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Item 8EAGENDA ITEM # 8E APRIL 27, 2009 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT AGENDA ITEM: Discussion and direction to staff related to possible revisions to the Land Development Regulations to implement Strategic Plan objectives related to Royal Palms. SUBMITTED BY: Sonya Doerr, AICP i~~~% Community Development Director DATE: Apri120, 2009 BACKGROUND: Encouraging redevelopment and improvements to certain areas within the Royal Palms subdivision was a goal included in this year's Strategic Plan. Planning staff was tasked with developing a list of a range of options for consideration. Attached is a list of discussion items and possible changes to Chapter 24. Staff suggests that these would be appropriate general revisions that would apply to all residential areas of the City. Many of these issues are addressed in scattered sections of the current City Code, but not in clear and concise provisions. BUDGET: No budget issues at this time. RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and direction to staff. ATTACHMENTS: List of topics and recommendations for possible revisions to the Zoning and Land Development Regulations. REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGE Apri127, 2009 regular meeting AGENDA ITEM # 8E APRIL 27, 2009 Recommendations Establish a new section within the Land Development Regulations that "fills in the gap" between the Property Maintenance Code and existing regulations entitled: Neighborhood Preservation, Residential Property Maintenance and Upkeep Standards ...or something similar. These should contain the following and should apply City-wide. • All areas of a lot that are visible from a Street or a neighboring property shall be maintained in an acceptable manner, which shall be defined by the following conditions. • Lots shall be maintained free of litter, trash, debris, discarded belongings, automotive parts and old tires, construction materials and all other "junk" that by reasonable observation does not belong on a residential lot. • Dead shrubs or landscaping shall be removed from lots, and where a resident is unable to maintain a lawn, dirt or sand areas must be contained in some manner so as to prevent dirt or sand from blowing or washing into adjacent properties and the street to the degree that neighboring properties are damaged or the City's stormwater system is adversely effected. • Household items of any type that are customarily intended to be used and maintained within the interior of a residence shall not be stored or discarded in any location on a lot that is visible from a street. Similarly, within the rear or side yards of a lot, such items shall not be stored in a manner or amount such that an unsightly nuisance to neighboring properties or an environment that attracts rodents, insects, or other animals and pests is created. • Children's toys, bikes, trikes and the like which have become broken, dirty from neglect or no longer used shall not accumulate in areas of a Lot visible from a street. This provision is not to be construed as prohibiting children's toys in yards but to require toys that are broken or no longer used to be properly discarded. • The exterior appearance of a house and any Accessory Structures shall be reasonably well maintained. While older homes are not expected to appear as new homes, and will naturally reflect the wear that comes with age, the painted surfaces, exterior siding, brick, stucco or other finishes and trims must be kept in an acceptably clean and maintained manner. • Broken windows and doors shall be repaired and secured. The use of plywood, OSB, fiberglass panels, tape, cardboard, newspaper or the like shall be used only temporarily, and such items shall not be used to permanently cover the inside or outside of any door or window. Other options to consider... • Revise fence regulations to prohibit the use of chain-link and similar type fences within front yards and along the street sides of corner lots on residential lots. Also, require fences, regardless of the material the fence is made of to be maintained, repaired, replaced or removed when in a state of obvious dilapidation, disrepair or damage. • Related to Royal Palms, amend the subdivision plats, which were approved in 1960-61, to remove the 25' BRL, such that the standard RS-1 setbacks would apply.