their residents. Policy D.5.3.1 The City shall meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program for community participation as set forth in the Title 44 Code of Federally Regulations, Section 59.22 in order to reduce flood losses and achieve flood insurance premium discounts for residents. Policy D.5.3.2 The City shall continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reduce flood losses and achieve flood insurance premium discounts for their residents. D - E - 1 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT E. RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT E - 2 The City of Atlantic Beach has 18 parks and preserves, each with a unique identity and function. The City’s parks and preserves range in size from the 350 acre River Branch Preserve to small pocket parks such as Marvin’s Garden and Fairway Villas Park. Similarly, some function as active parks with playgrounds and ball fields while others are passive and largely remain in their natural state. City of Atlantic Beach Parks and Preserves Inventory Park/Preserve Park Classification Acreage Atlantic Beach Dog Park Active 2.15 Bull Memorial Park Active 1.44 Donner Park Active 5 Dutton Island Preserve Passive 31.86 Fairway Villas Park Passive 0.18 Frazier Park Passive 0.6 Howell Park Passive 9.64 Jack Russell Park Active 12.79 Johansen Park Passive 13.83 Jordan Park Active 2.22 Marvin’s Garden Passive 0.12 River Branch Preserve Passive 350 Rose Park Active 0.98 Rose Dog Park Active 0.18 Selva Preserve Passive 3.52 Tide Views Preserve Passive 10.5 Veterans Park Active 1.5 Waters Park Passive 0.25 Total 446.76 E. Recreation and Open Space Element Goals, Objectives, and Policies All provision for management of lands for Recreation and Open Space within the City of Atlantic Beach shall be in accordance with the following Goals, Objectives, and Policies. Goal E.1 The City shall maintain sufficient parks, recreation facilities and open space so as to provide the citizens with a wide variety of leisure time activities in order that the City continues to be a healthy, desirable and attractive community in which to live. Objective E.1.1 Adequate Recreation Facilities The City shall inventory at least once every five years, public and private recreation resources to identify service inadequacies and opportunities for sharing of facilities and programs so as to provide safe, convenient access for all residents to beaches, parks and other recreation facilities in accordance with Level of Service standards set forth within this Plan amendment. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT E - 3 Policy E.1.1.1 If determined to be necessary to maintain the adopted Level of Service standards as set forth herein, the City may utilize a system of user fees to support the development recreation programs and the maintenance of facilities. Policy E.1.1.2 The City shall continue to encourage volunteerism and participant involvement in planning and operating of recreation programs so as to supplement available City resources. Policy E.1.1.3 The City shall continue to encourage equitable inter-community sharing of recreation and open space facilities. Policy E.1.1.4 The City shall continue to support efforts of other government agencies and shall offer cooperation to achieve level of service standards for regional recreation and open space facilities as set forth within this Plan amendment. Policy E.1.1.5 The City shall maintain the existing recreation facilities, as identified within Table E-2, or similar facilities so as to continue to meet or exceed the Level of Service standards as set forth within this Plan. Policy E.1.1.6 The City shall maintain all existing beach access ways as described within the Conservation and Coastal Management Element and shall continue to make improvements to prevent erosion caused by pedestrian traffic. Policy E.1.1.7 The City shall maintain all existing accessible beach accesses, and shall seek opportunities, where feasible, to provide additional access to all natural and constructed recreation and park facilities. New facilities shall be developed and constructed in compliance with applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG). Policy E.1.1.8 The City shall continue to allow parking along public rights-of-way for the purpose of providing parking for beach access, provided such parking does not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular safety and does not excessively result in damage to public or private property. Policy E.1.1.9 The City shall not permit parks and designated open space to be diverted to any other use unless mitigated by equal replacement in size and quality of the resource. Policy E.1.1.10 As of the date of this Plan amendment, the City has exceeded the adopted Level of Service standards for recreation facilities and open space areas. The adopted Level of Service standards, as set forth within Table E-1, shall be maintained as minimum standards. Table E-1. Recreation and Open Space Level of Service Standards City of Atlantic Beach, 204530 TYPE OF FACILITY LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARD Playground (with equipment) 1 playground per 2,500 population Baseball or Softball Field 1 field per 23,500 population Soccer or Football Field 1 field per 5,000 population Basketball Court 1 court per 2,500 population 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT E - 4 Tennis or Pickleball Court 1 court per 2,500 population Running/Hiking Trail 1 trail per 10,000 population Community Center 1 center per I0,000 population Beach Accesses 1 access per 2,500 population Passive Park/Scenic Open Space 5 acres per 1,000 population Golf Course* (public or private) 1 18-hole course per 25,000 population Regional Park/Open Space* 5 acres per 1,000 population *Regional facilities are defined as those, which may not be located within the City of Atlantic Beach, but are in such close proximity so as to directly serve the daily recreational needs of the residents of the City of Atlantic Beach, such as Kathryn Abby Hanna Park and area golf courses. Table E-2. Existing Public Recreation and Open Space Facilities, 202418 FACILITY LOS Minimum 202418 Inventory Playground 6 7 Baseball or Softball Field 4 4 Soccer or Football Field 3 4 Basketball Court 6 45 full courts & 3 half courts Racquetball/Handball Court N/A 2 Tennis Court 6 79 Pickleball Court 8 Trails 2 5 plus 2.3 miles of 8-foot multi-use paths Community Center 2 3 Beach Access 6 21 Passive Park and Open Space 70 412+/- acres Golf Course (public or private) 1 1 Regional Park and Open Space 70 450 acres- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Skate Park N/A 1 Objective E.1.2 Diversity of Recreation Facilities and Activities The City shall continue to provide varied and diverse recreation activities to the community, and shall coordinate with public agencies, private organizations and individuals, as well as adjacent local governments to supplement efforts and resources of the City. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT E - 5 Policy E.1.2.1 The City shall seek participation from appropriate private recreation program providers in order to enhance the quality and diversity of recreational services and to improve the cost effectiveness of such services. Policy E.1.2.2 The City shall maintain, within its Land Development Regulations, provisions that require open space and recreation within new development. Policy E.1.2.3 The City shall continue to implement and construct its bicycle and pedestrian pathway system, with priority given to locations that provide links between neighborhoods, schools, parks and the beach and adjacent beach communities. Where sufficient right-of- way or land area exists, wider six (6) or eight (8) foot widths shall be the recommended standard to accommodate for the safety of multi-modal activities. The City shall also advocate the addition of pedestrian and bike facilities lanes to State and County Roads. Policy E.1.2.4 The City shall support the development of skateboard facilities so as to provide safe locations for skateboarding and to discourage this activity in locations that are dangerous or where damage to public property may result. Policy E.1.2.5 The City shall maintain Tide Vviews Preserve, Dutton Island Preserve and River Branch Preserve as passive and natural recreation areas. Facilities shall be limited to those that support fishing, canoeing and kayaking, biking, hiking and exercise trails, picnicking and camping areas and other similar activities. Other public spaces and designated parks, may be reserved as passive areas, or may be developed as active parks as determined necessary to maintain Level of Service standards and as appropriate to the location and size of the area. Policy E.1.2.6 Public parks, other than those cited within the preceding Policy, shall be considered as aActive parks are to be used for athletics or specialized recreation activities, as appropriate to the location of each park. Typical facilities include baseball fields, softball fields, football fields, soccer fields, rest rooms, parking, recreation building, basketball courts, skateboard facilities, tennis courts and walking trails. Policy E.1.2.7 The City shall continue to provide funding for maintenance, staffing and development of programs, particularly those programs that serve low and moderate-income populations and the elderly, at the Gail Baker Community Center at Donner Park and the Jordan Community Center. Policy E.1.2.8 The City shall protect its beach as a recreational resource and shall rigorously seek funding for future beach renourishment projects. Objective E.1.3 Provision of Recreation and Open Space by Private Development The City shall ensure that recreation facilities and open space areas are provided in conjunction with development review and permitting so as to maintain or exceed the level of service standards set forth within this Plan and prior to the impacts of such development. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT E - 6 Policy E.1.3.1 The City shall maintain requirements for the provision of recreation and open space as a condition of development approval and shall also limit impervious surface area and land coverage by structures and shall enforce building setbacks in accordance with the Land Development Regulations. Policy E.1.3.2 The City shall require all new residential developments containing five (5) dwelling units or more to provide internal sidewalks or multi-use paths, and such sidewalks or pathways shall link to other facilities and public spaces where possible. Where sufficient right-of- way exists or can be designed, sidewalks and pathways shall be constructed at a minimum width of six (6) feet. Policy E.1.3.3 The adopted Level of Service standards shall be maintained as a minimum standard and funding for continued management of these facilities shall be considered during the annual budget review process. Policy E.1.3.4 Acquisition of recreation sites and open space areas by the City shall be prioritized in accordance with expressed desires of the community and in response to availability of grant funds and other incentive programs. Policy E.1.3.5 Private development shall not, by any means, restrict or prohibit access or use by the public of any public recreational resource including the beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, creeks, streams, marsh and wetland areas. F - 1 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – HOUSING ELEMENT F. HOUSING ELEMENT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – HOUSING ELEMENT F - 2 F. Housing Element Goals, Objectives and Policies The City of Atlantic Beach shall encourage and support the provision of housing for all residents of the City in accordance with the following Goals, Objectives and Policies. Goal F.1 The City of Atlantic Beach shall provide opportunities for decent, safe and sanitary housing in suitable neighborhoods at affordable costs to meet the needs of the present and future residents of the City as well as ensure the stability and integrity of sound residential neighborhoods. Objective F.1.1 Housing for Very Low, Low and Moderate Income Residents Equal opportunity shall be provided to meet the housing needs of all existing and future residents of the City of Atlantic Beach, including housing for very low, low and moderate-income families. Policy F.1.1.1 The City shall support the efforts of the City of Jacksonville Housing Commission and assist with efforts to determine needs and develop sites and programs on a region-wide basis for housing for very low, low and moderate-income persons. Policy F.1.1.2 The City shall pursue Federal, state and local sources and joint public- private partnerships to provide funding sources targeted for very low, low and moderate-income housing. Policy F.1.1.3 The City shall promote the use of alternative zoning techniques and mechanisms to provide a mix of housing types within residential neighborhoods, which can include reducing minimum lot sizes, exploring a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program, and encouraging accessory dwelling units. Policy F.1.1.4 The City may enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Jacksonville (Duval County) for the provision of affordable housing for very low, low and moderate-income residents and special needs households to prevent the need to increase residential densities within the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) in order to provide affordable housing to serve the City. Policy F.1.1.5 The City shall continue to provide assistance and incentives where possible to encourage new affordable housing and preservation of existing housing stock through the CDBG funded housing rehabilitation program and through assistance to organizations such as Beaches Habitat and Builders Care. Policy F.1.1.6 The City shall consider private and public partnerships, particularly as may be necessary and appropriate, to address the City’s affordable housing needs in response to: (a) Market driven limitations, where meeting the needs for affordable housing is not economically feasible due to exceptionally high property values related to the City’s coastal location. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – HOUSING ELEMENT F - 3 (b) Meeting the needs for affordable housing is not feasible due to limitations of residential density within the Coastal High Hazard Area. Objective F.1.2 Navy Housing Needs The City shall assist developers in responding to the special housing needs of Navy personnel. Policy F.1.2.1 The City shall coordinate with the Navy Planning Officer to assess potential future impacts resulting from growth of Naval Station Mayport that may increase housing needs of the City. Objective F.1.3 Group Homes and Foster Care Facilities Sites for group homes and foster care facilities shall be available at suitable locations to ensure that the needs of persons requiring such housing are met. Policy F.1.3.1 The City shall allow the location of group homes and foster care facilities in multi-family residential zoning districts in a manner, which is consistent with the intent of such districts so as to ensure harmonious development patterns and, at the same time, assure healthful, convenient, and pleasant environments for residents of such housing. Policy F.1.3.2 The City shall allow the placement of group homes in Planned Unit Developments. Objective F.1.4 Displacement of Housing and Businesses Uniform and equitable treatment shall be provided by the City to persons and businesses displaced by City activities and programs in accordance with Florida Statutes and Federal law, and comparable relocation housing shall be provided as required to comply with such laws and to meet demonstrated needs. Policy F.1.4.1 The City shall discourage redevelopment and demolition practices that significantly reduce existing housing stock in older neighborhoods and that result in the displacement of very low, low and moderate-income residents or special needs households. Policy F.1.4.2 The City shall monitor all redevelopment and demolition activity to ensure that comparable relocation housing is available in accordance with federal regulations, regardless of whether federal monies are involved in the activity. Goal F.2 The City shall encourage the preservation and protection of housing of historic significance as well as other components of the existing housing inventory. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – HOUSING ELEMENT F - 4 Objective F.2.1 Historically Significant Housing The City shall encourage the preservation and protection of historically significant housing, which has been identified within The Historic, Architectural Resources Survey of the Beaches Area and shall promote the use of such housing for continued residential use. Policy F.2.1.1 The City shall discourage development actions that have the potential to destroy or irretrievably damage the City’s historic and architectural resources. Policy F.2.1.2 The City shall coordinate with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources to further the identification and preservation of historically significant sites or structures, and if appropriate, nominate such sites or structures to the National Register of Historic Places. Policy F.2.1.3 The City shall encourage the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historically significant housing. Objective F.2.2 Existing Housing Stock The City shall undertake housing conservation and rehabilitation of existing housing stock, but shall also require demolition when rehabilitation is not possible or economically feasible, particularly within areas of the City where there exists a significant concentration of substandard housing that contributes to negative neighborhood or environmental conditions. Policy F.2.2.1 The City shall continue to enforce Florida Building Codes, the International Property Maintenance Code, and other local ordinances and State laws to ensure adequate maintenance of residential properties and neighborhood environments. Policy F.2.2.2 The City shall schedule and concentrate capital improvements to coincide with housing improvement and financial incentive programs as needed to maintain and upgrade the quality of existing neighborhoods. Policy F.2.2.3 The City shall encourage individual homeowners and private developers to increase private reinvestment, which shall upgrade and enhance the structural quality and aesthetic conditions of existing housing and existing neighborhoods. Policy F.2.2.4 The City shall continue to rigorously enforce its Land Development Regulations, Florida Building Codes and other applicable laws as a means of deterring the deterioration of existing housing stock. Policy F.2.2.5 The City shall continue to encourage redevelopment and new development of housing units within the Section H (Marsh Oaks) area. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – HOUSING ELEMENT F - 5 Policy F.2.2.6 The City shall continue to encourage redevelopment and new development of single- family housing units within Seaspray and Royal Palms and shall implement strategies to maintain stable levels of home ownership. Policy F.2.2.7 The City shall continue to pursue available funding sources, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) funds, to upgrade housing conditions and infrastructure within the City’s designated CDBG target area. Policy F.2.2.8 The City shall support the efforts of community based organizations and neighborhood improvement initiatives, which will contribute to the stabilization, conservation, enhancement and improvement of existing housing, structures and other physical facilities within neighborhoods. Objective F.2.3 Energy Efficient Housing The City shall encourage building and construction strategies, methods and practices that promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources in the construction of new homes and rehabilitation of existing housing structures. Policy F.2.3.1 The City shall encourage individual homeowners and private developers to use currently acceptable green housing specifications for rehabilitation of existing housing structures and will provide a resource for best green building practices. Policy F.2.3.2 The City shall encourage individual homeowners and private developers to use currently acceptable green housing specifications for construction of new homes as made available from U.S. Green Building Council. Policy F.2.3.3 The City shall promote opportunities to integrate housing, including affordable and workforce housing, with infill development to create mixed-use neighborhoods to increase energy efficiency through efficient land use patterns. Policy F.2.3.4 The City shall continue to promote and enforce energy efficient design and construction standards as these become adopted as part of the Florida Building Code. The City shall also promote commercial and residential standards that are promulgated from time to time by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. G - 1 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT G. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT G - 2 G. Intergovernmental Coordination Element Goals, Objectives and Policies Goal G.1 The City shall coordinate and cooperate with adjacent jurisdictions, other public and governmental agencies to ensure: 1) the equitable and reasonable sharing of authority, responsibility and resources in the provision of services, education and housing, 2) the provision for effective development review and permitting, and 3) the effective representation on behalf of the City in decisions related to future growth management, planning and funding resources. Objective G.1.1 Maintaining Consistency with Comprehensive Plans and Interlocal Agreements As a means of achieving effective intergovernmental coordination and consistency in planning for the future of the City and the surrounding region, copies of proposed amendments to the adopted Comprehensive Plan shall be provided to adjacent local governments and government agencies, which provide services within the City, but which may not have regulatory authority within the City. Policy G.1.1.1 The City shall forward copies of proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments to adjacent local governments, the Duval County School Board, the Northeast Florida Regional Council, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, any special service districts as required in Section 163.3187, Florida Statutes, for comment prior to legislative adoption in order that the impacts of development as proposed in the Plan amendment are coordinated with development throughout the region and the State. Policy G.1.1.2 The City shall continue to coordinate with the City of Neptune Beach, the City of Jacksonville Beach and the City of Jacksonville related to utility and infrastructure issues. Policy G.1.1.3 The City shall continue to monitor and ensure consistency with the provisions as set forth in the Interlocal Coordination Agreement between the City of Atlantic Beach and the City of Jacksonville related to shared infrastructure and utility services and annexation in accordance with the detailed and specific provisions as set forth within the restated 1995 Interlocal Agreement and any subsequent amendments. Policy G.1.1.4 The City shall continue to coordinate with the Cities of Jacksonville, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach for the purpose of developing coordinated land use planning and unified development policies. Policy G.1.1.5 The City shall enter into and maintain Interlocal Agreements as necessary to provide efficient and effective services. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT G - 3 Policy G.1.1.6 The City shall continue coordination with the following entities and agencies for the purposes as indicated: (a) Other local governments and agencies within the Duval County Evacuation Network, including the Emergency Preparedness Division of the Duval County Fire and Rescue Department and the Florida Department of Transportation for the purpose of improving hurricane evacuation routes and reducing evacuation time. (b) The State of Florida, Duval County, other local governments and the Naval Station Mayport for the purpose of post-disaster redevelopment planning, land use and transportation planning, resource conservation (including potable water), provision of shared recreation facilities, and coastal and beach access facility development. (c) The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization related to transportation improvements needed to maintain or exceed adopted Level of Service standards. (d) The St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection related to coordination of land use and water supply planning, verification of adequate water supply to meet demands through the planning period and development review and permitting responsibilities and procedures. (e) The Duval County Health Department related to the coordination of proper education and procedures to improve and maintain a healthy environment within the City. (f) The law enforcement agencies of surrounding local governments, as well as State and Federal law enforcement agencies to achieve compatibility of communication equipment and coordination of services. (g) The Jacksonville Transportation Authority to support the development of transportation routes to serve Naval Station Mayport and surrounding beach communities. (h) The City of Jacksonville Environmental Quality Division to ensure provision for timely planning and development of solid waste and storm debris disposal facilities to effectively serve the needs of all communities within the County. (i) The DCPS and the Duval County School Board to ensure that population projections and proposed educational facility site plans and off-site impacts are consistent with the 20430 Comprehensive Plan, as set forth in the Public Schools Facilities Element of this Plan, the Land Development Regulations and in support of following Policy G.1.4.4. Policy G.1.1.7 The City shall continue its involvement in the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization and shall maintain representation on the Technical Coordinating Committee as appropriate and necessary. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT G - 4 Policy G.1.1.8 The City shall in coordination with the Northeast Florida Regional Council utilize the dispute resolution process established by Section 186.509, Florida Statutes, to reconcile differences on planning and growth management issues between local governments, regional agencies, and private interests. Policy G.1.1.9 The City shall coordinate with the City of Jacksonville for the provision of services of the portion of the Atlantic Beach Country Club Special Planned Area (REZ-13-00100057) that is located in the City of Jacksonville and is the subject of an Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement between the City of Atlantic Beach and the City of Jacksonville, which was signed by both parties on May 11, 2015. The subject property is to be annexed into the City of Atlantic Beach as compliant with all applicable Florida Statutes. Objective G.1.2 Coordination of the Management and Protection of Natural Resources The City shall continue to coordinate with all adjacent local governments and relevant agencies in implementing protection of the beach and shoreline and in protecting the potable water supply from saltwater intrusion. Policy G.1.2.1 The City shall coordinate with all jurisdictional agencies and adjacent local governments in developing and implementing programs aimed at effective management of the beaches and shorelines as well as other cross- jurisdictional water bodies. Policy G.1.2.2 The City shall coordinate with Duval County and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to strongly advocate a continuing program of beach re- nourishment. Policy G.1.2.3 The City shall coordinate with the St. Johns River Water Management District to identify potential areas where saltwater intrusion may degrade potable water resources. Objective G.1.3 Coordination of Levels of Service for Public Facilities The City shall coordinate planning and land development activities with adjacent local governments so as to ensure that the impacts of new development shall not preclude the attainment of adopted Level of Service standards; impair sound environmental management practices; create land use conflicts, or in any respect contribute to inconsistent and incompatible urban development patterns. Policy G.1.3.1 The City shall advise adjacent local governments of proposed development and redevelopment activities, which might reasonably be foreseen to reduce facility service standards and shall review such projects from the standpoint of conformity with the Comprehensive Plan of adjacent local governments, particularly near jurisdictional boundary lines. Policy G.1.3.2 The City shall coordinate with affected jurisdictions and agencies, including FDOT, regarding mitigation to impacted transportation facilities not under the jurisdiction of the City. Interlocal Agreements with other jurisdictions may be utilized for this purpose. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT G - 5 Policy G.1.3.3 In order to reflect the shared responsibilities for managing development and concurrency, the City may enter into agreement with one or more adjacent local governments in order to address cross-jurisdictional impacts of development on regional transportation facilities. Objective G.1.4 Coordination with the Duval County School Board In accordance with the adopted Interlocal Agreement for, Public School Facilities Planning, as may be amended pursuant to Section 163.31777, Florida Statutes, the City shall consult with the Duval County School Board and Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) prior to implementing projects or plans that might impact the use of school facilities related to shared facilities, access, surrounding environment, housing patterns, alteration of public services and general development policies of the City. Policy G.1.4.1 The City shall notify the Duval County Public Schools of projects or plans under consideration, which might affect the operation of school facilities at least thirty (30) days prior to taking formal action thereon. Policy G.1.4.2 The City shall request that the Duval County Public Schools advise the City of proposed alteration, construction, or other plans under consideration so that the City may be advised and provided an opportunity to discuss the potential effects of such action upon the City. Policy G.1.4.3 The City shall maintain, as a non-voting representative to be appointed by the Duval County School Board, a seat on its Local Planning Agency (LPA), who shall be noticed, provided an agenda, and invited to attend LPA meetings and provide comments related to land use amendments and rezoning proposals that may affect student enrollment projections or school facilities. Policy G.1.4.4 The City shall participate in joint planning processes and procedures for the coordination of public education facilities intended to facilitate coordination of DCPS plans with the plans of the City. On an ongoing basis, the City in cooperation with the DCPS and the other Duval County local governments, shall review existing mechanisms, each City’s comprehensive plan, the Interlocal Agreement for Public School Facilities Planning and other City and DCPS programs and their effects on the plans developed for providing public schools. Objective G.1.5 Affordable Housing The City may enter into Interlocal Agreements with adjacent municipalities in order to facilitate coordination in addressing affordable housing needs. Policy G.1.5.1 The City shall enter into Interlocal Agreements with adjacent governments, as determined to be necessary and appropriate, to address the City’s very low, low and moderate-income affordable housing needs in response to: 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT G - 6 (a) Market driven limitations, where meeting the needs for very low, low and moderate income affordable housing is not economically feasible due to exceptionally high property values related to the City’s coastal location, or (b) Where meeting affordable housing needs for very low, low and moderate income residents is not feasible due to limitations of residential density restrictions within the Coastal High Hazard Area. (c) The City shall continue to coordinate with the Navy and the City of Jacksonville to implement strategies that support reinvestment and revitalization of older neighborhoods along the Mayport Road Corridor that provide low and moderate income housing and which serve to assist housing needs of Naval Station Mayport personnel. H - 1 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT H. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT H - 2 Based on Section 163.177(3)(a), Florida Statutes, the Capital Improvements Element should be “designed to consider the need for and the location of public facilities in order to encourage the efficient use of such facilities.” For a five-year period, this element also must identify the investments needed to maintain and upgrade existing public facilities and needed new facilities; set priorities; and identify the revenue sources to pay for these investments. The City of Atlantic Beach adopts a Five-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements as part of the City’s annual budgeting process. Section 163.177(3)(b), Florida Statutes, allows modifications to the Five-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements to be accomplished by ordinance and not considered an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. H. Capital Improvements Element Goals, Objectives and Policies Terms used within this element shall be as set forth within Section 163.3164, Florida Statutes or as defined by applicable City of Atlantic Beach ordinances. Goal H.1 The City shall provide public facilities, which are sufficient to enable the City to: 1) accommodate the needs of present and future populations in a timely and cost- effective manner; 2) maximize the use of existing facilities; and 3) maintain or enhance the City's services, physical environment and fiscal integrity. Objective H.1.1 Capital Improvements Planning Capital projects needed to support development shall be evaluated annually, and when financially feasible, shall become part of the five (5) year Schedule of Capital Improvements of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as set forth within Table H-6 and consistent with the annual adopted budget for the City. Such updates to the CIP shall be completed in accordance with Section 163.177(3)(b), Florida Statutes. included in the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan as part of the annual review and amendment to this Capital Improvements Element. Policy H.1.1.1 Capital improvements, which are determined to be necessary to implement the Goals, Objectives and Policies of this Comprehensive Plan shall be given priority by the City. All capital improvements having a cost of $250,000 or more shall be included in the City's annual capital improvements budget along with an identified funding source. Policy H.1.1.2 The City Manager, or designee, shall have the responsibility of preparing for consideration by the City Commission a capital improvements budget and Capital Improvements Element update (when required) after evaluating the population growth within the City, the condition of City facilities, and the provisions of this Comprehensive Plan. Policy H.1.1.3 The City shall be guided by the following criteria in identifying and prioritizing capital improvements both in the provision of new facilities and replacement or renewal of existing facilities: 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT H - 3 (a) Improvements needed for the protection of public health and safety; (b) Improvements that increase the utilization of existing City facilities, multiple use of facilities or improved efficiency of facility operation; (c) Improvements that address existing Level of Service deficiencies; (d) Improvements necessary to meet the requirements of future development; (e) Improvements that enhance and improve the City's built environment and aesthetic character, economic stability, or environmental quality. Policy H.1.1.4 The City supports coordination of capital improvement planning by all levels of government as a means of providing services in an orderly, economical, and efficient manner. Policy H.1.1.5 This Capital Improvements Element shall be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect revisions to the Capital Improvements Program in accordance with the annual adopted budget, including any proportionate fair-share contributions. Policy H.1.1.6 The City shall ensure the financial feasibility of all capital improvements included within the adopted Capital Improvements Element. Policy H.1.1.7 The City does not currently have any projects necessary to achieve the pollutant load reductions attributable to the local government, as established in a basin management action plan. Objective H.1.2 Concurrency and Level of Service Standards The City shall coordinate land use decisions and the issuance of development permits with the implementation of the Capital Improvement Program so as to ensure that the Level of Service (LOS) standards, as set forth within this Plan element, are fully met in accordance with Florida Statutes, and other applicable rules and regulations. A Concurrency Management System (CMS) shall be maintained that is consistent with and supports the Capital Improvements Program, and which is financially feasible to provide necessary facilities to maintain adopted Level of Service standards and to serve new development during the five-year Capital Improvement Program planning period. The Concurrency Management System shall ensure that public facilities and services are available concurrent with the impacts of new development. Policy H.1.2.1 The City through its Concurrency Management System shall ensure that Level of Service (LOS) Standards for sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, parks and recreation, and schools, and transportation facilities, including mass transit where applicable, are maintained. Policy H.1.2.2 Development permits, including permits issued for single-family and two-family residential development upon existing Lots of Record, and those issued solely for alteration, remodeling, reconstruction, or restoration of residential units provided that such permits 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT H - 4 do not authorize an increase in the number of dwelling units; and for nonresidential uses, those permits that do not authorize an increase in the square feet of the development shall be deemed no impact projects and shall not require a Concurrency Certificate. It shall be the Applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate and certify this provision in accordance with concurrency review procedures. Policy H.1.2.3 Applications for development permits for projects, which are deemed to have no impact upon public facilities and services, as defined by preceding Policy H.1.2.2, or to have a de minimus impact as defined by State law, or which have acquired statutory or common law vested rights, shall not require a Concurrency Certificate. It shall be the Applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate and certify this provision in accordance with concurrency review procedures. Policy H.1.2.45 Development permits issued by the City, other than those as addressed by Policies H.1.2.2 and H.1.2.3, shall be accompanied by an approved Concurrency Certificate for that specific project, certifying that the proposed project has passed mandated concurrency tests. Capacity for all local development permits holding approved Concurrency Certificates shall be reserved in the effected public facilities for the life of the approved development permit but shall be released upon expiration of such development permit. Policy H.1.2.56 The City shall implement a concurrency tracking and monitoring system, which shall: (a) Analyze the impacts of a proposed development in relation to the available capacity and Level of Service requirements contained within this Capital Improvements Element; and (b) Create an annual report that summarizes the available capacity of public facilities and forecasts the future available capacity based upon best available data. Note: Terms and abbreviations used within following policies H.1.2.7 through H.1.2.12 shall have the same meaning as defined within the Public Schools Facilities Element of this Plan. Policy H.1.2.67 The City shall ensure that future needs are addressed consistent with the adopted level of service standards for public schools in accordance with the Public School Facilities Element of this Plan.to ensure that the capacity of schools is sufficient to support residential development order approvals at the adopted level of service (LOS) standards. Policy H.1.2.8 The LOS standards shall be applied consistently by the City and by DCPS district-wide to all schools of the same type. Policy H.1.2.9 The uniform LOS standards for all public schools including magnets and all instructional facility types, shall be 105% of the permanent Florida Inventory of School House (FISH) capacity, plus portables, based on the utilization rate as established by the State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF). 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT H - 5 (a) The designated middle schools within CSA 5 shall be identified as backlogged facilities and an interim level of standard within CSA 5 shall be 115% until January 1, 2018, after which the uniform LOS standard shall apply. (b) The implementation of long term concurrency management shall be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented improvements and strategies toward improving the level of service standards for middle schools in CSA 5 over the 10-year period. (c) The City shall adopt the DCPS Long Range Capital Improvements Plan as the 10-year long-term schedule of improvements for the purpose of correcting existing deficiencies and setting priorities for addressing backlogged facilities within CSA 5. The long-term schedule includes capital improvements and revenues sufficient to meet the anticipated demands for backlogged facilities within the 10- year period. The long-term schedule improves interim level of service standards for backlogged facilities and ensures uniform LOS, as established in the preceding policies are achieved by 2018. The long-term schedule will be updated by December 1st of each year, in conjunction with the annual update to the DCPS Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan and the City’s Capital Improvements Element. (d) The City’s strategy in coordination with DCPS for correcting existing deficiencies and addressing future needs includes: 1) Implementation of a financially feasible Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan to ensure level of service standards are achieved and maintained; 2) Implementation of interim level of service standards within designated concurrency service areas with identified backlogged facilities in conjunction with a long-term (10-year) schedule of improvements to correct deficiencies and improve level of service standards to the district-wide standards; 3) Identification of adequate sites for funded and planned schools; and 4) The expansion of revenues for school construction. Policy H.1.2.10 The City hereby adopts by reference as part of this Element the 2018-2019 Five Year District Facilities Work Program, and the Long Range Capital Improvements Plan as the 10-year long-term schedule of improvements program as adopted by Duval County Public Schools, which sets forth a financially feasible public school capital facilities program that demonstrates the adopted level-of-service standards will be achieved and maintained and maintained by the end of the 5-year and the 10-year planning periods. Policy H.1.2.11 By December of each year, the City, shall adopt the updated DCPS Five Year District Facilities Work Program and the Long Range Capital Improvements Plan as the 10-year long-term schedule of improvements program to the extent that it relates to school capacity to ensure maintenance of a financially feasible capital improvements program 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT H - 6 and to ensure level of service standards will continue to be achieved and maintained pursuant to Policy H.1.2.10 of this Element. Policy H.1.2.12 If there is a consensus to amend the LOS, it shall be accomplished by the execution of an amendment to this Interlocal Agreement by all Cities and DCPS and the adoption of amendments to each local government’s Comprehensive Plan, following an advisory review by the ILA Team and the Joint Planning Committee. The amended LOS shall not be effective until all plan amendments are effective and the amended Interlocal Agreement is fully executed. No level of service shall be amended without showing that the LOS is financially feasible. Policy H.1.2.13 In addition to the LOS for school concurrency established by the Duval County School Board, the following Level of Service standards are adopted as the basis for the City's issuance of development permits. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT Table H- H - 7 1. Park, Recreation and Open Space Level of Service (LOS) Standards City of Atlantic Beach, 2030 TYPE OF FACILITY LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARD Playground (with equipment) 1 playground per 2,500 population Baseball or Softball Field 1 field per 2,500 population Soccer or Football Field 1 field per 5,000 population Basketball Court 1 court per 2,500 population Volleyball Court 1 court per 5,000 population Tennis Court 1 court per 2,500 population Running/Hiking Trail 1 trail per 10,000 population Community Center 1 center per I0,000 population Beach Accesses 1 access per 2,500 population Passive Park/Scenic Open Space 5 acres per 1,000 population Golf Course* (public or private) 1 18-hole course per 25,000 population Regional Park/Open Space* 5 acres per 1,000 population *Regional facilities are defined as those, which may not be located within the City of Atlantic Beach, but are in such close proximity so as to directly serve the daily recreational needs of the residents of the City of Atlantic Beach, such as Kathryn Abby Hanna Park and area golf courses. Policy H.1.2.714 The City shall manage development approvals, land development regulations, and infrastructure improvements not issue a development permit unless provision to maintain or exceed the above standards for Park, Recreation and Open Space Levels of Service is met or committed as set forth in the Recreation and Open Space Elementfollowing Policy H.1.2.9. Policy H.1.2.15 A development permit may be issued, if determined to be appropriate by the City, subject to the condition that, at the time of issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent, the acreage for the necessary park, recreation or open space facilities are dedicated or acquired by the local government, or funds in the amount of the developer’s fair share are committed in accordance with the following and: (a) The park, recreation or open space facilities are in place or under actual construction not more than one year after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent as provided in the adopted local government 5-year Schedule of Capital Improvements; or (b) At the time the development permit is issued, the necessary park, recreation or open space facilities are mandated through a binding executed agreement which requires the necessary facilities to be in place or under actual construction not more than one year after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent; or 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT Table H- H - 8 (c) At the time the development permit is issued, the necessary park, recreation or open space facilities are guaranteed in an enforceable development agreement, pursuant to Section 163.3220, Florida Statutes, or an agreement or development permit issued pursuant to Chapter 380, Florida Statutes, to be in place or under actual construction not more than one year after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent. [Section 163.3180(2)(b), Florida Statutes] Table H-12. Sanitary Sewer Level of Service (LOS) Standards City of Atlantic Beach, 204530 Type of Service LOS Standard Average sewage 94105 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) for COAB system 105 gpcd for COAB system (outside City limits) Peak flow design capacity 120.5234 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) for COAB system 164 gpcd for COAB system (outside City limits) Policy H.1.2.816 At the time of issuance of a development permit, there shall be in place an enforceable development agreement that ensures, prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent, the necessary facilities and services for sanitary sewer will be available in accordance with Table H-1. Table H-23. Solid Waste and Potable Water Level of Service Standards City of Atlantic Beach, 204530 Type of Service LOS Standard Solid Waste 7.3 pounds pcpd Potable Water 94105 gpcd for COAB system Policy H.1.2.917 At the time of issuance of a development permit, there shall be in place an enforceable development agreement that ensures, prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent, the necessary facilities and services for solid waste and potable water will be available in accordance with Table H-2. The use of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems approved by the Department of Health may be used to meet this requirement. Table H-34. Drainage Level of Service (LOS) Standards City of Atlantic Beach, 204530 Surface Water Quality Applicable local and State regulations shall pertain to maintaining water quality, natural hydroperiods and flows. Ambient water quality standards shall be maintained. Minimum criteria for surface water quality shall meet the standards of F.A.C. 62-302. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT Table H- H - 9 Wetland Stormwater Discharge Permits for Wetland stormwater discharge shall meet F.A.C. 40C- 42.0265. Stormwater Discharge Facilities Permits for construction of new stormwater discharge facilities shall meet F.A.C. 40C-42.022. Closed conduits 5-year frequency, 24-hour duration; IDF curve Zone 5, FDOT Drainage Manual, 2003. Open channels 10-year frequency, 24 hour duration; IDF curve Zone 5, for Roadside, Median, and Interceptor ditches or swales and 25-year storm for Outfall ditches, FDOT Drainage Manual, 2003. Level of Service Shall meet FDEP Stormwater Drainage Rule 40C-42.025 and 40C42.026 regarding retention of stormwater runoff. Policy H.1.2.108 At the time of issuance of a development permit, there shall be in place an enforceable development agreement that ensures, prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent, that the necessary facilities and services for drainage and stormwater treatment, the protection of natural hydrologic functions, particularly tidal marsh systems will be in place. 5. Transportation Level of Service Standards City of Atlantic Beach, 2030 Roadway Classification LOS Standard Freeways LOS “D” Principal Arterial LOS “D” Minor Arterial LOS “E” Collector Street LOS “E” Local Street LOS “E” Constrained Facilities (if applicable) Freeways Maintain existing LOS and travel speed Principal Arterial Maintain existing LOS and travel speed Minor Arterial Maintain existing LOS and travel speed Collector Street Maintain existing LOS and travel speed Local Street Maintain existing LOS and travel speed Backlogged Facilities (if applicable) Freeways Maintain and improve existing LOS and travel speed Principal Arterial Maintain and improve existing LOS and travel speed Minor Arterial Maintain and improve existing LOS and travel speed 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT Table H- H - 10 Collector Street Maintain and improve existing LOS and travel speed Local Street Maintain and improve existing LOS and travel speed Policy H.1.2.119 The transportation level of service standards are located within the Transportation Element of this Plan. A development permit may be issued if determined to be appropriate by the City, subject to the condition that the necessary transportation facilities are scheduled to be in place or under actual construction not more than three (3) years after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent as provided in the adopted local government five-year Schedule of Capital Improvements. The Schedule of Capital Improvements may recognize and include transportation projects included in the first three years of the applicable, adopted Florida Department of Transportation five-year work program. Policy H.1.2.20 An estimated date of commencement of actual construction and the estimated date of project completion for transportation improvements necessary to satisfy concurrency shall be included in the Capital Improvements Program for the City. Policy H.1.2.21 A Comprehensive Plan amendment is required to eliminate, defer, or delay construction of transportation improvements which are needed to maintain the adopted Transportation Level of Service standard, and which are listed in the five (5) year Schedule of Capital Improvements [Section 163.3177.3.(b)1, Florida Statutes], unless: (a) At the time a development permit is issued, the necessary transportation facilities are contained within a binding executed agreement that mandates the necessary transportation facilities will be in place or under actual construction within three (3) years after the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent; or (b) At the time a development permit is issued, the necessary transportation facilities are guaranteed in an enforceable development agreement, pursuant to Section 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT H - 11 163.3220, Florida Statutes, or an agreement or development permit issued pursuant to Chapter 380, Florida Statutes, to be in place or under actual construction within three (3) years after issuance of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent. [Section 163.3180(2)(c), Florida Statues] Policy H.1.2.22 The City shall incorporate into its Land Development Regulations a Proportionate FairShare Program for transportation concurrency. Policy H.1.2.23 The City shall maintain records on de minimis impacts for transportation concurrency to ensure that traffic volume remains under the 110% criteria pursuant to requirements of the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), and this documentation shall be provided to the DEO annually. Policy H.1.2.24 The City shall establish and implement a process for assessing, receiving, and applying a fair-share of the cost of providing transportation facilities necessary to serve a proposed new development. Transportation facilities or improvements necessary to maintain adopted LOS standards shall be included in a financially feasible five (5) year Schedule of Capital Improvements. Any fair-share assessment shall have a reasonable relationship to the transportation impact that is projected to be generated by the proposed new development. Objective H.1.3 Public Expenditures within the Coastal High Hazard Area The City shall not make public expenditures that subsidize land development within the Coastal High Hazard Area other than improvements as required to implement the Objectives and Policies identified within the Coastal Management Element and the Infrastructure Element. Policy H.1.3.1 The City shall coordinate with the appropriate agencies to ensure improvements as appropriate and necessary to protect and re-nourish dunes and beach areas, and to maintain or replace public facilities and provide improved recreational opportunities. Objective H.1.4 Funding for Capital Improvements The City shall manage its fiscal resources and establish through revisions to its Land Development Regulations, as required by Section 163.3202, Florida Statutes, equitable facility cost allocation and concurrency requirements in a manner that ensures the City's capability to meet future capital improvement needs, which are associated with continued development and redevelopment of the City. Policy H.1.4.1 The City’s annual adopted budget, which identifies General Fund and other revenue sources and all fund expenditures, and all governmental debt obligations, (as set forth within the Debt Service Fund) is hereby identified as supporting data and analysis for this Capital Improvements Element. The annual budget shall continue to contain a Capital Improvement Program with a Schedule of Capital Improvements, adequate to, at a minimum, maintain the adopted Levels of Service as set forth within this Plan element. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT 12 Policy H.1.4.2 The City's annual budgeting process shall reflect immediate as well as long-term implications of capital project expenditures in terms of trends and projections in the City's fiscal condition, expressed public attitudes, Comprehensive Plan provisions, and consistency with the plans of regional service agencies, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and other entities with whom coordination of facility planning is appropriate. Criteria for evaluating capital project expenditures shall include: (a) The urgency of need based upon health, safety and welfare considerations of the general public; (b) The orderly scheduling to maximize funding availability; and (c) Opportunities for coordinating expenditures so as to improve efficiency and effectiveness of public services. Policy H.1.4.3 The annual budget process shall include a review of two years of actual history, an estimate for the current year, the proposed year, then the final approved budget for the following fiscal year. The adopted capital expenditures budget shall be segregated both by program area and by revenue fund type and shall identify existing and projected revenue sources and funding mechanisms. Policy H.1.4.4 The annual adopted budget shall continue to include a yearly Schedule of Capital Outlay and also a Long Term Financial Plan, which shall be evaluated, reviewed and adjusted during the budgeting process, as may be necessary, to correct existing deficiencies, or to address emergency needs. Policy H.1.4.5 The City shall review the Capital Improvements Element not less than once annually, and funding for capital improvements shall be given priority as set forth with Table H-46, Schedule of Capital Improvements, or as priorities may be established during the annual budget review process. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT H - 13 H - 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT Table H-46. Schedule of Capital Improvements, 202418-19 through 203324-25 SCHEDULE OF CAPTIAL IMPROVEMENTS: 2019 through 2025 Project Description 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 TOTAL SOURCE 1. Parks and Roads a. Beach walkover 120,000 120,000 120,000 360,000 1/2 Cent b. Russel Park basketball court improvements 80,000 80,000 1/2 Cent c. Jordan Park basketball court improvements 80,000 80,000 1/2 Cent d. Bull Park tennis court improvements 25,000 25,000 1/2 Cent e. Russel Park playground 90,000 90,000 1/2 Cent f. Russell Park tennis court lighting 100,000 100,000 1/2 Cent g. Howell Park bridges 100,000 100,000 1/2 Cent h. Russell Park baseball field lighting 65,000 65,000 65,000 195,000 1/2 Cent i. Skateboard park improvements 120,000 120,000 1/2 Cent j. Raqettmball court improvements 300,000 300,000 1/2 Cent k. Bull Park tennis court lighting 60,000 60,000 1/2 Cent l. Rose Park-playground set 60,000 60,000 1/2 Cent m. Dutton Island - canal bridge 700,000 700,000 1/2 Cent n. Jasmine Road pond restoration 200,000 200,000 1/2 Cent o. Tideview Park - walkways restoration 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 1/2 Cent 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT p. Dutton fishing pier restoration (north end) 125,000 125,000 1/2 Cent q. Milling and paving City streets 320,000 320,000 320,000 320,000 320,000 1,600,000 1/2 Cent r. New Public Works facilites 950,000 950,000 1/2 Cent s. Tideviews Park-new picnic shelters 120,000 120,000 1/2 Cent t. Various sidewalks 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 625,000 1/2 Cent u. City Hall-new roof 45,000 45,000 1/2 Cent v. Donner Road-widen, curb, gutter and sidewalks 800,000 800,000 1/2 Cent w. Christmas for Mayport Rd. and Atlantic Blvd. 30,000 30,000 1/2 Cent x. Royal Palms - replace curbs and gutters 500,000 500,000 1/2 Cent y. Ditch cleaning contract along Seminole RD. 100,000 75,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 325,000 GF z. Public works - gas pumps and software 30,000 30,000 1/2 Cent 2. Water Utility a. Service line replacements to include 200,000 200,000 400,000 UT b. Well #2 & #3:Acid Cleaning and videoing 120,000 120,000 UT c. Replace services and valves 150,000 150,000 UT d. Replace 2,200 LF of 4-inch AQ WM with 8-inch PVC on Seat Oats Drive 600,000 600,000 UT e. WTP #2, Well #5 - Video logging 35,000 35,000 UT f. Add 8 flushing hydrants to the system 15,000 15,000 UT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT g. Construct 2,500 LF of 6-inch WM in Marsh Oaks 200,000 200,000 400,000 UT h. Construct 100 LF of 6-inch PVC WM to connect Kestner Road and Paradise Court 39,000 39,000 UT i. Coating wastewater tanks 480,000 480,000 UT j. Mayport Road water services and valves 384,000 384,000 UT k. WTP #2 500,000 storage and aeration 550,000 550,000 UT l. Atlantic Blvd. water services and valves 512,000 512,000 UT m. Construct 250 LF of 8-inch PVC WM to connect Cornell to Ocean Gate 108,000 108,000 UT n. Selva Marina drive water services and valves - on what? 640,000 640,000 UT o. Replace 2,400 LF of 4'inch AW WM with 8'inch PVC WM on Park Terrace 387,000 387,000 UT p. WTP #4 - Decommission and total reconstruction north of the existing WTP #4 100,000 100,000 UT q. WTP #4 - Include costs for reconstruction costs 3,500,000 3,500,000 UT r. Replace Services and valves 259,000 259,000 UT s. Replace 4,300 LF of 8-inch AC WM with 12-inch PVC WM on East Plaza from Seminole Road to Mayport Road 688,000 688,000 UT t. Construct 1,200 LF of 12-inch PVC WM on Mayport Road from SR A1A to Courtyards Lane 288,000 288,000 UT 3. Sewer Utility 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT a. Replacement of Clay Service lines for Selva Marina, Oak Harbor and Park Terrace and services 200,000 200,000 200,000 600,000 UT b. LS improvements 100,000 100,000 200,000 UT c. Standardize electric generator connections at LSs 75,000 75,000 150,000 UT d. Replace cage drives in clarifiers 225,000 225,000 UT e. Gravity outfall back up 100,000 100,000 UT f. Chlorination: replace gas feed chlorinators 25,000 25,000 UT g. SCADA upgrades by Data Flow includes level sensors, new PLCs 250,000 250,000 UT h. Septic to sewer 14 homes in Marsh Oaks 450,000 450,000 UT i. Catwalks 40,000 40,000 UT j. Install odor control/screens and pump replacements at Buccaneer LS 400,000 400,000 UT k. Construct a new reuse HSPS based on increased storage capacity 200,000 200,000 UT l. Purchase a portable generator 50,000 50,000 UT m. Replace 1,340 LF of 8-inch effluent FM from LS Donner (LS C) 173,000 173,000 UT n. Extend sewer service into Marsh Oaks 439,000 439,000 UT o. Septic to Sewer 14 homes in Marsh Oaks 600,000 600,000 UT p. Construct chlorine/sulfur dioxide building 100,000 100,000 UT q. Relocate and improve WWTP entrance 140,000 140,000 UT 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT r. Replace pumps motors valves and manifold piping at existing Yard Pump Station 50,000 50,000 UT s. Influent LS need a new deeper wetwell or an additional chamber next to the existing wetwall 400,000 400,000 UT t. Improve aeration tank include a structural integrity study, new drains and sand blasting 250,000 250,000 UT u. Install second centrifuge 200,000 200,000 UT v. Pre-treatment: replace existing eccentric plug valves 40,000 40,000 UT w. Chlorination: add motor operators to the chlorine contact chamber sluice gates (7 total) 90,000 90,000 UT x. Blower Buildings: improve ventilation at blower buildings 130,000 130,000 UT y. Construct new operations building 800,000 800,000 UT z. Construct new equipment vehicle building 700,000 700,000 UT TOTALS 620,000 2,085,000 3,366,000 5,581,000 3,945,000 4,770,000 3,960,000 24,327,000 Funding Source Gas Tax - Gas 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 Half Cent Sales tax - 1/2 Cent 841,229 1,387,900 1,379,684 2,126,199 2,499,043 3,118,704 3,760,680 Sanitation Fund - SF 522,011 375,401 430,031 485,874 542,902 601,082 665,380 Water Sewer Utility Fund - UT 5,827,243 4,931,945 4,866,910 5,095,399 6,009,121 7,118,589 8,227,733 I - 1 I. PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT CITY OF JACKSONVILLE & MUNICIPALITIES SCHOOL CONCURRENCY PROGRAM (Where appropriate to the context, references herein to “the City” shall mean the City of Atlantic Beach, whereas references to the Cities shall mean all Duval County local governments or the City of Jacksonville as expressed by the specific responsibility or reference.) I. PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS GOAL I.1: COORDINATE AND MAINTAIN HIGH QUAILITY EDUCUATION I - 3 OBJECTIVE I.1.1 COORDINATION AND CONSISTENCY I - 3 GOAL I.2: PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION I - 4 OBJECTIVE I.2.1 PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES AND AVIALABILITY I - 4 OBJECTIVE I.2.2 ENHANCE COMMUNITY/SCHOOL DESIGN I - 7 OBJECTIVE I.2.3 COORDINATE LAND USE AND SCHOOL CAPACITY I - 8 GOAL I.3: IMPLEMENT SCHOOL CONCURRENCY I - 8 OBJECTIVE I.3.1 AMENDING ADOPTED LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS I - 9 OBJECTIVE I.3.2 SCHOOL CONCURRENCY SERVICE AREAS I - 10 OBJECTIVE I.3.3 PROCESS FOR SCHOOL CONCURRENCY IMPEMENTATION I - 11 OBJECTIVE I.3.4 PROPORTIONATE SHARE MITIGATIONS I - 13 OBJECTIVE I.3.5 CAPITAL FACILITIES PLANNING I - 14 DEFINITIONS I - 15 MAPS EXISTING LOCATIONS OF DCPS PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS I - 19 EXISTING LOCATIONS OF DCPS PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS I - 20 EXISTING LOCATIONS OF DCPS PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS I - 21 EXISTING LOCATIONS OF DCPS ANCILLARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES I - 22 PLANNED LOCATIONS OF DCPS PUBLIC SCHOOLS I - 23 I. Public Schools Facilities Element Goals, Objectives and Policies Goal I.1 COORDINATE AND MAINTAIN HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION The City shall collaborate and coordinate with the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), the City of Jacksonville and the other Duval County municipalities to ensure that the public school system offers a high quality educational environment, provides accessibility for all its students, and ensures adequate school capacity to accommodate existing and future population. Objective I. 1.1 Coordination and Consistency The City shall establish coordination review procedures to ensure consistency of its Comprehensive Plan with the plans of the DCPS, the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities. Policy I.1.1.1 It is the intent of this element that the policies included herein shall be applied to the City, unless specifically noted or where clearly not applicable to the City of Atlantic Beach. Policy I.1.1.2 Staff shall meet in joint workshop sessions with staff from DCPS, the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities on an as needed basis, but at a minimum of twice per year, to provide opportunities to discuss issues of mutual concern. Policy I.1.1.3 The City shall meet with the DCPS and the legislative bodies of the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities on an annual basis in a joint workshop or meeting session to discuss issues regarding coordination of land use and school facilities planning, including population and student growth, development trends, school sitings, school needs, school concurrency, co-location and joint- use opportunities, and ancillary infrastructure improvements needed to support and ensure safe student access. Policy I.1.1.4 The City shall coordinate and base its plans upon consistent projections of the amount, type, and distribution of population growth and student enrollment which are consistent with those of the DCPS, the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities. The Interlocal Agreement shall establish the methodology to be used to determine school enrollment projections to be used in preparing the DCPS Five-Year Capital Plan, and the methodology to be used to determine school enrollment and capacity to be used in concurrency testing. At a minimum, the methodology shall include consideration of both students anticipated from projected new housing stock and enrollment projected to occur from existing housing stock, and that each of these components of projected student enrollment be set out for each Concurrency Service Area by type of school, or a functional equivalent. To ensure that the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and the Concurrency Management System are financially feasible, the City of Jacksonville shall confirm that the student enrollment projections from new housing stock in each Concurrency Service Area are consistent with the population projections for that Concurrency Service Area. The City will annually revise its Five-year population projections and update information and provide those revised projections and information to the DCPS, the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities in order that DCPS annually update its school enrollment projections. Policy I.1.1.5 At the time of adoption of the Public School Facilities Element (PSFE), the City shall coordinate and share data with DCPS including an inventory of reserved capacity that existed prior to the effective date of the City’ School Concurrency Ordinance, approval and a projection of the number of these residential units that are anticipated to receive certification of occupancy approval in the next five years, and the identification of any development orders issued which contained a requirement for the provision of a school site as a condition of the development approval. Policy I.1.1.6 On an ongoing basis, the City will provide the DCPS with data, including information regarding the type, number, and location of residential units which have received zoning approval, site plan approval, a building permit, or a Certificate of Occupancy and a draft Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) with the final version of the CIP to be submitted by the City to the DCPS after official adoption. Information regarding the conversion or redevelopment of housing or other structures into residential units that are likely to generate new students shall be provided. Policy I.1.1.7 By December of each year, the City shall consider for adoption the DCPS Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan to the extent that it relates to school capacity to ensure maintenance of a financially feasible capital improvements program and to ensure level of service standards will be achieved and maintained by the end of the 5-year planning period. If the City determines that the DCPS Five Year Capital Facilities Plan is not financially feasible, then the City shall notify the DCPS that the Five Year Capital Facilities Plan is not financially feasible, and request that DCPS modify the Five Year Capital Facilities Plan to make it financially feasible. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT 5 Goal I.2 PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION It is the goal of the City to maintain and enhance joint planning processes and procedures for coordination with the DCPS, the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities of public education facilities for planning and decision-making regarding population projections, public school siting, and the development of public education facilities concurrent with the residential development and other services. Objective I.2.1 Public School Facility and Availability The City shall coordinate with DCPS, the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities to establish a process of coordination and collaboration between the Cities and the DCPS in the planning, siting and construction of educational facilities, so that timing is proper and the site location is compatible with the surrounding area, concurrent with necessary service and infrastructure, and consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Policy I.2.1.1 The City will coordinate with the DCPS to assure that proposed public school facility sites in the County are consistent with the applicable land use categories and policies of the applicable Comprehensive Plan. Pursuant to Florida Statutes, each City will consider each site, within its boundaries, as it relates to environmental, health, safety, and welfare concerns, as well as the effects on adjacent property. Policy I.2.1.2 The City will coordinate with the DCPS for the selection of future school sites within the County as to aspects related to: (a) Acquisition of school sites which: (i) allow for future expansions to accommodate future enrollment, in accordance with the adopted level of service (LOS) standards and other facility needs; (ii) coordinate with the City’s development and redevelopment objectives; and (iii) are deemed beneficial for joint uses, as identified by the DCPS and the City, to the extent feasible; and (b) Coordination of the location, phasing, and development of future school sites to ensure that site development occurs in conjunction with the provision of required infrastructure to serve the school facility. Policy I.2.1.3 The City shall coordinate with the DCPS in the school site selection process to encourage the location of new schools within areas designated for development on the Future Land Use Map. Policy I.2.1.4 At the request of the DCPS, the City will assist the DCPS and the JPC in reviewing and recommending potential sites for new schools, proposed school closures, and significant school expansion projects, and making recommendations to the Superintendent. Policy I.2.1.5 The City shall coordinate with the DCPS to establish a procedure for timely review of development for new public school facilities. Policy I.2.1.6 Public schools shall be located so as to provide direct access to collector or arterial roadway system, where feasible. Policy I.2.1.7 The City shall coordinate with the DCPS to evaluate and seek to locate potential sites where the co-location of public facilities, such as parks, libraries, and community centers, with schools can be accomplished. Policy I.2.1.8 Schools are an allowable land use in all future land use categories, except for heavy industrial and conservation, subject to the following criteria: 1) Whether the area contains or will contain a student population density sufficient to support the school; 2) Whether the school in that location would be consistent with sound facility planning, including consideration of overall cost and design; 3) Whether the school site is of sufficient size to accommodate the required parking and circulation of vehicles; 4) Whether anticipated unacceptable impacts to the environment and significant environmental constraints would preclude a school on the site; 5) Whether development of the school would result in unacceptable impacts on archeological or historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated by the City as locally significant; 6) Whether the location of site is located within the area of velocity flood zone or floodway, as delineated on pertinent maps identified or referenced in the City’s Comprehensive Plan or Land Development Regulations; 7) Whether or not the proposed location lies within an area regulated by Section 333.03(3), Florida Statutes, regarding the construction of public facilities in the vicinity of an airport; 8) As to elementary school sites, whether the site is proximate to and within walking distance of the residential neighborhoods it is intended to serve, thereby encouraging the use of elementary schools as focal points for neighborhoods. 9) As to middle and high school sites, whether the site is conveniently located to the residential neighborhoods it is intended to serve, and has access to major roads; 10) Whether the new schools site, significant renovation, expansion or potential closure will support community redevelopment and revitalization; 11) Whether the new school site, significant renovation, expansion or potential closure will increase or diminish the current and projected level of service within the concurrency service area, and contiguous concurrency service areas. (b) The facility shall be of a design, intensity, and scale to serve the surrounding neighborhood and be compatible with the surrounding land uses and zoning. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 7 Policy I.2.1.9 The City shall protect schools from the intrusion of incompatible land uses as determined by the City’s Land Development Regulations, by providing the DCPS the opportunity to participate in the review process for all proposed developments adjacent to schools. Policy I.2.1.10 The City shall coordinate with the DCPS to ensure that the future school facilities are located outside areas susceptible to hurricane and/or storm damage, and/or areas prone to flooding, or as consistent with Chapter 1013, Florida Statutes, regarding flood plain and school building requirements. Policy I.2.1.11 The emergency management officials of the City shall coordinate with the DCPS facilities staff to identify schools, both existing and proposed, which can serve as emergency shelter sites, as well as identify and make available to the DCPS any grants or other monies for use in preparing a structure as an emergency shelter site. Policy I.2.1.12 The DCPS and the Cities will jointly determine the need, responsibility for providing, and timing of any on or off-site infrastructure improvements necessary to support a new school located in the City. To the extent that the proposed renovation or expansion of an existing school located in the City effects on or off- site infrastructure improvements, the same determination shall be made for the proposed renovation or expansion. Objective I.2.2 Enhance Community/School Design The City shall coordinate with DCPS to enhance community and neighborhood design though establishing effective school facility design and siting standards thereby encouraging the siting of school facilities to serve as community focal points and to be compatible with surrounding land uses. Policy I.2.2.1 The City shall coordinate with the DCPS in order to provide consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and public school facilities program, and to provide for the following desirable outcomes: (a) Greater efficiency by the placement of schools to take advantage of the existing and planned roads, water, sewer, parks, and drainage systems; (b) Improved student access and safety by coordinating the construction of new and expanded schools with roads and sidewalk construction programs; (c) The location and design of schools with parks, ball fields, libraries, and other community facilities to take advantage of shared use opportunities; and (d) The expansion and rehabilitation of existing schools to support neighborhoods and redevelopment. (e) The City shall coordinate any updates to its future land use map with the DCPS and the DCPS shall coordinate any updates to the long range public school facilities map with the City. Policy I.2.2.2 The City shall coordinate with DCPS to seek to provide for the shared-use and co-location of school sites and local government facilities with similar facility needs, such as libraries, parks, and recreation facilities, and health care facilities. The City will look for opportunities to co-locate and share local government facilities when preparing updates to the Comprehensive Plan’s schedule of capital improvements and when planning and designing new or renovating existing, community facilities. Policy I.2.2.3 Where continued use of an existing school which is considered a locally significant building is not feasible, the City shall seek to coordinate with DCPS to provide for the adaptive reuse of that locally significant building. Policy I.2.2.4 New residential developments adjacent to schools which do not prohibit school aged residents shall be required to provide a direct access that is safe for pedestrian travel to existing and planned school sites, and shall connect to the neighborhood’s existing pedestrian network. Policy I.2.2.5 The City shall coordinate with the DCPS to ensure that pedestrian and bicycle facilities are provided adjacent to school sites located in the City to allow for the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Policy I.2.2.6 The City shall coordinate with the DCPS to find opportunities to collaborate on public transit and public school bus routes to better serve citizens and students. Policy I.2.2.7 The City shall encourage the DCPS to use sustainable design and performance standards, such as using energy efficient and recycled materials, to reduce lifetime costs, where feasible. Objective I.2.3 Coordinate Land Use with School Capacity The City will coordinate proposed changes to future land use, rezoning, and developments of regional impact for residential development with adequate school capacity. This objective will be accomplished recognizing the DCPS statutory and constitutional responsibility to provide a uniform system of free and adequate schools. Policy I.2.3.1 The City will provide an electronic copy, or otherwise make available electronically, to the DCPS, copies of all land use applications and development and redevelopment proposals pending before them that may affect student enrollment, enrollment projections, or school facilities, as provided in the amended Interlocal Agreement. Policy I.2.3.2 The City will coordinate with DCPS to establish plan review procedures to manage the timing of Future Land Use Map amendments and other land use decisions so that these decisions coordinate with adequate school capacity. Policy I.2.3.3 The City will take into consideration the DCPS comments and findings on the availability of adequate school capacity in the evaluation of comprehensive plan amendments, and 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 9 other land use decisions as provided in Section 163.3177(6)(a), Florida Statutes, and development of regional impacts as provided in 1380.06, Florida Statutes. GOAL I.3 IMPLEMENT PUBLIC SCHOOL CONCURRENCY The City shall ensure the future availability of public school facilities to serve development consistent with the adopted level of service standards. This goal will be accomplished recognizing the DCPS statutory and constitutional responsibility to provide uniform system of free and adequate public schools, and the Cities’ authority for land use control and management, and their joint responsibility to maintain the adopted level of service standards. Objective I.3.1 Adopted Level of Service (LOS) Standards Through the implementation of its concurrency management systems and in coordination with the DCPS, the City shall ensure that the capacity of schools is sufficient to support new residential developments at the adopted level of service (LOS) standards within the period covered in the five-year schedule of capital improvements and the long range planning period. These standards shall be consistent with the Interlocal Agreement agreed upon by the DCPS, the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities. Minor deviations to the LOS standards may occur, so long as they are limited, temporary and with scheduled capacity improvements, school capacity is maximized to the greatest extent feasible. Policy I.3.1.1 The LOS standards set forth herein shall be applied consistently for the purpose of implementing school concurrency, including determining whether sufficient school capacity exists to accommodate a particular development application, and determining the financial feasibility of DCPS Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan and the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. Policy I.3.1.2 The uniform LOS standards for all public schools including magnets and instructional facility types, shall be 105% of the permanent Florida Inventory of School House (FISH) capacity, plus portables, based on the utilization rate as established by the State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF). (a) The designated middle schools in CSA 5 shall be identified as backlogged facilities and an interim level of standard within CSA 5 shall be 115% until January 1, 2018, after which the uniform LOS standard shall apply. (b) The implementation of long term concurrency management shall be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented improvements and strategies toward improving the level of service standards for middle schools in CSA 5 over the 10-year period. (c) The City shall adopt DCPS Long Range Capital Improvements Plan as the 10-year longterm schedule of improvements for the purpose of correcting existing deficiencies and setting priorities for addressing backlogged facilities within CSA 5. The long-term schedule includes capital improvements and revenues sufficient to meet the anticipated demands for backlogged facilities within the 10-year period. The longterm schedule improves interim level of service standards for backlogged facilities and ensures uniform LOS, as established in policy above, is achieved by 2018. The long-term schedule will be updated by December 1st of each year, in conjunction with the annual update to the DCPS Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan and the Cities’ Capital Improvements Elements. (d) The City’s strategy, in coordination with DCPS, for correcting existing deficiencies and addressing future needs includes: 1) Implementation of a financially feasible Five Year Capital Facilities Plan to ensure level of service standards are achieved and maintained; 2) Implementation of interim level of service standards within designated concurrency service areas with identified backlogged facilities in conjunction with a long-term (10-year) schedule of improvements to correct deficiencies and improve level of service standards to the district-wide standards; 3) Identification of adequate sites for funded and planned schools; and 4) The expansion of revenues for school construction. Policy I.3.1.3 The uniform LOS standards may only be amended by agreement of the City of Jacksonville, the DCPS and all other municipalities. Such agreement must be reflected in amendment of the Interlocal Agreement relating to schools. The revised LOS standard shall not become final until the Interlocal Agreement has been amended. No level of service shall be amended without a showing that the proposed LOS is financially feasible. The LOS will be achieved and maintained by the end of the five-year planning period. Objective I.3.2 School Concurrency Service Areas (CSAs) The City’ shall coordinate with DCPS to establish Concurrency Service Areas (CSAs), as the areas within which an evaluation is made of whether adequate school capacity is available based on the adopted level of service standards. Policy I.3.2.1 The City shall enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the DCPS, the City of Jacksonville and other municipalities in Duval County to establish CSAs to be used as the basis of school concurrency determinations. The CSAs shall be delineated so as to maximize available school capacity and make efficient use of new and existing public school facilities in accordance with the adopted LOS standards, taking into consideration the following criteria: (a) Maximization of school facilities, 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 11 (b) Minimize transportation costs, (c) Limiting student travel time, (d) Requirements of court-approved desegregation plans. (e) Achieving socioeconomic, racial, and cultural diversity objectives, (f) Recognizing capacity commitments resulting from local governments’ development approvals for the CSA and contiguous CSAs. Policy I.3.2.2 The CSA designations may only be amended by agreement of the City of Jacksonville, the DCPS and all other municipalities, after receiving comments from the Joint Planning Committee and the ILA Team. Such agreement must be reflected in an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement relating to schools. The revised CSA designations shall not become final until the Interlocal Agreement has been amended. Policy I.3.2.3 There shall be Concurrency Service Areas established for Duval County for elementary and high schools, and Concurrency Service Areas for middle schools as depicted on the CSA maps attached to the adopted Interlocal Agreement. Objective I.3.3 Process for School Concurrency Implementation In coordination with the DCPS, the Cities will establish a process for implementation of school concurrency which includes applicability and capacity determination and availability standards, and school capacity methods. The City shall manage the timing of new residential development approvals to ensure adequate school capacity is available consistent with adopted level of service standards for public school concurrency. Except as provided in policies below, school concurrency applies only to residential uses that generate demands for public school facilities and are proposed or established after the effective date of the School Concurrency Ordinances. Policy I.3.3.1 The City of Atlantic Beach in consultation with DCPS and the other municipalities shall establish a uniform methodology for determining capacity. Capacity will be defined as: a) the number of student stations as established in the permanent FISH, plus portables; and b) Proposed changes to permanent FISH capacity as a result of construction, rehabilitation, or other changes in school capacity which will commence in the first three (3) years of the Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan. Policy I.3.3.2 The DCPS will be responsible for “concurrency testing” of any new residential development projects. This process will involve applying the adopted student generation rate to the development project to determine the number of students in each school type and then evaluating whether or not the schools in the appropriate Concurrency Service Area (CSA) or the adjacent concurrency areas have sufficient excess capacity to absorb the new students. Policy I.3.3.3 The following residential uses shall be considered exempt from the requirements of school concurrency due to the lack of impact on the school facilities or the accommodations made for schools. (a) Age restricted communities. (b) Any development with a de minimus impact as defined as any residential development of 20 units or less, subject to land development regulation aggregation criteria. Policy I.3.3.4 In evaluating a proposed residential development for concurrency, any relevant improvements which are committed or planned in the Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan, shall be considered available capacity for the project and factored into the level of service analysis. Any relevant improvements which will commence construction after the 3rd year of the Five- Year Capital Facilities Plan shall not be considered available capacity for the project unless either: (i) funding and a schedule to accelerate the improvement into the first three years is assured through DCPS; (ii) funding for the improvements which are scheduled to commence in years four or five is provided through proportionate share mitigation; (iii) the developer and the DCPS agrees to accelerate the construction and funding of the facility to be moved into first three years; or (iv) some other means. Also, any projected reduction in the number of students enrolled in the CSA or adjacent CSA will be considered as additional available capacity. The City shall not deny an application for site plan, final subdivision approval, or the functional equivalent for a development or phase of a development authorizing residential development for exceeding the adopted level of service, where adequate school facilities will be in place or under construction within three years after the issuance of final subdivision or site plan approval, or the functional equivalent. If the adopted LOS standard cannot be met in the particular CSA as applied to an application for a development permit, and if the needed capacity for the particular service area is available in one or more contiguous CSAs, as adopted by the City, then the City may not deny an application for site plan or final subdivision approval, or the functional equivalent for a development or phase of a development on the basis of school concurrency, and, if issued, development impacts shall be shifted to contiguous CSAs with schools having available capacity. Policy I.3.3.5 The City will approve final development orders for residential projects, only after the applicant has complied with the terms of the School Concurrency Ordinance. Policy I.3.3.6 In any instance where the DCPS, in consultation with the City, has determined that a proposed development will cause level of service standards for schools to be exceeded within the testing period in both the affected School Concurrency Service Area and the adjacent School Concurrency Service areas, then the City shall coordinate with the applicant for the proposed development and the DCPS to determine whether improvements will be in place or under actual construction within three years after issuance of final subdivision or site plan approval, or the functional equivalent, sufficient to provide adequate capacity to meet the adopted level of service. If adequate capacity does not exist, then the City will coordinate with the applicant for the development and 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 13 the DCPS to determine whether improvements are planned in the Capital Improvement Plan with adequate capacity after the 3rd year of the Capital Facilities Plan. The City will also request that the DCPS determine whether it has the capacity to further maximize school usage in the system to accommodate the anticipated impact without requiring the construction of new school facilities. After all alternatives to providing sufficient capacity to provide for the adopted level of service are considered and determined not to be feasible, the City, the applicant and the DCPS may: (i) enter into a mitigation agreement whereby the applicant will pay for his proportionate share of the impacts; or (ii) some other form of acceptable mitigation will be provided, and upon payment of the proportionate share mitigation, the developer will be allowed to proceed with development. If no mitigation agreement can be reached that is acceptable to all parties, and proportionate share mitigation is not feasible, then the school capacity deficiency shall be a basis for denial of the application. Policy I.3.3.7 The City will issue a School Concurrency Determination only upon: (a) Determination that adequate school capacity to serve the development (or anticipated phase of the development which will be constructed in the first three years) will be in place or under actual construction within 3 years after the issuance of the final subdivision or site plan approval, or the functional equivalent; or (b) The execution of a legally binding mitigation agreement between the applicant, the DCPS and the City. Policy I.3.3.8 Where a proportionate share agreement is required, capacity shall be reserved as specifically defined by an approved mitigation agreement between DCPS, the developer and the City that includes a performance schedule and phased payments. Policy I.3.3.9 The school concurrency system shall provide that concurrency application may be applied for and a concurrency determination made at any time prior to the issuance of a development order. Objective I.3.4 Proportionate Share Mitigation The City shall establish a procedure for coordinating with the DCPS and applicants to provide for proportionate share mitigation in appropriate circumstances. Policy I.3.4.1 The City shall establish standards, procedures, and methodologies for the application of proportionate share mitigation. Policy I.3.4.2 The City shall establish a procedure and methodology to assure that in the event that there is not sufficient capacity in the affected or adjacent CSA to address the impacts of a proposed residential development and acceptable mitigation is agreed to, the mitigation found acceptable shall be incorporated into the final development order. Policy I.3.4.3 The City and DCPS shall develop a procedure and methodology to determine the proportionate share within the CSAs. Policy I.3.4.4 Mitigation shall be allowed where feasible, for those developments that cannot meet the adopted level of service standards set forth in Policy 3.1.2. The applicant shall initiate in writing a mitigation negotiation period with the DCPS in order to establish an acceptable form of mitigation, pursuant to Section 163.3180(13) (e), Florida Statutes, the Cities’ School Concurrency Ordinances, and this agreement. Mitigation shall be negotiated and agreed to by the DCPS and shall be sufficient to offset the demand for public school facilities projected to be required by the development. Acceptable forms of mitigation shall include but not be limited to: (a) The donation, construction, or funding of school facilities sufficient to offset the demand for public schools created by the proposed development such as: a developer signs a development agreement and builds a new or improves an existing school or schools to specifications and under a business arrangement satisfactory to the DCPS and the city. Improvements to existing schools will only be acceptable if they add permanent student station and associated core space capacity, if needed. (b) Land acquisition or contribution such as: a developer signs a development agreement or is subject to a conditional zoning requiring donation of land satisfactory to the DCPS and the city. Land must be demonstrated to contain the minimum number of buildable acres determined by the DCPS and the city as required for a particular school type, as Evidenced by a report by a licensed environmental consultant acceptable to the DCPS. (c) Expansion of existing permanent school facilities subject to the expansion being consistent with DCPS standards for a school of the same category; (d) Establishment of a Charter School with facilities constructed in accordance with the State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF); (e) Mitigation banking within designated areas based on the construction of a public school facility in exchange for the right to sell capacity credits. Capacity credits shall be sold to developments within the same CSA or adjacent CSA; (f) Proportionate Share mitigation as set forth in Section 163.3180(13)(e), Florida Statutes. Policy I.3.4.5 By December 1st of each year, the City in coordination with DCPS, shall update its Capital Improvement Plan to incorporate those changes made by the DCPS in its Capital Facilities Plan and committed improvements required by development orders or other approved mitigation plans. DCPS may accelerate the provision of one or more schools that serve the development’s capacity needs. The DCPS will update the Five-year Capital Facilities Plan by October of each year in advance of the annual December update. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 15 Policy I.3.4.6 Proposed mitigation must be directed toward permanent school capacity improvement identified in or amended into the DCPS financially feasible Five- Year Capital Facilities Plan, which satisfies the demands created by the proposed development. Relocatable classrooms will not be accepted as or used as mitigation. Objective I.3.5 School Capital Facilities Planning The City shall cooperate with the DCPS to ensure existing deficiencies and future needs are addressed with the adopted level of service standards for public schools. Policy I.3.5.1 The City shall implement its school concurrency management system established pursuant to Policies contained in Objective I.3.2 through I.3.4. Policy I.3.5.2 Consistent with Section 163.3177 (12)(h), Florida Statutes, tThe PSFE shall include future condition maps showing existing and anticipated schools over the five-year or long term planning period. The maps of necessity may be general over the long-term planning period and do not prescribe a land use on a particular parcel of land. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 16 DEFINITIONS Ancillary Plant – A building or facility necessary to provide district wide support services, such as energy plant, bus garage, warehouse, maintenance building, or administrative building. Auxiliary Facility – The spaces located at educational plants which are not designated for student occupant stations. Available Capacity – A factor to be used to determine school concurrency that is determined by current permanent FISH capacity plus portables plus planned additional permanent seats plus portables over the applicable testing period according to the CIE less current student enrollment (for testing in the current year) or projected enrollment (for testing in year 3) based on State COFTE, adjusted to remove students generated by projected new housing stock (see Policy 1.1.4 in the PSFE). Capacity – The number of students that may be housed in a facility for the testing period based upon the permanent FISH capacity calculations plus portables. Capital Improvements – Physical assets constructed or purchased to provide, improve or replace a public facility and which are large scale and high in cost. The cost of capital improvement is generally nonrecurring and may require multi-year financing. Class Size Reduction – A provision to ensure that by July 1, 2010, there are sufficient number of classrooms in a public school so that: (a) The maximum number of students who are assigned to each teacher in the public classrooms for pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade does not exceed 18 students; (b) The maximum number of students who are assigned to each teacher in the public classrooms for 4th grade through 8th grade does not exceed 22 students; and (c) The maximum number of students who assigned to each teacher in the public classrooms for 9th grade through 12th grade does not exceed 25 students. Core Facility – The cafeteria, media center, gymnasium, toilet facilities and circulation space of an educational facility. Concurrency – With regard to the provision of facilities and services, the assurance that the necessary public facilities and services to maintain the City’s adopted level of service standards are available when the impacts of development occur. Concurrency Management System – The procedures and/or process the City will use to assure that development orders and permits when issued will not result in a reduction of the adopted level of service standards at the time the impact of the development occurs. Applied to schools, such a process is called a school concurrency management system. Applied to streets and highways, such a system is called a transportation concurrency management system. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 17 Concurrency Service Areas (CSAs) – The designation of an area within which the level of service will be measured when an application for a residential development order is reviewed. Concurrency Requirement – A growth management tool for ensuring the availability of adequate public facilities and services to maintain adopted levels of service necessary to accommodate the impacts of development. Cost per Student Station – Cost per Student Station includes all costs of providing instructional and core capacity facilities as published in the Educational Specifications, State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF), Florida Building Code and designed using the standards listed in the Facilities Services Design Guidelines developed by the School District, including school facility construction cost, hurricane hardening of structures, required on and off-site infrastructure costs, including land, professional fees for architects, engineers, construction managers, design, DCPS athletic costs, buildings, equipment, furniture, and site improvements. Developer – Any person, including governmental agency undertaking any development. Development Order - Means an order granting, or granting with conditions an application for a building permit. Development Permit – Means any building permit, zoning permit, subdivision approval, rezoning, certification, special exception, variance, or any other official action of local government having the effect of permitting the development of land. Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) – The Duval County Public Schools District Educational Facilities – The public buildings and equipment, structures, and special educational use areas that are built, installed or established to serve educational purposes only. Educational Facilities Work Plan – The listing of capital outlay projects for a five-year period that is adopted by the DCPS as part of the educational facilities plan. The work plan must include a schedule of major repair and renovation projects necessary to maintain the educational and ancillary facilities and a schedule of capital outlay projects necessary to ensure the availability of satisfactory student stations for the projected student enrollment in K-12 programs. Education Plant Survey – A systematic study of educational and ancillary facilities conducted every five years, to evaluate existing facilities, and to plan for future facilities to meet proposed program needs. Financial Feasibility – An assurance that sufficient revenues are currently available or will be available from committed or planned funding sources for the 5-year capital improvements schedule. Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan – The adopted DCPS Five-Year Work Plan and Capital Improvements Budget as authorized by Section 1013.35, Florida Statutes. Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) Capacity – The report of the permanent capacity of existing public school facilities. The FISH capacity is the number of students that may be housed in a facility (school) 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 18 at any given time based on a percentage of the total number of existing student stations and a designated size for each school type, based on the Department of Education (DOE) formulas. Grade Level – Pre-Kindergarten – 5th grade, 6th – 8th grade, and 9th – 12th grade. Infrastructure – Those man-made structures which serve the common needs of the population, such as: sewage disposal systems; potable water systems; potable water well serving a system; solid waste disposal sites or retention areas; Stormwater systems; utilities; piers; docks; wharves; breakwaters; bulkheads’ seawalls; bulwarks; revetments; causeways; marinas; navigation channels; bridges and roadways. Interlocal Agreement – an Agreement among the DCPS, the City, the City of Jacksonville and the other municipalities containing the specific details of the school concurrency management system for all of Duval County, including the establishment of a process and uniform methodology for determining proportionate share mitigation. A school concurrency management system cannot be created by a single local government body acting alone. ILA Team – A committee of members representing the DCPS, the City, the Office of General Counsel, and the Cities of Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beaches and the Town of Baldwin. Joint Planning Committee – A committee of elected and citizen members which provides advice to the DCPS, the Jacksonville City Council, and the other municipalities. Level of Service (LOS) Standards – A standard established to measure utilization or capacity of a facility, expressed as the percentage or ratio of student enrollment to the capacity of the school. Maximized Utilization - the use of student capacity at each school to the greatest extent possible, based on the adopted LOS and the total number of permanent student stations according to FISH inventory, taking into considerations such as, core capacity, special programs, transportation costs, geographic impediments, court ordered desegregation, and class size reduction requirements to prevent disparate enrollment levels between schools of the same type and provide equitable distribution of student enrollment district-wide. Mitigation Banking – The means by which a residential developer or a group of developers may front the cost of contributing land or constructing school facilities and be reimbursed by future residential development. Other Municipalities – The City of Atlantic Beach, City of Jacksonville Beach, City of Neptune Beach, and the Town of Baldwin. Permanent FISH Capacity – Permanent FISH capacity, plus portables, for each school type, based on the utilization rate as established by the State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF). Permanent Student Station – An area within a school that provides instructional space for a student, as specified by the FISH inventory. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 19 Proportionate Share Mitigation – A developer funded improvement or contribution identified in a binding and enforceable agreement between the developer, DCPS, and the City to provide compensation for the additional demand on deficient public school facilities created through residential development. Public Facilities – Major capital improvements including but not limited to, transportation, sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, education, parks and recreation, health systems and facilities, and spoil disposal sites for maintenance dredging located in the intracoastal waterways, except for spoil disposal sites owned or used by ports listed in Section 403.021 (9)(b). Public School Facilities Element (PSFE) – The specific details contained in the interlocal agreement must become part of each local government’s comprehensive plan. This element must be based on data and analysis and contain goals, objectives and policies as set forth in Section 163.3177 (c)-(h), Florida Statutes. Among other things, The Element must establish the options for proportionate share mitigation of impacts on school facilities. Residential Development – Any development that is comprised of dwelling units, in whole or in part, for permanent human habitation. School Concurrency Determination – DCPS identifying if school capacity is available to serve a residential development project. School Concurrency Ordinance – The legislation adopted by the City implementing its concurrency management system. School Type – Elementary, Middle, and High School State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF) – The Florida Department of Education’s standards regulating the construction of educational facilities. Student Generation Rate – Student Generation Rate shall be calculated for each school type by dividing the total number public school students actually enrolled in that school type in Duval County by the number of total housing units for the same year. 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 20 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 21 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 22 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 23 204530 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ELEMENT I - 24 C - 1 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PROPERTY RIGHTS ELEMENT J. PROPERTY RIGHTS ELEMENT 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – PROPERTY RIGHTS ELEMENT J - 2 J. Property Rights Element Goals, Objectives, and Policies Goal J.1 The City will recognize and respect judicially acknowledged and constitutionally protected private property rights in accordance with the Community Planning Act established in Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. Objective J.1.1 Local decision making shall be implemented and applied with sensitivity for private property rights and shall not be unduly restrictive. Policy J.1.1.1 The City will ensure that private property rights are considered in local decision making. Policy J.1.1.2 The following right shall be considered in local decision making: 1. The right of a property owner to physically possess and control his or her interests in the property, including easements, leases, or mineral rights. 2. The right of a property owner to use, maintain, develop, and improve his or her property for personal use or for the use of any other person, subject to state law and local ordinances. 3. The right of a property owner to privacy and to exclude others from the property to protect the owner’s possessions and property. 4. The right of a property owner to dispose of his or her property through sale or gift.