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WOI~-KSHOP AGENDA
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
MONDAY, AUGUST O5, 2002, at 5:00 p.m.
This workshop session has been scheduled to review and discuss proposed amendments
to Chapter 17 of the City Code, the Sign regulations for the City of Atlantic Beach. The
most recent draft, and recommendations related to the Community Development Board's
consideration of the proposed changes are attached The workshop wild be held by the
City Commission in the Commission Chambers located at City Halz
Call to order.
'~ 2. Staff summary of proposed changes related to: (Pages refer to"clean"draft.)
• Definitions (page 1)
• Height of real estate signs (page 6
• Political Campaign Signs and Personal Expression Signs (pages 3, 7 & 8J
• Subdivision Signs (page 8)
• Maximum number and size of Fascia (Wall) signs permitted on a building
(page 9)
• Height of Freestanding Signs (page ll)
• Requirement for Unified Sign Plan (page 11)
• Pre-Development Signs (page 12)
• Banners (page 14)
• Provision for waivers from sign regulation standards (page 16)
3. Discussion.
4. Request for public hearing dates to enact proposed amendments.
Adjournment.
Notice to persons needing special accommodations and to all hearing impaired persons: In
accordance with the American with Disabilities Act persons needing arty special
{"' accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the City
of Atlantic Beach, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233 or by calling (904)
247-5800 not later than S days prior to the date of this meeting.
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION HELD
IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS AT 5:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2002
City Commissioners Present:
John S. Meserve, Mayor
Richard M Beaver, Mayor Pro Tem
Mike Borno
Paul Parsons
Dezmond Waters, City Commissioners
Staff Present:
Jim Hanson, City Manager
Sonya Doerr, Community Development Director
Don Ford, Building Official
Alex Sherrer, Code Enforcement Officer
Maureen King, City Clerk
The meeting, which was held for the purpose of reviewing the draft of the proposed new sign
ordinance, was called to order by Mayor Meserve.
The Mayor confirmed that each Commissioner had received a copy of the draft ordinance.
Sonya Doerr reviewed the ordinance and pointed out those sections of the ordinance that were
significantly changed from the existing regulations.
Discussion focused on the height and size of real estate signs and time restrictions regarding the
posting and removal of election campaign signs. Current regulations require campaign signs to
be removed within 24 hours after an election and it was felt that 72 hours was a more reasonable
time for the removal of campaign signs. Discussion ensued regarding signs posted by the city
and it was pointed out that under local, state and federal law, such non-advertising signs were
exempted.
Discussion ensued regarding signs in commercial vs. residential areas, and whether permits
should be required for the constructions of signs and Don Ford said that permanent signs must be
permitted.
Discussion then ensued regarding subdivision signs and whether signs could be posted on public
property within a subdivision. Ms.Doerr indicated that subdivision signs were usually posted in
common areas and recommended that such signs be monument style. Ms. Doerr pointed out the
Community Development Board recommended the height of all free standing signs be limited to
a maximum of five feet. The matter of signs obstructing the vision of motorists was also
discussed. Ms. Doerr provided pictures of various styles of signs and it was consensus to allow
signs to a height of 12 feet and 180 sq. ft. consistently throughout the commercial areas.
It was pointed out that banner signs were currently prohibited and it was felt that regulations
should be drafted that would allow informational, non-commercial, non-advertising banners for
festivals, etc., under certain conditions and for certain periods of time. Ms. Doerr also referred to
Page Two
Minutes of City Commission Workshop
August 5, 2002
ArticleV which she said provided an avenue for an applicant to bring their request to the City
Commission for a waiver or exception.
Ms. Doerr pointed out that sign walkers were prohibited under the new ordinance and following
discussion it was agreed that this type of sign/advertising should be allowed.
Alex Sherrer noted that in the new draft, residential real estate signs were required to be five feet
behind the property line. He felt that in some cases landscaping would block these signs from
view acid suggested that real estate signs be allowed up to the property line but not in the right-
of-way. The City Commission concurred.
Ms. Doerr said she had struggled with the intent of the existing ordinance as it relates to fascia
signs and she felt the new ordinance clarified this issue. She presented pictures illustrating
various types of wall and fascia signs and pointed out that under Section 17-4 (7) of the new
regulations, wall signs would be required to be mounted on the surface of the building and not on
any type of protrusion.
Commissioner Waters felt that awnings should be required to have mesh or some type of screen
to prevent birds from nesting under the awning.
It was felt that the new ordinance should be posted on the web page in order to inform sign
companies of the pending changes. Commissioner Beaver suggested that Atlantic Beach should
try to get Jacksonville to adhere to the Atlantic Beach regulations on Mayport Road. Depending
on the public notice requirements, it was estimated that the ordinance could be brought before
the City Commission for action on August 26 and the first meeting in September.
There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Maureen King
City Clerk