Exh 3C„, ,
AGENDA ITEM 3C
AUGUST 11, 2003
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Undeveloped Lots
SUBMITTED BY: Alexander 7. Sherrer, Code Enforcement Officer
DATE: August 1'1, 2003
BACKGROUND: On July 28, 2003, Mr. Curtis Sanders of 2320 Barefoot Trace, Atlantic Beach
brought to the attention of the City Commission an incident involving an
attempted rape on an overgrown, undeveloped lot located on the west comer of
Atlantic Blvd and Aquatic Dr, Real Estate # 177603-0000.
Code Enforcement has since investigated this matter. The lot in question was in
violation of City Code, in that the brush and overgrowth exceeded the permitted
height of 12 inches, and may have aided in concealing the alleged assault. The
owner of the lot has been notified of the incident and is bringing his property
into compliance.
Examination of other area city ordinances revealed that both Neptune and
Jacksonville Beaches require all untended growth, underbrush, or undergrowth,
not including trees or vegetation protected by state or local laws to be kept at a
height not exceeding 10 inches. Neptune Beach applies this to all developed and
undeveloped lands. Jacksonville Beach applies it to all developed azeas, a
developed area being any plotted area where 25% of the lots have been
developed by the erection of a structure. The City of Jacksonville requires any
land within 100 ft of an improved lot to be maintained.
Historically, the Code Enforcement Office has averaged 1 complaint a year
concerning the overgrowth on any of these undeveloped lots. Typically, most
residents when discussing these undeveloped Iots have usually expressed their
desire to leave these lots undisturbed. With Atlantic Beach's unique canopy and
natural surroundings to adjust the distance or height requirements of the current
City Ordinance would have little effect other then to disrupt those undeveloped
lots located in and near the marshland. It's therefore the Code Enforcement
Officers opinion that the existing ordinance should remain unchanged,
BUDGET:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION: None, City Ordinance, Chapter 23, Sec. 23-36, Accumulation of Weeds,
Height of Growth meets the requirements necessary to be properly
enforced and imposes enough restrictions to eliminate undo detriments to
the community.
ATTACHMENTS: City Ordinance, Chapter 23, Sec. 23-36, Accumulation of Weeds, Height
of Growth
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAG