Item 8CAGENDA ITEM # 8C
JiJNE 9, 2008
STAFF REPORT
City of Atlantic Beach
Commission Meeting
AGENDA ITEM: Recommended Updates in City Code
DATE: June 2, 2008
SUBMITTED BY: David E. Thompson, Chief of PolicelDPS
Alex Sherrer, Code Enforcement Officer
BACKGROUND:
During previous discussions with the City Commission about Code Enforcement, it was
pointed out that there are presently some def ciencies in the City Code. Photographs
were provided to show some of the undesirable conditions that were legal under the
existing code. Based on complaints from citizens and the desire to improve the quality of
life in residential subdivisions, additional language is recommended to address and abate
these conditions.
Chapter 12
Presently, a number of businesses aze obscuring the windows fronting on major
streets, especially Mayport Road. Some businesses have posted advertising and
signs inside and/or outside of the windows, while others have installed shelving or
placed other items in front of the windows. This is not only an aesthetics issue,
but it also creates a public safety issue. Police officers on patrol are unable to see
into the businesses through the windows, and this has been found to increase
disruptive and illegal behavior inside businesses. One solution is to prohibit this
by code.
Suggested language would make it a nuisance "For anv business or occupant of a
business to obscure anv window fronting or facing any street with non permitted
s>«na~e / adverhsine shelvinl? equipment, invento or any opaque material such
as reflective tmt, yaint or drapes Windows are to remain cleaz and unobstructed
at all times. "
2. Presently, if a nuisance is not abated by the owner, then the City may correct the
problem and bill the owner for the work and the administrative costs. The
existing language requires the City to wait 30 days before the City can place a lien
against the property. This has allowed some property owners to sell the property
before the City has been able to record the lien against it.
Suggested Language Change: "After causing the condition to be remedied, the
city manager or his designee shall certify to the director of finance the expense
incurred in remedying the condition, whereupon the expense plus a charge equal
AGENDA ITEM # 8C
JUNE 9, 2008
to one hundred (100) percent of the expense to cover city administrative
expenses shall become payable upon remediation ~~i~~-(-~g}~s, after
which a special assessment lien and charge will be made upon the property
which shall be payable with interest at the rate often (10) percent per annum
from the date of the certification until paid."
Chapter 24
1. Presently, there aze residents that have erected and allowed awnings, tents,
canopies, and other temporary structures to remain indefinitely. 'There is no time
limitation on these structures, and as a result, some of them have been allowed to
remain for many months.
Suggested language: "Portable tents canopies awnings or other non permanent
structures used for protection against the elements aze temporary in nature As
such, they aze hmrted to special occasion use only and for a period of not more
than four (4) days or ninety-six (96 hours "
2. Recreational vehicles, boats and boat trailers are presently allowed to be parked in
the front yards of residential homes as long as the vehicles aze no closer than 15
feet from the front yard lot line. As a result, some residents are parking their
recreational vehicles and boats sideways in their front yazds in an attempt to get
around the present limitations.
Suggested language change: "Recreational vehicles, boats or boat trailers, or
other type of trailer shall not be pazked or stored within required front yards or the
street side yards on a corner lot ~~~~.~~ *~-~-- ~~ ~ ~~ «~ * ~ ~L
Vie.,,
3. Presently, there is no guidance for businesses relative to the installation of burglaz
bars, roll-down metal security awnings or similaz devices that may be installed on
buildings. Not only are such devices unsightly, they are also impediments to
members of the public who may need an emergency escape from the building, and
they impede public safety personnel who may need emergency access to the
inside of the building. There are other effective ways to maintain security without
the problems associated with these devices.
Suggested language: "Burglar bars, steel gates metal awnings and steel-roll
down curtains are prohibited on the exterior and interior of a structure when
visible from any public street "
Staff would like for the City Commission to review the recommendations above, and
consider adopting these into the City Code.
AGENDA ITEM # 8C
JiJNE 9, 2008
BUDGET: There would be no immediate impact, but the language relative to placing
liens on property may improve collections of expenses on properties when the City has
used City resources to correct problems.
RECOMMENDATIONS: To review the recommendations above, and to authorize the
City Attorney to prepare the language to incorporate them in to the City Code at the
appropriate locations.
ATTACHMENTS:
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
AG A ITEM NUMBER: