04-10-21 Town Hall Agenda
City of Atlantic Beach
Agenda
Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, April 10, 2021 - 10:00 a.m.
Gail Baker Community Center
2072 George Street
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Page(s)
CALL TO ORDER
1 TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Instructions for Public Commenting
3
1A.
Tree Code Update
Chapter 23 Redlined
5 - 45
1B.
Connectivity
Connectivity Plan
47 - 164
2 PUBLIC COMMENTS - OPEN TOPIC
ADJOURNMENT
Any person wishing to speak to the City Commission on any matter at this meeting should submit a
request to the Recording Clerk. For your convenience, forms for this purpose are available at the
entrance to the Commission Chamber.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons
with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the City
Clerk’s Office by 5:00 PM, the Wednesday prior to the meeting.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR THE
TOWN HALL MEETING BEING HELD ON APRIL 10, 2021 AT 10:00 AM
IN THE GAIL BAKER COMMUNITY CENTER
2072 GEORGE STREET, ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA 32233
Due to the ongoing State of Emergency, the following options are availabl e for providing public
comments.
Option 1: Attend and provide comments at the meeting.
If you chose this option, please sign in upon arrival.
CDC Guidance, including mask wearing and social distancing, relevant to preventing the spread of
COVID-19 will be strictly enforced.
Option 2: Provide written comments/materials - either by email, hand delivery, or drop box.
This option allows the public to submit written comments (1) to be read during the meeting or (2) to
be entered into record without being read during the meeting. For this option, the following are
required.
1. Title your comments: “Written Comments for Town Hall Meeting, April 10, 2021”
2. Provide your name (required), address and email address, and
3. If you desire for your written comments to be read into the record during the meeting, please
indicate so and limit the size to 300 words. Only written comments of 300 or fewer words will
be read into the record during the meeting. All other written comments received by the
deadline below will be entered into the meeting record and distributed to the City Commission
and the appropriate staff before the start of the meeting.
4. Submit your comments to the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021 using
one of the following methods:
by emailing to cityclerk@coab.us,
by hand delivering to City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach
during business hours, OR
by placing in the Drop Box located at the entrance to City Hall, 800 Seminole Road,
Atlantic Beach.
For assistance, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach,
(904) 247-5809 or (904) 247-5821, cityclerk@coab.us.
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10 Apr 2021
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Chapter 23 - PROTECTION OF TREES AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENTNATIVE VEGETATION[1]
Footnotes:
--- (1) ---
Editor's note — Section 2(Exh. A) of Ord. No. 95-09-98, adopted Jan. 12, 2009, repealed the former ch.
23, "Vegetation," arts. I—V, §§ 23-15—23—17, 23-19, 23-20, 23-22, 23-25, 23-36—23-40, and 23-46—
23-50, and enacted a new ch. 23 as set out herein. The former ch. 23 pertained to tree protection,
accumulation of weeds, and historic tree preservation and de rived from Ord. No. 55-82-19, adopted
March 22, 1982; Ord. No. 95-89-44, adopted Jan. 8, 1990; Ord. No. 95-95-64, adopted Feb. 12, 1996;
Ord. No. 95-00-73, adopted March 27, 2000; Ord. No. 95-02-79, adopted Oct. 14, 2002; Ord. No. 5-03-
42, adopted July 14, 2003; and Ord. No. 95-07-92, adopted Feb. 12, 2007.
Cross reference — Streets, sidewalks and other public places, Ch. 19.
ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL
Sec. 23-1. - Purpose and intent.
(a) Purpose. The provisions of this chapter are established for the purpose of enhancing, conserving,
restoring, protecting and preserving the natural environment, specifically related to tree s canopy,
stratified understory and native coastal dune vegetation that provide ecosystem good and services
and co-benefits for shade of critical areas, stabilize soils, sequester carbon, improve air quality, reduce
runoff and enhance property values . Priority shall be given to the protection and preservation of
existing resources.
The maritime forest is an integral and uniqu ely valuable part of the City. The maritime forest creates
beauty, provides a home for wildlife, functions as a critical element of the water management system,
and is confirmed to enhance overall property values.
(b) Intent. The provisions of this chapter are intended:
(1) To establish efficient and effective procedures, regulations and guidelines for the protection of
the natural environment existing vegetation, installation of native landscaping and maintenance
thereof regarding vegetation including, but not limited to, trees, shrubs, salt marsh and beach
dune grasses, and ground covers .
(2) To promote and sustain community values by providing for an aesthetically pleasing environment
where a healthy tree canopy maritime forest is maintained and regenerated.
(3) To protect natural systems and avoid impairment of their natural functions including the provision
of shade and cooling on lots and development parcels, sidewalks, streets and other public places.
(4) To provide protection for environmentally sensitive areas.
(5) To encourage ensure protection of healthy trees , recognizing that regulated trees that are lost
reduce the climate related resilience and overall economic value of the community, and provide
for replacement and/or relocation of trees which are necessarily permitted to be removed during
construction, development or redevelopment ,as set forth herein.
(6) Priority shall be given to the protection and preservation of the existing trees and natural
environment.
(Ord. No. 95-09-98, § 2(Exh. A), 1-12-09)
Sec. 23-2. - Applicability.
All lands within the City of Atlantic Beach shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
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(Ord. No. 95-09-98, § 2(Exh. A), 1-12-09)
Sec. 23-3. - Relationship to land development regulations and the comprehensive plan.
This chapter contains specific and detailed provisions intended to implement the related policies as
set forth in the comprehensive plan, as may be amended. The provisio ns of this chapter shall be
implemented in coordination with chapter 24, Land Development Regulations, of this Municipal Code, and
in the case of any conflict between the two (2) chapters, the provisions establishing the higher standard
shall prevail.
(Ord. No. 95-09-98, § 2(Exh. A), 1-12-09)
Sec. 23-4. - Amendments to this chapter.
The city commission shall have the authority to amend this chapter as needed to implement its
intent, or to implement objectives and policies of the comprehensive pl an, or otherwise enact updates as
may be appropriate. Amendment to this chapter shall be made in accordance with the established
procedures for amending any portion of this Code of Ordinances.
(Ord. No. 95-09-98, § 2(Exh. A), 1-12-09)
Secs. 23-5—23-7. - Reserved.
ARTICLE II. - LANGUAGE AND DEFINITIONS
Sec. 23-8. - Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings as set forth within this
section, and where interpretation is required, shall b e interpreted so as to give these terms the meaning
they have in common usage. Where applicable and appropriate to the context, definitions as set forth
within chapter 24, Land Development Regulations, of this Municipal Code, Florida State Building Codes
or within Florida Statutes, as these may be amended, shall be used in conjunction with these terms and
the requirements of this chapter.
Administrator shall mean the representative of the city as designated by the city manager to oversee
administration of this chapter.
Adverse site conditions shall mean existing site conditions that unfavorably affect the implementation
of the provisions of this chapter and that hinder plant viability and growth. Examples include, but are not
limited to:
(1) Existing topographic elevation changes that would result in the likelihood that preserved or
planted materials would not survive.
(2) Existing areas of buried solid waste at a depth that would affect viability of preserved or planted
materials.
(3) Existing electrical lines or utility easements that prevent or restrict the preservation or planting of
landscape materials.
(4) Barrier island or dune ecosystem planting conditions that cannot support certain hardwood
species.
(5) Redevelopment sites where existing landscaping does not meet current standards and where
existing site conditions such as, but not limited to, impervious surfaces, access locations, or
building locations, prevent the site from meeting the current requirements.
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(6) Sites where type or dist ribution of existing canopy or other protected trees are such that
preservation requirements would prohibit site development or conflict with required development
standards, such as stormwater or roadway designs.
(7) Designs and plans that do not, to the greatest extent feasible, avoid encroachment upon
preservation areas and/or trees are not considered adverse site conditions.
Adversely affected person shall mean a person who is suffering or will suffer an adverse effect to an
interest protected or furt hered by this Chapter. The alleged adverse effect may be shared in common with
other members of the community but must exceed in degree the general interest in community good
shared by all person in the community.
After-the-fact permit shall mean a permit issued after a violation has occurred for the primary
purpose of correcting the violation (if the activity would have been permittable) or for the purpose of
bringing the violator into compliance with existing regulations.
Appeal shall mean a request for the rehearing or review of a decision made pursuant to any
provision of this chapter.
Applicant shall mean the person(s) subject to or seeking a tree or vegetation removal permit as
required by the provisions of this chapter.
Approval shall mean written permission in the form of a tree or vegetation removal permit from the
administrator pursuant to a duly executed application submitted on a form as provided by the city,
authorizing the applicant to proceed with an action as proposed within the application. Such approval may
consist of limitations or conditions specific to the project.
Arborist shall mean any person who is a Florida Registered Forester, or at a minimum, certified by
the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as an arborist and a member in good standing of the ISA.
Arborist report shall mean a report that is signed by an arborist, as defined above, and that at a
minimum clearly states the arborist’s name, contact information, and qualifications, and identifies the site
address and each individual tree.
Atlantic Beach Prohibited Species List shall consist of invasive exotic species listed by the city in
section 23-35(b). This list shall be updated on an as needed basis.
Atlantic Beach Recommended Species List shall consist of species that are best adapted to the local
ecosystem, which may provide the most desirable characteristics to the community. Replacement credit
may only be given for trees on the recommended species list in section 23 -33(f)(1)f.
Buildable area shall mean the area of a site, parcel or lot, excluding any area which is not eligible for
the issuance of a building permit by the city, such as building setback areas, shoreline protection buffers,
coastal construction setback areas, wetlands and other s imilar areas required pursuant to the applicable
provisions of this chapter and the land development regulations.
Caliper shall mean the diameter of a tree trunk measured at a point six (6) inches above the existing
grade or proposed grade for trees four (4) inches in trunk diameter and under or smaller, and twelve (12)
inches above the existing grade or proposed planted grade for trees larger than four (4) inches in trunk
diameter. Caliper measurement is used in reference to nursery stock for new planting s. For trees with
multiple trunks, the sum of the caliper measurements of up to the four (4) largest trunks shall be used.
Canopy shall mean the horizontal extension of a tree's branches in all directions from its trunk.
Certified arborist shall mean any person holding a valid and current arborist certification as issued by
the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
City shall mean the City of Atlantic Beach.
Clear trunk shall mean the height of a palm tree measured from the ground to the point where the
lowest green frond is attached to the trunk.
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Coastal dune vegetation shall mean the naturally -occurring, salt -tolerant native species of grasses,
shrubs, vines and trees that stabilize the dunes by holding existing sand and that serve to repair the
dunes of damage inflicted by either natural phenomena or human impact by trapping wind -blown sand.
Community forest shall mean the collection of trees in and around the City i ncluding park and street
yard trees on public property, and yard trees on private property.
Crown shall mean all portions of a tree, excluding the trunk and roots; specifically, the branches,
leaves, flowers, and fruit that grow above ground.
Designated maritime species shall mean those species that are among the most valuable and
desirable species in the city and shall include the following species:
1. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum).
2. Cedar (Juniperus siliciola) (Southern Red Cedar), J. virginiaba (Eastern Red Cedar).
3. Elm (Ulmus alata) (Winged Elm), Ulmus American floridana (Florida Elm),
4. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana).
5. Hickory (Carya Illinoensis) (Pecan), C. tomentosa (Mockernut), C glabra (Pignut Hickory) .
6. Loblolly bay (Gordania lasianthus).
7. Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) (Southern Magnolia) Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay
Magnolia)
8. Maples (Acer rubrum (Red Maple), Acer Barbatum (Florida Maple)
9. Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)
10. Pine (Loblolly) (pinus taeda), (Long-leaf) (Pinus palustris ), (Pond) (Pinus Serotina)
Developed area shall mean that portion of a site upon which any building, structure, pavement, or
stormwater facility is placed.
Development or development activity shall mean any alteration of the natural environment which
requires the approval of a development or site plan and issuance of a development permit; shall also
include the "thinning" or removal of trees from an undeveloped land, including that carried on in
conjunction with a forest management program, and the removal of trees incidental to th e development of
land or to the marketing of land for development and shall also include activities defined as development
with section 24-17 of this Code of Ordinances.
Diameter at breast height (DBH) shall mean the outside bark diameter of a tree measured at a height
of fifty -four (54) inches above the naturally occurring existing ground level. Trees with gross abnormalities
or buttressing at the breast height should be measured above or immediately adjacent to the irregularity.
Trees that fork at or above breast height should be measured below breast height and recorded as a
single trunk. For Ttrees that fork below breast height or for trees with multiple trunks, the sum of up to the
four (4) largest trunks shall be used should be recorded as separate DB H for each.
Diseased tree shall mean a tree with any fungal, bacterial, or viral infection that will result in the
death of the tree or has progressed to the point that treatment will not prevent the death of the tree, as
determined by the administrator, forester, or arborist a sustained or progressive impairment caused by a
parasite, pest or infestation which seriously compromises the viability of the tree, in that it is unlikely the
tree will remain living and viable for a period of more than three (3) y ears, or the tree causes other
imminent peril to viable trees, existing structures or persons in the vicinity of the diseased tree .
Dripline shall mean the imaginary vertical plumb line that extends downward from the tips of the
outermost tree branches and intersects with the ground.
Ecosystem goods and services shall mean those goods and services that provide for health, social,
cultural, and economic needs and benefit all living organisms including plants, animals and humans.
Examples of ecosystem goods include clean air and abundant fresh water. Examples of ec osystem
services include purification of air and water, maintenance of biodiversity, decomposition of wastes, soil
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and vegetation generation and renewal, pollination of crops and natural vegetation, groundwater recharge
through wetlands, seed dispersal, greenhouse gas mitigation, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. The
products and processes of ecological goods and services are complex and occur over long periods of
time and the concern is that we are losing them at an unsustainable rate.
Environmentally sensitive areas shall include lands, waters or areas within the City of Atlantic Beach
which meet any of the following criteria:
(a) Wetlands determined to be jurisdictional, and which are regulated by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (F DEP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the St. Johns River Water
Management District (SJRWMD);
(b) Estuaries or estuarine systems;
(c) Outstanding Florida Waters as designated by the State of Florida 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 on the future land use map;
(f) Essential habitat to listed species as de termined by approved methodologies of the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the FDEP.
Equivalent value shall mean a monetary amount reflecting the cost of vegetation to be replaced.
Excavation shall mean the act of digging, cutting or scooping soil or in any way changing the existing
grade of the land. See "Grading" also.
Excessive pruning shall mean the substantial alteration of a tree such that there is irreversible
removal and/or damage of more than twenty -five (25) percent of the natural shape or form of a tree.
Exotic shall mean a plant species that was introduced to Florida, either purposefully or accidentally,
from a natural geographic range outside of Florida.
Florida licensed landscape architect shall mean a person who holds a license to practice landscape
architecture in the state of Florida.
Grading shall mean the placement, removal or movement of earth by use of mechanical equipment
on a property. See "Excavation" also.
Ground cover small means a plant material which reaches an average maximum height of not more
than eighteen (18) inches at maturit y.
Grubbing means the effective removal of understory vegetation from a site which does not include
the removal of any trees with DBH greater than three (3) inches.
Hardwood shall mean an angiosperm, a flowering tree or a broad-leaved tree, as distinguis hed from
a gymnosperm or cone-bearing tree.
Hazard or hazardous shall mean a danger or risk of bodily injury or property damage.
Heritage tree shall mean any designated maritime species that is thirty (30) inches DBH or greater
and determined by the city commission to be of unique or intrinsic value due to its age, size, species,
and/or cultural, ecological or historical significance or some other contribution to the city’s or a
neighborhood’s character and which is in good condition, as determined by an arborist; also, any tree
designated as a Florida State Champion, United States Champion, or World Champion by the American
Forestry Association. Heritage trees may be located within parks, on street yards, or other public
property. On private property, heritage trees are voluntarily nominated by the property owner. The city
administrator shall keep a record of all heritage trees so designated and their location .
Historic corridor shall mean a tree lined roadway or portion thereof that exhibits special hist oric,
architectural, or cultural value to the citizens of the city as determined by the city commission.
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Indigenous shall mean a plant species naturally occurring within a specific habitat or biogeographical
region prior to significant human impacts. See "Native" also.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) serves the tree care industry as a membership
association and a credentialing organization that promotes the professional practice of arboriculture. ISA
focuses on research, technology, and educat ion to advance best tree care practices and deliver
educational publications, services, events, and credentials that provide opportunities for tree care
professionals to develop their knowledge, skills, and arboriculture expertise.
Invasive exotic plant shall mean an exotic plant species that has escaped cultivation, naturalized,
and established in a natural area allowing it to aggressively expand and reproduce on its own, and
subsequently, alter native plant communities by out -competing for resources such as light, nutrients,
water and space, killing native species, or otherwise adversely affecting natural ecosystems. Invasive
exotic plants are those plants recognized on the Florida Noxious Weed and Invasive Plants List (F.A.C.
5B-57.007) or listed on the A tlantic Beach Prohibited Species List.
Landscape materials shall mean living material, including trees, shrubs, vines, lawn grass, and
ground cover; landscape water features; and nonliving durable material commonly used in landscaping,
including rocks, pebbles, sand, and brick pavers, but excluding impervious surfaces (pavement).
Legacy tree shall mean a tree that is a designated maritime species, as defined in this chapter, that
is ten (10) inches DBH or greater of the most desirable species in Atlantic Beach, and is of a size
substantial enough to warrant an additional layer of protection. A permit is required any time a legacy tree
is removed in Atlantic Beach. Mitigation shall be the same rate for legacy trees as it is for other protected
trees .
Maritime forest shall mean the collection of trees, to include its canopy, the understory, and ground
cover in and around the City, including park and street trees on public property and yard trees on private
property.
Mitigation shall mean prorated payment for trees removed, either in terms of replacement trees
(newly planted or relocated), relocated trees, preserved trees, or alternatively, deposit of a cash
equivalent value in the tree conservation trust fund.
Native shall mean a plant species occurring within the city boundaries prior to European contact
according to the best available scientific and historical documentation. More specifically, it includes those
species understood as indigenous, occurring in natural associations in habitats that existed prior to
significant human impacts and alterations of the landscape.
Naturalized exotic shall mean an exotic species that sustains itself outside cultivation.
New Residential Development shall mean the removal of trees as an adjunct to development of a
new principal structure, the demolition of a principal residential structure, and the development of a new
residential principal structure. For the purposes of this chapter, this definition shall include residentially
zoned parcels that have an active buil ding permit for a new principal structure or that will have a building
permit for a new principal structure within the next two (2) years. This definition shall also include such
parcels that have an active permit for demolition of the principal structure or have recently demolished the
principal structure but do not yet have a building permit for a new principal structure as well as parcels
that are removing trees in preparation for the demolition or development of a residential principal
structure.
Nondevelopment activity shall mean any alteration of the natural environment which does not require
development plan approval or issuance of a building permit, but which would include the proposed
removal or destruction of any trees or vegetation regulated by this chapter.
Nuisance shall mean any tree, shrub, bush, grass or ground cover, or other woody vegetation, on
public or private property which is endangering or which in any way may endanger the public health,
safety, security or usefulness of any public street, public utility line or sidewalk; also, any tree, shrub,
bush, grass or ground cover, or other woody vegetation with an infectious disease or insect problem.
Offsite shall mean any location outside the boundaries of the project site.
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Onsite shall mean any location within the boundaries of the project site.
Person shall mean any landowner, lessee, building contractor, developer or other entity involved in
the use of real property, including agents, employees, independent contractors, whether pe rsons, firms,
associations, corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates,
fiduciaries, governmental bodies, agencies or officials.
Pest shall mean any organism, insect, rodent, fungus, virus, bacteria, or other agent that causes any
damage, abnormal growth or mortality of any tree, shrub, bush, grass or ground cover, or woody
vegetation.
Prune shall mean the removal of dead, dying, diseased, weak or objectionable branches in order to
increase usefulness, beauty and vigor.
Pruning standard shall mean the following: American National Standard Institute, Standard for Tree
Care Operations —Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance—Standard Practices (ANSI A300,
current edition); American National Standard Institu te, Safety Standards for Tree Care Operators (ANSI
Z133.1, current edition); National Arborist Association Pruning Standards for Shade Trees (current
edition).
Qualified professional shall mean a person who possesses, in addition to skill, a special registration,
certification, or knowledge which is obtained by formal education and training, and which is inherently or
legally necessary to render him or her capable, competent, and elig ible to perform the particular
responsibilities called for.
Regulated tree shall mean any tree as follows:
(1) Private regulated tree shall mean any tree on private property, except those species listed on
the Atlantic Beach Prohibited Species List, mee ting the following conditions:
a. A DBH of six (6) ten (10) inches or more. on residentially zoned property that will be removed
two (2) years prior to or two (2) years subsequent to construction valued at over ten thousand
dollars ($10,000.00);
b. Trees defined as legacy trees by this chapter;
c. A DBH of ten (10) inches or more, if zoned nonresidential.
(2) Public regulated tree shall mean any tree on public property, except those species listed on the
Atlantic Beach Prohibited Species List ., meet ing the following conditions:
a. A DBH of six (6) inches or more.
(3) Heritage tree shall mean any tree determined by the city commission to be of unique or intrinsic
value due to its age, size, species and/or cultural, ecological or historical signifi cance or some
other contribution to the city's character, specifically including all Cypress, Live Oak and Magnolia
trees with a DBH of thirty (30) inches or greater and in good condition, as determined by a
recognized knowledgeable person or qualified professional; also, any tree designated as a Florida
State Champion, United States Champion, or World Champion by the American Forestry
Association. Heritage trees may be located within parks, on street yards, or other public property.
On private property, heritage trees are voluntarily nominated by the property owner. The city
administrator shall keep a record of all heritage trees so designated and their location.
Regulated vegetation shall mean vegetation located within any area designated as an
"environmentally sensitive area," as defined by the city of Atlantic Beach Comprehensive Plan including,
but not limited to, all wetlands, all beach and dune areas seaward of the coastal construction control line,
and all areas designated as conservation on the futu re land use map.
Shade tree shall mean any self-supporting woody plant of a species that is generally well -shaped,
well-branched, and well-foliated which normally grows to a minimum average height of at least thirty -five
(35) feet with a minimum average mature crown spread of at least thirty (30) feet, and which is commonly
accepted by local horticultural and arboricultural professionals as a species which can be expected to
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survive for at least fifteen (15) years in a healthy and vigorous growing conditio n over a wide range of
environmental conditions.
Shrub shall mean a self-supporting woody perennial plant differing from a perennial herb by its
persistent and woody stems and from a tree by its low stature and habit of branching from the base.
Site shall mean the total area within the property boundaries of a principal parcel to be developed, or
contiguous parcels intended for development under a common scheme or plan.
Stop work order, as used in this chapter, shall mean an order from the designated adm inistrative
official to immediately halt all vegetation and tree removal, any form of site or soil disturbance, or other
activity with potential to impact trees or vegetation regulated by this chapter.
Street shall mean a public or private thoroughfare, which affords the principal means of access to
abutting property, including but not limited to alley, avenue, drive, lane, place, road, street, terrace, way,
or other means of ingress or egress, regardless of the term used to describe it.
Tidal marsh shall mean a marsh found along rivers, coasts, and estuaries which floods and drains by
the tidal movement of the adjacent estuary, sea, or ocean.
Tree shall mean any self-supporting woody or fibrous plant which at maturity attains a trunk DBH of
at least three (3) inches or more and which normally attains an overall height of at least fifteen (15) feet,
usually with one (1) main stem or trunk and many b ranches. Trees shall be classified as follows:
(1) Large: Having an average mature height of fifty (50) feet or more.
(2) Medium: Having an average mature height of at least thirty (30) feet but less than fifty (50) feet.
(3) Small: Having an average mature height of at least fifteen (15) feet but less than thirty (30) feet.
Tree conservation trust fund (tree fund) shall mean an account established by the city to provide an
opportunity to make equivalent value cash payment to the city in lieu of providing the required landscape
or tree stock on a site.
Tree protection plan shall mean the plan required pursuant to t his chapter, identifying and showing
the location, type, size and health of existing trees, stating the ultimate disposition of the trees, showing
the type, size and location of any trees to be planted and setting forth measures to protect trees before,
during and after construction.
Tree protection zone shall mean the area located around the perimeter of the dripline of a tree in
which no activity such as clearing, filling, excavating, storage of materials, parking of vehicles, or any
other activity that in the opinion of the administrator may damage the tree. At the discretion of the
administrator, the tree protection zone may be reduced for trees located on smaller lots in order to
reasonably protect the tree and facilitate construction on the developmen t parcel.
Tree removal shall mean any act that physically removes the tree or its roots from the earth or
causes a tree to die including, but not limited to, changing the natural grade above or below the root
system or around the trunk or improper pruning where the natural form of the tree is permanently
changed and results in tree death or decline.
Tree or vegetation removal permit shall mean the written authorization issued by the city to proceed
with vegetation or tree removal in accordance with the pr ovisions of this chapter, which may include
mitigation requirements and other terms and conditions as needed to create consistency with this
chapter. The terms permit, tree permit, vegetation removal permit or tree removal permit may be used
interchangeably as appropriate to the context.
Tree technical manual (TTM) shall mean a manual, developed and maintained by the city, pursuant
to this chapter, which contains the standards and specifications for sound arboricultural practices,
techniques and procedures to be practiced within the city.
Underbrushing shall mean the removal of understory vegetation, either by hand or with the use of
equipment, which neither disturbs the soil nor causes the destruction of any tree.
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Understory vegetation shall mean assemblages of natural low-level woody, herbaceous, and ground
cover species not normally considered to be trees which exist in the area below the canopy of the trees,
including any tree that is less than three (3) four (4) inches DBH.
Vacant lot shall mean any property not previously developed with a structure of any kind or a
property where all structures were removed more than twenty (20) years prior to the date of the tree
removal application.
Variance. A variance shall mean relief granted from certain terms of this chapter. The relief granted
shall be only to the extent as expressly allowed by this chapter and may be either an allowable exemption
from certain provision(s) or a relaxation of the strict, literal interpretation of certain provision(s). Any relie f
granted shall be in accordance with the provisions as set forth in section 23-25 of this chapter, and such
relief may be subject to conditions as set forth by the City of Atlantic Beach.
Vegetation shall mean any plant material including, but not limited to, trees, shrubs, vines, herbs and
grasses, including marsh grasses and any coastal dune vegetation.
Vegetation inventory shall mean a scaled drawing which delineates the location and common and/or
scientific name of vegetation upon a parcel of land, including trees greater than three (3) inches DBH and
palms with an overall height of more than eight (8) feet. If necessary, a survey or other professionally
prepared document, certified as appropriate, may be required as part of the vegetation inventory.
Viable shall mean having the capacity to live and develop.
Waiver shall mean a limited deviation from a spec ific provision(s) of this chapter or other land
development regulations contained within City Code, when it is demonstrated that compliance with such
provision(s) would be unreasonable, in conflict with the public interest, or a practical impossibility. A
waiver from the land development regulations may be approved by the city commission upon showing of
good cause, and upon evidence that an alternative to a specific provision(s) of this chapter shall be
provided, which conforms to the general intent and spi rit of the chapter.
Weed shall mean any undesired, uncultivated plant that grows in profusion so as to crowd out a
desired plant.
(Ord. No. 95-09-98, § 2(Exh. A), 1-12-09; Ord. No. 95-15-109, § 1, 5-11-15)
Secs. 23-9—23-10. - Reserved.
ARTICLE III. - TREE AND VEGETATION REGULATIONS AND PERMITS[2]
Footnotes:
--- (2) ---
Editor's note — Section 2(Exh. A) of Ord. No. 95-10-101, adopted Feb. 22, 2010, amended art. III in its
entirety to read as herein set out. Former art. III, §§ 23 -11—23-16, 23-21—23-26, 23-30—23-37, 23-40,
23-41, and 23-46—23-51 pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 95-09-98(Exh. A),
adopted Jan. 12, 2009.
DIVISION 1. - IN GENERAL
Sec. 23-11. - Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered as set forth within this chapter. aAdministrative
procedures, authorities and responsibilities of the city commission and the administrator are set forth
herein.
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(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
DIVISION 2. - ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 23-12. - City commission.
The city commission shall have the following authorities and responsibilities:
(1) To establish fees and fines related to the administrative costs of carrying out the requirements
of this chapter.
(2) To establish a tree conservation trust fund to coll ect and disburse monies for the purpose of
growing and maintaining the city's community maritime forest.
(3) To amend this chapter as may be needed to accomplish the stated purpose and intent of this
chapter.
(4) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement or
decision made by the administratorCommunity Development Board in the implementation of this
chapter.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-13. - Administrator.
The administrator shall have the following authorities and responsibilities:
(1) To accomplish all administrative actions required by this chapter, including issuance of proper
notices; receipt and review of applications; issuance of tree and vegetation removal permits;
receipt and processing of appeals and any stop work orders.
(2) To maintain all records relating to this chapter and its administration.
(3) To provide written instructions to applicants related to the required process for applications as
required by this chapter.
(4) To receive, process and make administrative determinations on all applications for tree and
vegetation removal permits as set forth in section 23 -23.
(5) To refer applications for tree and vegetation removal to other departments and agenci es for
comment, as set forth in section 23-23, as may be needed.
(6) To conduct field inspections as needed to make determinations related to tree and vegetation
protection or removal.
(7) To review preliminary development plans, applications for certain building permits, including site
and lot plans with appropriate city staff, to determine whether proposed construction, alterations,
repair or enlargement of a structure is in complianc e with the provisions of this chapter.
(8) To recommend to the city commission projects consistent with the purpose and intent of this
chapter, with a written statement outlining the costs and benefits of such projects.
(9) To recommend to the city com mission amendments consistent with the implementation of the
purpose and intent of this chapter, with a written statement outlining the need for such changes.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-14. - Tree conservation trust fund.
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(a) Establishment of trust tree fund. The city commission hereby recognizes and reaffirms the prior
establishment of the tree conservation trust fund ("tree fund") for the purposes of accepting and
disbursing monies paid to the city as part of tree mitigati on and any other funds deposited with the city
for the purpose of tree and vegetation conservation and protection. This fund shall be used solely for
the planting of trees, the protection and conservation of existing trees where appropriate, or the re -
establishment of vegetative resources in the city and any other ancillary costs associated with such
activities, provided that such ancillary costs shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the cost of the
particular project.
(b) Terms of existence. The tree fund shall be self-perpetuating from year to year unless specifically
terminated by the city commission.
(c) Tree fund assets. All funds received shall be placed in trust for and inure to the public use and
environmental benefit of the city. Said funds shall be used and distributed as designated by the city
commission.
(d) Tree fund administration.
(1) Tr ustee funds shall be used only for the purposes designated by the city commission in
accordance with the intent of this chapter and the applicable goa ls, objectives and policies as set
forth within the comprehensive plan.
(2) All mitigation funds collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in to the tree fund, which
shall be a separate account established and maintained apart from the general revenue fund of
the city.
(e) Disbursal of tree conservation trust fund assets.
(1) Expenditures for projects funded by the tree conservation trust fund shall be made in accordance
with the established purchasing procedures of the city. The Environmental Stewardship
Committee (ESC) shall review and make recommendations on the disbursal of tree fund assets
to the City Commission. The City Commission shall have final approval on all disbursals of the
tree fund assets.
(2) Priority shall be given to the use of funds for projects that plant or replace trees or vegetation
along public rights -of-way or on properties and lands in public use, on community or neighborhood
owned land, or on private property provided the trees are planted within the fro nt yards or, in the
case of corner lots only, the side yard which adjoin a public right -of-way that will provide needed
shade, aesthetic enhancement or the re-establishment of tree canopy in neighborhoods and
along public roadways. For trees planted on private property, the property owner shall be
responsible for maintaining the health of the tree(s). Should the city staff become aware of any
tree dying or being in a state of decline within three (3) years of being planted, the property owner
shall be required to replace the tree within sixty (60) days of that determination.
Secondarily, funds may be used for purchase of landscape materials or equipment necessary
and proper for the preservation, maintenance, relocation or restoration of trees and ecosystems
on any public land in the city, or for the funding of community educational programs which
promote, enhance or implement the goals and objectives established in this chapter.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Secs. 23-15—23-20. - Reserved.
DIVISION 3. - PERMITS
Sec. 23-21. - Permits required by this chapter.
Unless specifically exempted within following section 23-22, permits are required for removal of
regulated trees on all lands within the City of Atlantic Beach. The tree permit requirements are not
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intended to restrict or adversely affect a property owner’s rights under constitutional or statutory law, or
otherwise preempt applicable Florida Statutes., which shall include the following:
(1) New development on any previousl y undeveloped lands, or redevelopment on any vacant land
where structures may have been fully or partially cleared.
(2) Major development on all existing developed sites having any structure or vehicle use areas
where additions, renovations, upgrades or site changes are intended or anticipated within a two -
year period of time when any such activity is valued at ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) or more.
Where value is in question, determination shall be made by the building official.
(3) Clearing, excavation, grading, grubbing or trenching of previously undeveloped land, regardless
of whether any future development is intended or anticipated; it being the intent of the city that no
parcel, site or lands be indiscriminately or unnecessarily cleared of reg ulated trees and regulated
vegetation unless mitigation or replacement as required by this chapter is provided.
(4) Removal of any tree on the Atlantic Beach Legacy Tree List.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 95-15-109, § 1, 5-11-15)
Sec. 23-22. - Exemptions from the requirement for a permit.
In addition to the provisions of Section 23-21(2), Tthe following activities shall be exempt from the
requirements to apply for and receive a tree or vegetation removal permit ., except that none of these
exemptions shall be construed to apply to any coastal dune vegetation seaward of the coastal
construction control line or to heritage trees. Such vegetation and trees shall be fully subject to the
provisions of this chapter and any state permitting requirements applying to the coastal zone. All other
development activity as described in preceding section 23 -21 involving the removal of regulated trees and
regulated vegetation shall require issuance of a tree removal permit.
The person(s) claiming any exemption shall have the burden of proving entitlement to such
exemption. The administrator may require consultation with or documentation from a certified arborist or
other qualified professional to verify certain conditions.
(1) No development activity or minor development activity on previously developed sites. Minor
development activity involves any new construction, exterior additions, renovations or upgrades
that are valued at less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00.) For the purpose of determining
whether this exemption does or does not apply, the administrator shall consider the cumulative
valuation of all permits issued two (2) years prior and two (2) years subsequent to the tree
removal. If such permits collectively exceed the stated threshold, an after-the-fact permit and
mitigation shall be required.
(21) Emergency situation. The removal of trees destroyed or severely damaged during or
immediately following an emergency (i.e., hurricane, tropical storm, tornado, flood or any other
act of nature) shall be granted an exemption when the administrator determines that normal
permitting requirements will hamper private or public work to restore order to the city as to likely
compromise public safety .
(32) Safety hazard. The removal of t rees that pose imminent danger to the public health, safety and
general welfare shall be granted an exemption upon inspection and determination by the
administrator that immediate removal without delay is required.
(43) Diseased or pest -infested trees. The removal of diseased or pest -infested trees shall be granted
an exemption upon inspection and determination by the administrator , a forester, or an arborist
that removal is needed for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease or pests.
(54) Noxious invasive trees. The removal of invasive or nuisance trees, as currently listed by the
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FEPPC), the Atlantic
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Beach Prohibited Species List, or some other recognized authority, shall be granted an exemption
upon inspection and verification by the administrator, a forester, or an arborist .
(65) Utility operations. The pruning and/or removal of trees or understory vegetation by duly
authorized communication, water, sewer, electrical or other utility companies or federal, state,
county or city agencies, or engineers or surveyors working under a contract with such utility
companies or agencies, shall be exempt, provided the removal is limited to those areas necessary
for the maintenance of existing lines or facilities or for the construction of new lines or facilities in
furtherance of providing utility service to its customers, and provided further that the activity is
conducted so as to avoid unnecessary removal and, in the case of aerial electrical utility lines, is
not greater than that specified by the National Electrical Safety Codes as necessary to achieve
safe electrical clearances. Notwithstanding this exemption, any such entity shall provide adequate
prior notice to the city before commencing such work.
(76) Surveyors/engineers. The pruning of trees and/or removal or understory vegetation by a
Florida-licensed land surveyor or engineer in order to provide physical access or view necessary
to conduct a survey or site examination for the performance of professional duties related to land
surveying, soil percolation and/or soil bore tests shall be exempt provided that such alteration is
limited to a swath of ten (10) feet or less in width. Any pruning or removal of trees or vegetation
shall be as minimal as possible at the direction of the administrator. However, any land clearing
for the purpose of surveys shall not authorize the removal of any regulated trees or regulated
vegetation.
(87) City crews. The city shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and
shrubs within public rights -of-way, within any utility or drainage easements or within the
illumination areas of street lights, and other public lands as may be necessary, and shall not be
subject to mitigation assessment. The city shall not have the responsibility to maintain, prune or
remove any damaged, dead or diseased trees on any private property within the c ity.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 95-15-109, § 1, 5-11-15)
Sec. 23-23. - Permits procedures.
(a) Application required. The applicant for a tree removal permit shall submit the established fee along
with the application form as created and provided by the city to the designated administrative
department. The application shall contain all required narrative and graphical information necessary
to determine compliance with this chapter. If the applicant is not the property owner, proper owner's
authorization shall also be required.
(1) Existing lots or parcels. When a tree or vegetation removal permit is required, applications for
tree or vegetation removal shall be made prior to removal and prior to any site disturbance or
grading on a lot or parcel.
(2) New or re-platted subdivisions. Applications for tree or vegetation removal that will be part of a
new subdivision plat or a re-plat shall be submitted along with the preliminary subdivision plat
application so that due consideration may be given to the protection of regulated trees and
regulated vegetation during the site planning and subdivision process. Trees to be protected shall
be noted on the final subdivision plat, and subsequent applications for individual lots or parcels
shall be consistent with the approved final subdivision plat, or application for a new tree removal
permit shall be required.
(3) After-the-fact permits. Any person(s) engaging in the removal of regulated tree(s) or regulated
vegetation prior to obtaining a permit will be required to apply for and obtain an after -the-fact
permit, and meet mitigation requirements as assessed.
(b) Sufficiency review of applications. Upon receipt of the application and appropriate fee, the
administrator shall conduct a preliminary review within five (5) business days to determine that all
required information has been submitted and is sufficient for review purposes. The administrator may
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refer the application to other city department(s) or a qualified professional consultant during preliminary
review. The applicant shall be notified if extended review by other departments and/or professionals
is required. The applicant shall be notified of any deficient items. Upon submittal of deficient or missing
information, the administrator shall again review the application. If the requested information has not
been provided or is insufficient, the applicant shall be notified in writing that no further review will be
performed until the requested information is provided and found to be sufficient.
(1) Upon receipt of the application and appropriate fee, the admini strator shall conduct a preliminary
review within five (5) business days to determine that all required information has been submitted and
is sufficient for review purposes. The applicant shall be notified of any deficient items. Upon submittal
of deficient or missing information, the administrator shall again review the application. If the requested
information has not been provided or is insufficient, the applicant shall be notified in writing that no
further review will be performed until the requested i nformation is provided and found to be sufficient.
(2) The administrator shall upload all tree permit applications to the city’s website within three (3) days
of being deemed sufficient in accordance with this section.
(3) However, aAn application shall be deemed abandoned thirty (30) days after the date the
administrator notifies the applicant of any deficiencies contained in the application if the applicant
has failed to submit all of the deficient or missing information. The administrator may, upon written
request and justification by the applicant, grant not more than one (1) 30 -day extension. At the
expiration of the extension, the application shall automatically become null and void. In such cases,
the application review fees will not be refunded.
(c) Review by other agencies. At the discretion of the administrator, relative to the environmental
sensitivity of the site, appropriate written sign-offs, permits or consents from the agencies listed below
which have jurisdiction may be required prior to regulated tree or regulated vegetation removal from
sites contiguous to or containing environmentally sensitive areas or lands. The applicant shall obtain
this information the written approvals, permits, or consents and submit the agencies' written verification
to the city:
(1) Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE);
(2) Saint Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD);
(3) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP);
(4) Any other applicable governmental agencies extending jurisdictional co ntrols over the site.
(d) Compliance review and approval of applications. When the administrator’s application review process
and inspections have been completed, the administrator shall distribute a notice of intent to issue a
tree permit to the applicant and all members of the ESC Tree Subcommittee, including the alternate
member and upload the draft permit to the city’s website. The permit shall be effective five (5) business
days after the notice of intent is distributed, unless a timely appeal is fil ed. Applications will be reviewed
and tree or vegetation removal permits will be issued in accordance with the following:
(1) Time for review. Once an application has been deemed sufficient, the administrator shall conduct
a full compliance review of the application and issue a notice of intent to issue a tree permit to
approve or approve with conditions, or deny the application in accordance with the procedures
set forth in section 23-52(g) hereof.
(2) Standards for review. The administrator shall cons ider the following in making a determination
of compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
a. Necessity to remove trees which pose a safety hazard, as determined by the director of
public works, to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or threaten to cau se disruption to public
services or result in a significant obstacle to accessing and utilizing public easements and
rights -of-way.
b. Necessity to remove trees which pose a threat to buildings and other improvements on a lot
or parcel of land. Ordinary small cracks or uplifts in pavement, sidewalks, and non -occupied
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structures that are typically caused by settling and small roots shall not be considered a
safety hazard.
c. Necessity to remove diseased trees or trees weakened by age, storm, fire or othe r injury, or
trees with severe structural defects that pose a safety hazard to people, buildings, or other
improvements on a lot or parcel of land.
d. Necessity to remove trees in order to construct approved and permitted improvements to
allow reasonable economic enjoyment of the property.
e. Existence of any adverse site conditions which may affect the implementation of the
provisions of this chapter.
(e) Expiration of permits. Upon approval of the application by the administrator, the permit shall be issued.
Work pursuant to the permit shall commence within six (6) twelve (12) months of the date of issuance,
or the permit shall expire. If the tree removal permit is in connection with a development permit, the
tree removal permit shall pass the final inspection before the applicable development permit’s final
inspection, or issuance of Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy, as applicable.
(f) Content of permits. The permit shall be issued in such form as may be prescribed by the admi nistrator
and shall set forth in detail the conditions upon which the permit is granted and specifically identify
which land areas shall be cleared and/or which trees shall be permitted to be removed. One (1) permit
may cover several trees or groups of trees as long as the trees or groups of trees can be clearly
identified thereon; provided, however, no permit may be issued for more than one (1) lot, parcel or
area of land unless such lots, parcels or areas of land shall be contiguous to one another and
considered as one (1) parcel for the purpose of development.
(g) Posting of permits. The permit shall be posted in a conspicuous and visible place at the front of the
property by the applicant prior to any tree removal promptly after issuance. The permit shall remain
posted on the property during all applicable tree and vegetation removal activity and until final
inspection by the city. It is the responsibility of the applicant to maintain the permit in a clearly visible
manner at all times.
(h) Amendment of permits. Requests for minor changes to approved plans shall be made as an
amendment to the applicable permit, and shall require payment of a n new administrative processing
fee. Additional information submitted with a request for permit amendment shall b e adequate to fully
document the nature of the proposed change and the effect it will have on all aspects regulated by this
chapter. All plans, reports, calculations, and other information affected by the proposed amendment
shall be updated so as to maintain an accurate record of the development activity. Review time for any
changes to plans approved for a permitted site shall be the same as specified for the review of a new
application. An amendment to a permit shall not automatically extend the expiration date.
Substantial changes, including significant increases in the number of trees to be removed or land to be
cleared, increases in impervious surface area, changes to intended land use, modification of stormwater
management systems, or any other change that constitutes a major modification to a site plan or
subdivision, new phases of development or other additions, shall not be treated as amendments, but shall
require a new permit application and fee.
(i) Revocation of permits.
(1) By administrator. The administrator may revoke any permit issued pursuant to this chapter,
following notice in writing to the permittee and after providing the permittee opportunity to respond
to the notice, in either of the following circumstances:
a. The administrator finds that the permittee has continued with any development activity on a
site for which a permit was issued, while the site is under a stop work order which has not
been reversed, canceled or suspended pursuant to this chapter, excep t for specified
remedial work required to bring the violation into compliance with the approved permit; or
b. If the administrator finds that the approval of the permit was based on incorrect information
furnished by the applicant for the permit. Based u pon such finding, however, the
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administrator may make reasonably necessary accommodations to the conditions of a permit
in lieu of revoking it.
(2) Discontinuance of work. Revocation of a permit may also result in a stop work order in
accordance with sec tion 23-48.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 5-17-64, § 2, 7-24-17)
Sec. 23-24. - Inspections and site preparation.
(a) Inspections. The following inspections shall be conducted in conjunction with all development
activities subject to the requirement for a tree or vegetation removal permit.
(1) Initial inspection. The administrator shall conduct an initial inspection of the site prior to approval
of any application.
(2) Protective barricade inspection. A protective barricade inspection shall ensure proper installation
of measures prior to the initiation of any other development activity where required as a condition
of the permit.
(3) Final inspection and notice of completion. A final inspection and notice of completion sha ll occur
when all development activities permitted for the site have been completed. No certificate of
occupancy shall be issued, nor any building or premises occupied, unless and until the
administrator has determined after final inspection that all work, including land clearing, regulated
tree or regulated vegetation removal, tree protection and tree replacement, has been done in
accordance with the approved permit and plan.
(4) Maintenance inspections. The administrator shall have the authority during the required three (3)
year maintenance period to conduct on-site maintenance inspections subsequent to final
inspection and notice of completion, and to require correction of all deficiencies and violations in
accordance with this chapter.
(b) Site preparation. Prior to requesting initial and/or protective barricade inspection, the applicant shall
prepare the site with proper staking and taping as necessary to allow the administrator to locate and
identify the lot or parcel to be inspected; to determine the building site; to locate the proposed buildings
or other proposed structures or improvements that will disturb vegetation, and to ensure clear
understanding between the property owner, contractor, administrator and other inspectors that may
be involved.
(1) The address or legal description of the property shall be displayed in a conspicuous manner.
(2) The property corners shall be marked according to survey with wooden stakes. Each stake shall
be flagged with surveyor's tape or with bright colored paint. Any property crossed by the coastal
construction control line shall have that line marked on the ground with conspicuous wooden
stakes and surveyor's tape or durable waterproof string and shall be clearly labeled "CCCL".
(3) All trees to be preserved during development activities , including vital root systems, shall be
barricaded according to a tree protection plan consistent with the guidelines in the Tree Protection
Guide for Builders and Developers, published by the Florida Division of F orestry and/or any other
reasonable requirements deemed appropriate by the administrator to implement this part.
(4) All trees proposed for removal shall be identified with red or orange surveyor's tape or paint.
(5) All trees proposed for protection as mitigation for removed trees shall be identified with blue or
green surveyor's tape or paint.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-25. – Appeals and variances.
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(a) Procedures to file appeals Appeals . Appeals of final decisions by t he Administrator made under the
authority of this Chapter may be made by the applicant, any member of the ESC Tree Subcommittee,
or an adversely affected party in accordance with the following provisions. and written notices objecting
to decisions regarding tree permits issued under authority of this chapter shall be made in accordance
with the provisions of section 23-52(g) hereof.
(1) Appeals of a final action or decision by the Administrator shall be filed in writing with the
Administrator within five (5) days after rendition of the decision or final order being appealed. Upon
receipt of a timely filed appeal, the Administrator shall place the matter on the agenda of the next ESC
Tree Subcommittee meeting within a reasonable period of time with proper p ublic notice, as well as
due notice to interested parties. The ESC Tree Subcommittee shall review the application for
compliance with the requirements of Chapter 23 and shall, by majority vote, recommend that the
Administrator either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the tree permit application. The
Administrator shall issue or deny the permit within five (5) business days after the ESC Tree
Subcommittee meeting.
(b) Stay of work Variances. The Community Development Board is authorized to grant rel ief from the
strict application of this Chapter where, due to an exceptional situation, adherence to the regulations
of this Chapter results “exceptional practical difficulties or undue hardship” upon a property owner.
The Community Development Board must determine that granting the request would not cause
substantial detriment to the public good and would not be inconsistent with the general intent and
purpose of this Chapter. The applicant has the burden of proof. Any appeal to the city commission filed
pursuant to section 23-52(g) shall stay all work on the premises and all proceedings in furtherance of
the action appealed, unless the appropriate administrative official certifies that a stay would cause
imminent peril to life or property.
(1) A request for a variance shall be submitted on an application form as provided by the city and shall
contain each of the following:
a. A legal description of the property for which the variance is requested.
b. A reasonable statement describing the reasons and justification for the variance.
c. A survey or site plan indicating existing, removed, and/or proposed trees; existing and proposed
construction, as well as other significant features existing on the lot.
d. The signature of the owner, or the signature o f the owner’s authorized agent. Written and
notarized authorization by the owner for the agent to act on behalf of the property owner shall be
provided with the application.
(2) Upon receipt of a complete and proper application, the Administrator shall within a reasonable
period of time schedule the application for a public hearing before the Community Development Board
following the required public notice as set forth in section 24 -51. At the public hearing, the applicant
may appear in person and/or may be represented by an authorized agent.
a. Applications for a variance shall be considered on a case-by -case basis and shall be approved
only upon findings of fact that the application is consistent with the definition of a variance and
consistent with the provisions of this section.
b. Variances shall not be granted solely for the personal comfort or convenience, for relief from
financial circumstances, or for relief from situations created by the property owner.
(c) Grounds for approval of a variance. The Community Development Board shall find that one (1) or more
of the following factors exist to support an application for a variance:
(1)Existing topographic elevation changes that would result in the likelihood that preserved or
planted materials would not survive.
(2)Existing electrical lines or utility easements that prevent or restrict the preservation or planting
of landscape materials.
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(3)Barrier island or dune ecosystem planting conditions that cannot support certain hardwood
species.
(4)Designs and plans that, to the greatest extent feasible, avoid encroachment upon preservation
areas and/or trees are not considered adverse site conditions.
In the event the Community Development Board finds that none of the above exist, then the
Community Development Board shall deny the variance.
(d) Approval of a variance. To approve an application for a variance, the community development
board shall find that the request is in accordance with the preceding terms and provisions of this section
and that the granting of the variance will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of this chapter. In
granting a variance, the community development board may prescribe appropriate conditions in
conformance with and to maintain consistency with city Code. Violation of su ch conditions, when made
a part of the terms under which the variance is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, and
shall be subject to established code enforcement procedures.
(e) Approval of lesser variances. The community development board shall have the authority to approve
a lesser variance than requested if a lesser variance shall be more appropriately in accord with the terms
and provisions of this section and with the purpose and intent of this chapter.
(f) Nearby nonconformity. Nonconforming characteristics of nearby lands, structures or buildings shall
not be grounds for approval of a variance.
(g) Waiting period for re-submittal. If an application for a variance is denied by the community
development board, no further action on another application for substantially the same request on the
same property shall be accepted for three hundred sixty -five (365) days from the date of denial.
(h) Time period to implement variance. Unless otherwise stipulated by the community developmen t
board, the work to be performed pursuant to a variance shall begin within twelve (12) months from the
date of approval of the variance. The planning and community development director, upon finding of
good cause, may authorize a one -time extension provided that an associated building permit is active.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 5-17-64, § 3, 7-24-17)
Sec. 23-26. - Fees.
(a) Application fees. The city commission hereby establishes the following fees related to the
administrative costs of carrying out the requirements of this chapter. These fees shall be payable to
the city upon submittal of an application at any time an application is submitted for approval,
amendment, or extension of a permit required by this chapter, or for each required re-inspection, or
when a final action or decision by the administrator is appealed. Applications for tree and vegetation
removal related requests shall not be considered as complete applications until such time as required
fees have been paid in full.
(1) Tree and vegetation removal permit application. The tree and vegetation removal permit
application fee shall cover the processing and review of the application as well as one (1) initial
inspection, one (1) protective barricade inspection, one (1) final inspection and one (1)
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maintenance inspection per year. Any additional inspections required due to inadequate site
preparation or reports of violation of the provisions of this chapter will be charged a reinspection
fee as provided below:
a. Single- or two-family residential uses (per lot) .....$ 125.00
b. Single removal of legacy tree .....25.00
c b. Multifamily residential uses .....250.00
dc . Commercial or industrial uses .....250.00
ed. Institutional and any other uses .....250.00
(2) Minor amendments .....50.00
(3) Extensions .....50.00
(4) Appeals .....125.00
(b) Reinspection fees. .....50.00
(c) Research or extensive time fees (per hour). .....50.00
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 95-15-109, § 1, 5-11-15)
Secs. 23-27—23-29. - Reserved.
DIVISION 4. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 23-30. - Minimum tree requirements.
These minimum tree requirements shall apply to all property within the city that is subject to the
provisions of this chapter. Credit will be given for trees on the Atlantic Beach Recommended Species List,
but none will be given for trees on the Atlantic Beach Prohibited Species List. Section 24 -1767 of this
Municipal Code also provides additional landscaping requirements for nonresidential uses.
(1) Residential uses. For each parcel upon which a single-family, two-family or multifamily dwelling
unit, or associated residential accessory unit is proposed, or where the primary activity is
residential in nature:
One (1) minimum four-inch caliper tree shall be planted and/or preserved for every two
thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of development parcel area or portion thereof,
excluding therefrom preserve areas and water bodies. Of the minimum required trees, at least
one (1) tree shall be a shade tree planted provided or preserved within the required front yard.
Upon approval of the administrator, a cluster of three (3) palm trees, subject to other conditions
of this section, may be us ed to meet the requirements of a single shade tree on oceanfront lots
only.
(2) Commercial uses. For each parcel upon which a commercial structure or associated accessory
use is proposed, or where the primary activity is commercial in nature:
One (1) minimum four-inch caliper tree shall be planted and/or preserved for every eight
thousand (8,000) square feet of parcel area or portion thereof, excluding therefrom preserve
areas and water bodies.
(3) Industrial uses. For each parcel upon which an industrial structure or associated accessory use
is proposed, or where the primary activity is industrial in nature:
One (1) minimum four-inch caliper tree shall be planted and/or preserved for every ten thousand
(10,000) square feet of parcel area or portion thereof, excluding therefrom preserve areas and
water bodies.
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(4) Public/semi-public (governmental or institutional) uses. For each parcel upon which a
government structure or associated accessory use is proposed, or where the primary activity is
public/semi-public in nature:
One (1) minimum four-inch caliper tree shall be planted and/or preserved for every ten thousand
(10,000) square feet of parcel area or portion thereof, excluding therefrom preserve areas and
water bodies.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-31. - General prohibitions.
Except as provided in Section 23-21(2), the following general prohibitions shall be applicable.
(a) Excessive or improper pruning. It shall be unlawful to engage in excessive or improper pruning
techniques on trees intended for shade purposes where such trees are required pursuant to an
approved tree protection plan. Trees intended for shade purposes shall be allowed to reach their
mature canopy spread. This limitation shall not be construed to prohibit the trimming or pruning of
trees that create a clear risk of danger to persons or property during flood, high wind or hurricane
events.
(b) Pruning or removal of city trees. It shall be unlawful to trim, prune, or remove any tree which is within
the city's rights -of-way or upon any other city property without the permission of the city as evidenced
by the appropriate permit.
(c) Tree poisoning, girdling, or spiking. It shall be unlawful to subject a tree to any danger from introduce
any type of poison or reactive material , from girdling with wire, cable or similar material, or from
inserting metal or chemicals into a tree for the purpose of causing the tree to die or become diseased .
(d) Attachments. It shall be unlawful to attach anything, including signs, permits, nails or spikes that may
be injurious or cause damage, to a tree having a diameter of three (3) or more inches caliper .
Exceptions are protective wires, braces or other devices used to support a tree.
(e) Unauthorized clearing of undeveloped lots. It shall be unlawful to clear any undeveloped lot, parcel,
or lands such that the land is substantially denuded of regulated trees and regulated vegetation in any
manner or for any purpose unless a proper tree removal permit has been issued. The extent to which
removal constitutes substantial denuding shall be determined by the administrator based upon the
number, type and condition of existing on-site regulated trees and regul ated vegetation in comparison
to that proposed to be removed. If clearing is authorized, the minimum requirements of section 23 -30
shall be met.
(fe) Unauthorized clearing of developed lots. It shall be unlawful to clear the trees from any developed lot
such that the minimum requirements of section 23 -30 are not maintained.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-32. - Tree protection during development and construction.
It is the intent of this Section that on all properties under development, regardless of whether or not a tree
removal permit is required, the owner shall ensure that the measures described in this Section are taken to
protect all regulated trees that may be impacted by the development activities.
(a) Restrictions during construction.
(1) Placement of materials, machinery, or temporary soils. It shall be unlawful for any person(s) to
cause or allow the storage of construction materials, the passing or us e of heavy equipment or
machinery, or the temporary storage of soil deposits within the tree protection zone of any
regulated tree or group of trees to be preserved retained.
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(2) Disposal of waste materials. It shall be unlawful for any person(s) to caus e or allow the disposal
of waste materials such as paint, oil, solvents, asphalt, concrete, or mortar on any private
property. Further, or any of these or other materials that may be harmful to the life of a regulated
tree may not be allowed to sit on or enter the soil within the tree protection zone of any tree or
groups of trees, or where planting beds are to be situated.
(b) Burden of tree protection on property owner. The property owner(s) and their agent(s) shall ensure
that any tree shown on the vegetation inventory for which a tree removal permit has not been obtained
is to be protected. The property owner shall guarantee survival of retained trees preserved, relocated,
and replacement trees for no less than three (3) years from the date the city accepts the trees and
landscaping as complete, unless a greater time period is required by a development order. If a
preserved, relocated retained or replacement tree dies during that time period, the property owner
shall replace the tree in accordance with a remedial action as required by this chapter.
(c) Protective barriers and signage required. Protective barriers and signage shall be installed around
every tree or group of trees to be preserved prior to commenc ement of construction, in compliance
with the guidelines in the Tree Protection Guide for Builders and Developers, published by the Florida
Division of Forestry and/or any other reasonable requirements deemed appropriate by the
administrator to implement t his part.
(1) Temporary protective barriers shall be placed at least six (6) feet from the base of any tree, and
shall encompass at least fifty (50) percent of the area under the dripline of any tree or trees to be
preserved or retained for mitigation credit, unless otherwise approved by the administrator.
(2) Temporary protective barriers shall be at least three (3) feet high, and shall consist of either a
wood fence with two-by -four posts placed a maximum of eight (8) feet apart with a two -by -four
minimum top rail, or a mesh fence, or other similar barrier which will limit access to the protected
area, unless otherwise approved by the administrator.
(3) Waterproof, rigid sign(s) shall be affixed to each individual barricade, such that there is one (1 )
sign every fifteen (15) feet along the length of the barricade. The signs shall contain the following
words, and will be made available by the city at the time of permit issuance:
FIGURE 1. TREE PROTECTION ZONE SIGNAGE
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TREE PROTECTION ZONE (TPZ)
No grade change, storage of materials, passage or storage of vehicles or equipment is permitted within
this TPZ. This tree protection barrier must not be removed or altered without the written authorization
of the City of Atlantic Beach. For information, call (904) 247-5800.
(d) Adjacent properties. The property owner(s) or their agent(s) shall ensure protective barricading of all
regulated trees located on adjacent properties, that have root or branch systems that encroach upon
the subject property, and that may potentially be impacted by development activities.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-33. - Mitigation to be assessed.
(a) Mitigation required. Replacement or relocation shall be the preferred methods of mitigation. Unless
mitigation in the form of payment into the tree conservation trust fund has been approved in
accordance with section 23-37, mitigation in the form of tree replacement, relocation or preservation
shall be required to offset any impacts resulting from the removal of regulated trees as a condition of
the tree or vegetation removal permit. Replacement or relocation shall be the preferred methods of
mitigation.
(b) Mitigation assessment. In general, mitigation shall be assessed according to the ratios given in the
following table, such that the number of inches required to be replaced, relocated or preserved (first
number) are proportional to the number the inches removed (second number):
TABLE 1. STANDARD MITIGATION ASSESSMENT
CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY OF REGULATED TREE
Protected Diameter at
breast height (DBH)
less than twenty (20)
inches
Diameter at breast
height (DBH) of
twenty (20) inches or
greater
Heritage
Private parcels (not classified as new
residential development) 1:2 1:1 12:1
Buildable area of a vacant lot* 1:2 1:1 2:1
Public parcels New residential
development (unless within the
buildable area of a vacant lot)
1:1 1.5:1 2:1
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Public property rights-of-way,
easements, etc. 1:1 2:1 3:1
Environmentally sensitive areas 2:1 2:1 3:1
Historic corridor 2:1 2:1 3:1
*Vacant lot shall mean any property not previously developed with a structure of any kind or a property
where all structures were removed more than twenty (20) years prior to the date of the tree removal
application.
(c) General conditions. Mitigation shall be in the form of preservation of exi sting trees, successful
relocation of existing trees , replacement with new trees, or payment into the tree fund as authorized
by this chapter that would otherwise be removed, or replacement with new trees, and shall occur within
thirty (30) days, or prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or other final approval if it is in
association with a development permit , whichever time is shorter, unless a greater period is provided
for good cause by the permit . The applicant assumes all duties , risks and costs associated with
mitigation.
(d) Tree preservation. Only residentially zoned parcels that currently have an active building permit for a
new principal structure may receive preservation credit in accordance with following. For each
Eexisting onsite trees that are is of a designated maritime species, as defined in this chapter, and that
is twenty (20) three (3) inches DBH or greater and which are neither protected nor transplanted may
be utilized as credit towards the assessed mitigation, subject to the other conditions stated in this
section, if that is preserved onsite, the total number of inches required for mitigation shall be reduced
by twenty five percent (25%), up to a maximum reduction of fifty percent (50%) or forty (40) inches,
whichever is les s. For example, if one hundred (100) inches of mitigation is required and one twenty
(20) inch DBH live oak tree is preserved on-site the required mitigation would be reduced by twenty
five percent (25%) to seventy five (75) total inches of mitigation requ ired.
(e) Tree relocation. Existing trees onsite that are three (3) inches DBH or greater that are relocated and
that would otherwise be removed from the site because of development may be utilized as credit
towards the assessed mitigation, subject to the other conditions stated in this section, if relocated
onsite.
(f) Tree replacement.
(1) Replacement quality and size. To help ensure that they grow to maturity quickly, Nnew
replacement trees shall be the same quality of "Florida Number One", as defined in the most
current edition of the Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants, published by the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry.
a. Oaks shall have a minimum four-inch caliper and twelve-foot height at time of installation.
b. All other new replacement trees shall have a minimum two -inch caliper and ten-foot height
at time of installation.
c. Palms shall have a minimum clear trunk height of eight (8) feet at time of installation.
d. New replacement shade trees shall be of a species typically yielding an average mature
crown spread of no less than thirty (30) feet in Northeast Florida and shall be chosen from
the Atlantic Beach Recommended Species List , maintained and published by the city . Upon
approval of the administrator, alternate species not appearing on the recommended list may
be utilized, but in no case shall trees from the Atlantic Beach Prohibited Species List, also
maintained and published by the city, be utilized for mitigation credit.
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e. In the event that a property cannot reasonably accommodate required mitigation on site, the
property owner can get replacement credit for planting trees on an immediately adjacent
neighbor's property. For vacant lots only, the property owner may get replacement credit for
planting trees on any private property within one quarter (1/4) mile of the vacant lot. This
shall only be done as an alternative to payment into the tree fund when it can be proven that
a site cannot fit required replacement plantings. A signed letter from the neighbor the
property owner accepting off-site mitigation plantings shall be attached with the tree permit
application.
f. Atlantic Beach Recommended Species List. Replacement trees shall [be] selected from the
following list. This list was created based on hardiness, disease and pest resistance,
availability, and size variance. No mit igation credit will be approved for trees that are not on
this list, unless approved by the administrator.
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH RECOMMENDED TREE LIST
SHADE TREES
Common Name Botanical Name
Ash, Green Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Ash, Water Fraxinus caroliniana
Bay, Loblolly Gordonia lasianthus
Cedar, Southern Red Juniperus silicicola
Cypress, Bald Taxodium distichum
Cypress, Pond Taxodium ascendens
Elm, American Ulmus americana
Elm, Florida Ulmus american floridana
Elm, Lacebark Ulmus parvifolia
Hickory, Mockernut Carya Tomentosa
Hickory, Pecan Carya illinoensis
Hickory, Pignut Carya glabra
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Hickory, Water Carya aquatica
Loquat, Japanese Plum Eriobotrya japonica
Magnolia, Southern Magnolia grandiflora
Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana
Maple, Florida Acer barbatum
Maple, Red Acer rubrum
Oak, Live Quercus virginiana
Oak, Shumard Red Quercus shumardii
Oak, Swamp Chesnut Quercus michauxii
Pine, Loblolly Pinus taeda
Pine, Long-leaf Pinus palustris
Pine, Pond Pinus serotina
Pine, Slash Pinus elliottii
Sugarberry Celtis laevigata
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis
Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica
PALM TREES
Common Name Botanical Name
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Palm, Cabbage Sabal palmetto
Palm, Canary Island Date Phoenix canariensis
Palm, Pindo Butia capitata
Palm, Sylvester Date Palm Phoenix sylvestris
Palm, Washington Washingtonia robusta
UNDERSTORY OR ORNAMENTAL TREES
Common Name Botanical Name
Cedar, Red Juniperus virginiana
Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica
Elm, Winged Ulmus alata
Holly, American Ilex opaca
Holly, Dahoon Ilex cassine
Holly, East Palatka Ilex attenuata
Holly, Yaupon Ilex vomitoria
Oak, Myrtle Quercus myrtifolia
Oak, Sand Live Quercus geminata
Oleander Nerium oleander
Podocarpus, Yew Podocarpus macrophyllus
Privet, Glossy Ligustrum lucidum
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Privet, Japanese Ligustrum japonicum
Redbud Cercis canadensis
Wax Myrtle Myrica cerifera
(2) Selection criteria.
a. NewAll oaks removed pursuant to a permit shall be mitigated with the preservation,
relocation, or planting of used to replace removed oaks , unless payment is made to the tree
fund as allowed in Section 23-37. Replacement credit for oaks shall be limited to the species
of oak trees listed on the Atlantic Beach Recommended Species List. Upon approval of the
administrator, hardwood species yielding similar canopy may be used to mitigate removed
oaks.
b. NewTh e planting or relocation of palms trees may only be used as replacement trees when
replacing species other than mitigation for removed palms trees. Replacement credit for
palms shall be limited to forty (40) inches or fifty (50) percent of required mitigation,
whichever is lesser. Replacement credit for palms shall be limited to the species listed on
the Atlantic Beach Recommended Species List. Upon approval of the administrator, a cluster
of three (3) palms, subject to the other conditions of this s ection, may be used to meet the
requirements of a single shade tree.
c. When a legacy tree Designated Maritime Species is removed, replacement mitigation credit
shall only be given for the planting, preservation, or relocation of a Designated Maritime
Sspecies that is on the legacy tree list . This shall not be limited to the exact same species ,
nor shall the new tree have to meet the size requirements of an established legacy tree .
When a legacy tree Designated Maritime Species is removed, at least twenty -five (25)
percent of mitigation shall be provided on site in the form of replacement. Incentive credit
shall be granted for the use of legacy trees Designated Maritime Species when replacing
protected regulated trees that are not on the legacy tree a Designated Maritime Species lost.
The incentive credit is equal to two (2) times the normal replacement credit. For example, if
one ten (10) inch DBH southern magnolia tree is removed, any tree(s) planted for mitigation
credit must be one of the Designated Maritime Species. However, if one ten (10) inch palm
tree is removed, any tree planted for mitigation credit t hat is a Designated Maritime Species
will receive double credit (i.e. one four (4) inch caliper live oak will receive eight (8) inches of
mitigation credit). The following species are legacy trees:
1. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) twenty (20) inches in diameter or greater.
2. Cedar (Juniperus siliciola) (Southern Red Cedar), J. virginiaba (Eastern Red Cedar)
twenty (20) inches in diameter or greater.
3. Elm (Ulmus alata) (Winged Elm), Ulmus American floridana (Florida Elm), twenty (20)
inches in diameter or greater.
4. Oak (Quercus virginiana) (Live Oak) twenty (20) inches in diameter or greater and
(Quercus geminata) (Sand Live Oak) eight (8) inches in diameter or greater.
5. Hickory (Carya Illinoensis) (Pecan), C. tomentosa (Mockernut), C glabra (Pignut
Hickory) twenty (20) inches in dimater or greater.
6. Loblolly bay (Gordania lasianthus) twenty (20) inches in diameter or greater.
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7. Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) (Southern Magnolia) Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay
Magnolia) twenty (20) inches in dimater or greater.
8. Maples (Acer rubrum (Red Maple), Acer Barbatum (Florida Maple) twenty (20) inches
in diameter or greater.
9. Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) twenty (20) inches in diameter or greater.
(3) Placement criteria.
a. Avoidance of underground utilities. No trees except those with a normal mature height of
less than thirty (30) feet may be planted within five (5) linear feet of the centerline of any
utility easement.
b. Avoidance of aboveground utilities and public facilities. No trees may be planted closer than
the following distances to any curbs, curb lines, sidewalks or aboveground utilities than the
following, except for plans demonstrating no conflict with existing aboveground utilities or
public facilities, and approved by the administrator:
1. Small trees or palms with normal mature height of fifteen (15) to thirty (30) feet shall
have a minimum setback of three (3) feet.
2. Medium trees or palms with normal mature height of thirty (30) to fifty (50) feet shall
have a minimum setback of six (6) feet.
3. Large trees with normal mature height of fifty (50) feet or more shall have a minimum
setback of ten (10) feet.
c. Spacing. The following spacing requirements shall serve as general guidelines for the optimal
growth and viability of trees, though trees may be planted closer together upon approval of
the administrator:
1. Small trees or palms with normal mature height of fifteen (15) to thirty (30) feet shall be
spaced at least ten (10) feet.
2. Medium trees or palms with normal mature height of thirty (30) to fifty (50) feet shall be
spaced at least twenty (20) feet.
3. Large trees with normal mature height of fifty (50) feet or more shall be spaced at least
thirty (30) feet.
4. Spacing of two (2) or more trees of differing sizes shall be based upon the spacing
requirements of the largest tree.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 95-15-109, § 1, 5-11-15)
Sec. 23-34. - Maintenance and monitoring requirements.
The applicant shall be responsible for maintaining the health of any preserved, relocated or
replacement or relocation trees for three (3) years from the date of the final inspection approving the work
planting. Failure to ensure the viability of the tree(s) is a violation of th is Chapter and subject to section
23-46.
(1) Determination of success. The applicant shall determine the condition of each tree, three (3)
years after the tree was preserved, relocated or planted. This determination shall be submitted to
the city for inspection and approval within thirty (30) days of being made.
Should any tree die or be in a state of decline within three (3) years of being preserved,
relocated, or planted or relocated, the applicant shall be required to replace the tree within sixty
(60) days of that determination. The three-year monitoring and approval period shall begin anew
whenever a tree is replaced. If that replacement tree is found not to be viable at the end of the
second monitoring period, the applicant may pay the appropriate am ount into the tree fund in
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lieu of planting a third replacement tree. If the applicant fails to replace the tree or to pay the
appropriate amount into the tree fund within sixty (60) days, the applicant shall be in violation of
this chapter.
(2) Large-scale projects. If a permit includes the relocation of ten (10) or more trees, or the planting
of one hundred (100) or more replacement trees, the determination of success for the overall
mitigation effort shall be based upon a percent survival rate. A succe ssful project shall be one (1)
in which ninety (90) percent or more of the newly planted or relocated trees are determined to be
viable after a period of three (3) years. If a large-scale project is determined to be successful on
this basis, additional replacement trees will not be required. If this success rate is not met, then
Section 23-34(1) shall apply.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-35. - Elimination of undesirable species.
(a) The natural vegetative communities existing within the city shall be protected by the control and
elimination of non-native invasive species. To that end, the following guidelines shall apply:
(1) Planting of species on the Atlantic Beach Prohibited Species List shall not be accepted for
mitigation credit.
(2) Removal of nonnative invasive species from nonresidential properties (excluding jurisdictional
wetlands), shall be completed, whenever practicable, as a requirement for approval of any
development permit issued by the city or the issuance of a certifi cate of occupancy if applicable.
(3) Procedures for the control and elimination of non-native invasive species shall in no way promote
the proliferation of the species through the dispersal of seed or other means.
(4) Procedures for the control and eli mination of non-native invasive species shall in no way harm
or cause the decline of desirable species that are to be preserved, planted or relocated.
(b) Atlantic Beach Prohibited Species List. The following species or sub -species of trees are not regulated
protected trees under this chapter, and are exempt from mitigation. The trees on this list shall not be
accepted for mitigation replacement or relocation credit.
Australian pine casuarina cunninghamiana
Australian pine thicket casuarina glauca
Bischofia bischofia javanica
Brazilian pepper schinus terebinthifolius
Camphor tree cinnamomum camphora
Carolina laurelcherry prunus caroliniana
Carrotwood cupaniopsis anacardioides
Castor bean ricinus communis
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Catclaw mimosa mimosa pigra
Chinaberry tree melia azedarach
Chinese tallow sapium sebiferum
Chinese wisteria wisteria sinensis
Climbing cassia senna pendula
Earleaf acacia acacia auriculiformis
Golden Raintree koelreuteria paniculata
Guava psidium guayava
Jambolan syzygium cimini
Laurel fig ficus microcarpa
Lead tree leucanea leucocephala
Melaleuca tree melaleuca quinquenervia
Mimosa tree albizia julibrissin
Orchid tree bauhinia variegata
Schefflera schefflera actinophylla
Seaside mahoe thespesia populnea
Shoebutton ardesia ardisia elliptica
Strawberry guava psidium cattleianum
Woman's tongue albizia lebbeck
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(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 95-15-109, § 1, 5-11-15)
Sec. 23-36. - Elimination of contagious diseased and pest -infested trees.
The natural and cultivated vegetative communities existing within the city shall be protected by the
control and elimination of trees afflicted with rapid-spreading contagious diseases and pests. Upon
identification and/or confirmation of such infection or infestation by a certified arborist or other qualified
professional, the city shall give notice to the property owner to remove the afflicted tree. Such tree
removal shall be exempt from the permit application requirements, as set forth in section 23 -22. Further,
mitigation shall not be required, provided however, the sub ject property is in compliance with minimum
tree requirements, as set forth in section 23-30.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-37. - Payment in lieu of replacement/relocation.
It is the intent of this chapter that all reasonable m ethods be used to replace or relocate trees onsite.
Payment to the tree fund in lieu of replacement or relocation shall not be construed as a routine mitigation
option. Rather, it shall be reserved for cases where the ability to replace or relocate trees o nsite is
restricted by circumstances related to federal, state or local regulations and requirements including but
not limited to conflicts with rights -of-way, utilities, stormwater facilities, septic fields and environmentally
sensitive areas. The value t o be paid into the tree fund shall be established and adopted by resolution of
the city commission, and payments to the tree fund may be approved in accordance with the following
provisions:
(1) For single- and two-family residential uses. If an applicant, at the time of application,
demonstrates a successful plan to accomplish at least fifty (50) percent of the required mitigation
onsite, the administrator shall approve the application and issue a permit in accordance with
section 23-23. The remaining balance of the required mitigation shall be payable to the tree fund
within seven (7) days of such determination.
(21) For commercial, industrial and all other uses. Applications for tree or vegetation removal permits
for all uses and development , other than single- and two-family residential uses, shall replace or
relocate required mitigation onsite, except in cases where the administrator finds, based upon the
above stated conditions, that onsite mitigation is not possible. Upon approval of a mitigation plan
by the administrator, a permit shall be issued by the administrator, and the remaining balance of
the required mitigation shall be payable to the tree fund within seven (7) days of such
determination prior to permit issuance.
(32) Where payment in lieu of preservation, relocation, or replacement or relocation is approved, as
set forth in preceding subsections (1) or (2), the applicant shall pay the equivalent value of the
portion not mitigated planted or relocated, to the city's tree fund. The approved mitigation payment
shall be payable to the tree conservation trust fund within seven (7) calendar days of the approved
mitigation order. Mitigation payments not received within the prescribed time period shall result
in the filing of a lien on the subj ect property prior to permit issuance.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Secs. 23-38—23-39. - Reserved.
DIVISION 5. - AREAS OF SPECIAL CONCERN
Sec. 23-40. - Applicability.
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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There exist within the city certain areas which contain trees or vegetation of special value and
concern, or areas of such substantial great social, cultural, historical, ecological, environmental or
economic significance that they may warrant added measures of protection.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-41. - Historic corridors and heritage trees.
(a) Designation. The city commission may by resolution designate historic corridors or individual heritage
trees. In doing so, the city commission shall specifically identify those streets, or portions thereof, or
trees, which shall be so designated. Trees, tree groups, or landscape groups designated shall be so
designated by signs or markers of a type to be determined by the city commission. Said signs or
markers shall contain the words “Historic Preserve Corridor” and shall denote the date of designation
and the historic significance of the tree, tree group, or landscape group. Upon designation of corridors,
professional tree surveys shall be obtained and placed in the public record .
The public colonnade of palms in the city right -of-way on the east and west sides of Ocean Boulevard
and East Coast Drive from Atlantic Boulevard to Tenth Street have been designated by the city
commission as a historic corridor.
(b) Criteria. In considering whether roadways or portions thereof shall be designated as historic corridors,
the city commission may consider the following criteria:
(1) The presence of historically or culturally significant tree coverage or landscaping, as individual
plant s or in groupings.
(2) The presence of culturally significant tree coverage or landscaping.
(32) The presence of significant historic or architectural structures with associated tree coverage or
landscaping.
(3) Requests from private property owners may be made that colonnades on their property shall be
so designated. In the event that colonnades on private property are so designated, it shall be the
responsibility of the private property owners to record a restrictive covenant or such other
document as is necessary to preserve such designation on any subsequent owners of their
property.
(c) Documentation. The administrator shall maintain a record of all historic designations corridors so
designated and their location shall be reflected on city maps as such.
(d) Mitigation. Mitigation required for the removal of designated heritage trees and trees within designated
historic corridors, shall be at a higher rate than removal of nondesignated tree(s), as specified in
section 23-33, as an extra measure to strongly encourage protection of such irreplaceable trees.
(e) Effect of historic corridor designation. Trees or landscape groupings on roadways, or portions thereof,
which have been designated as hist oric corridors shall not be damaged, mutilated or removed from
public or private property by any person or entity, public or private, without prior approval of the city
commission, except in the event of an emergency. Removal shall be permitted in the foll owing
conditions:
(1) When safety of the general public or adjacent residents or property is threatened by such historic
trees, or
(2) Removal is necessary for ingress to and/or egress from the property, or
(3) Special circumstances exist, such as neces sity of handicap accessibility, which require removal,
or
(4) There is another valid, legitimate reason for removal.
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Secs. 23-42—23-45. - Reserved.
DIVISION 6. - VIOLATIONS, ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
Sec 23-46. - Violations.
Violations, including failure to make proper application for a tree or vegetation removal permit as
required by these provisions, or failure to implement any requirements or conditions of a tree or
vegetation removal permit , shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, and shall be subject to code
enforcement procedures as set forth within chapter 2, article V, division 2 of this Municipal Code of
Ordinances and any other remedies available under applicable law.
(1) Development activity. It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person(s) to engage in
development or other activity, which has the potential to damage, destroy or remove, or cause
the destruction or removal of any tree or vegetation as regulated herein, w ithout complying with
all applicable provisions of this chapter.
(2) Compliance with approved permit. It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person who has
obtained a permit from the city pursuant to the requirements of this chapter to fail to c omply with
the requirements of the approved permit and any conditions attached thereto.
(3) Compliance with general conditions of permit. The following minimum conditions shall apply to
every permit issued pursuant to this chapter, and violation of or failure to comply with any such
condition(s) shall be a violation of this chapter:
a. Permit and plans onsite. Approved permits and plans shall be available onsite at all times
during development or tree removal activity.
b. Responsible individual onsite. Whenever site work is ongoing, there shall be an individual at
the site who shall be responsible for the ongoing work and who shall have the familiarity with
the project to ensure work is proceeding according to approved plans. This provision is not
intended to require that a single individual remain onsite during all operations, only that at all
times there shall be a designated person in responsible charge.
(4) Maintenance requirements. It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person(s) who is engaged
in development activity on property located within the city or in accordance with a permit issued
by the city pursuant to this chapter, or who has obtained title to property upon which such activities
have taken place, to fail to comply with the mi nimum standards and maintenance requirements
set forth herein.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-47. - Notice of violation.
Whenever the administrator determines that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the
administrator shall immediately issue written notice to the person(s) in violation, identifying the nature and
location of the violation and specifying that remedial action is necessary to bring the violation into
compliance. The person(s) in violation shall immediately, co nditions permitting, commence remedial
action and shall have seven (7) calendar days after the receipt of notice, or such longer time as may be
specified in the notice, to complete the remedial actions required to bring the violation into compliance
with this chapter.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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Sec. 23-48. - Stop work order.
(a) Authority to stop work. The city manager or designee of the city manager shall have the authority to
immediately issue a stop work order in any of the following circumstances:
(1) Whenever land is being cleared without an approved permit or in a manner inconsistent with the
approved permit;
(2) Upon the failure of the permittee, or failure of the property owner if no permit exists, to take
immediate corrective action when there is an apparent danger to life or property;
(3) Whenever ongoing noncompliant work is not immediat ely and permanently stopped upon receipt
of a written or oral notice of violation;
(4) Whenever protection measures have not been implemented or maintained and danger to
regulated trees or regulated vegetation exists or may be appears imminent;
(5) Whenever remedial work required by notice of violation pursuant to subsection (a) of this section
is not completed in the time period specified; or
(6) Upon failure to post or have the approved permit and plans available onsite.
(b) Content and scope of s top work order. The stop work order shall specify the circumstances that have
resulted in issuance of the order. It shall also direct that all work be stopped other than such remedial
work as is deemed necessary to bring the violation into compliance, or i t may specify the cessation of
specific work by functional nature, such as land clearing, regulated tree or regulated vegetation
removal, grading, roadway construction, building erection or utility construction. The order may apply
to the entire project or to geographical portions of the project that may be individually specified.
(c) Failure to comply after notice of violation and stop work order. If the person(s) in violation fails to
complete the required remedial action within the prescribed time, or continues any development
activity in violation of a stop work order, the administrator may initiate code enforcement action
pursuant to chapter 2, article V, division 2 of the Code of Ordinances, or other remedies as authorized
by law.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 5-19-68, § 3, 2-11-19)
Sec. 23-49. - Requirement for emergency or immediate corrective action.
Where it is determined by the city that failure to maintain stormwater management facilities, erosion,
sediment or tree/vegetation protection controls, or failure to conform to the provisions of this chapter or
permit conditions, is resulting in danger or damage to life or property, the city may require immediate
corrective action. Protection controls which are breached due to development activity, wind, rain or other
factors shall be repaired within twenty -four (24) hours of breach. Failure to take such immediate corrective
action when notified shall constitute a violation of this chapter. If immediate corrective measures a re not
taken by the permittee or property owner and the conditions of the site are such that there is danger or
hardship to the public, the city may enter upon lands, take corrective actions, and place a lien on the real
property of such person(s) to recover the cost of the corrective measures. In addition, the administrator
may revoke any permit issued pursuant to this chapter.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-50. - Code enforcement action.
Failure to complete remedial actions required to bring the violation into compliance with this chapter
shall result in code enforcement action pursuant to chapter 2, article V, division 2 of the Municipal Code of
Ordinances as well as other remedies availa ble under applicable law.
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10)
Sec. 23-51. - Penalties.
(a) General provisions. Any person(s) violating a provision of this chapter shall be punishable according
to the law or in accordance with the findings of the duly appointed special magistrate.
(1) Violations of this chapter are considered irreparable and irreversible in nature.
(2) Each day any violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
(3) Each regulated tree removed from a site in vi olation of these regulations shall constitute a
separate offense.
(4) Each acre or fraction thereof, of land cleared in violation of these regulations shall constitute a
separate offense.
(5) Person(s) charged with violations of this chapter may includ e:
a. The owner, agent, lessor, lessee, contractor or any other person(s) using the land, building
or premises where such violation exists.
b. Any person(s) who maintains any land, building or premises upon which a violation exists.
c. Any person(s) who knowingly commits, takes part, or assists in such violation.
(b) Building permits. No building permit shall be issued for a site unless and until a required tree or
vegetation removal permit has been issued, or while any violation of this chapter exi sts on the subject
site.
(c) Injunction. Any affected person(s) may seek an injunction against any violation of the provisions of
this chapter and recover from the violator such damages as he or she may suffer including, but not
limited to, damage to property as a result of development or failur e to maintain, in violation of the terms
of this chapter.
(d) Sanctions for failure to obtain a permit.
(1) Regulated trees or regulated vegetation removed in violation of this chapter shall require an after -
the-fact permit, the fee for which shall be two (2) times the normal established application fee
specified in section 23-26. In addition, as a condition of the permit, the applicant shall immediately
complete all remedial work as necessary to stabilize the site and mitigate all damage to the site
and adjacent properties.
(2) Regulated trees removed in violation of this chapter shall be assessed at two (2) times the normal
established rate of mitigation specified in section 23 -33.
(3) If a lot, parcel, site or portion thereof, has been cleared suc h that the administrator is unable to
determine with reasonable certainty the number and size of regulated trees and/or regulated
vegetation removed in violation of this chapter, analysis of aerial photography or other such
accepted scientific methodology shall be used to make a determination as to the loss of canopy
and/or land cover for the purpose of assessing mitigation. A civil fine of five dollars ($5.00) per
square foot of canopy or land cover lost shall be assessed by the administrator, and shall be
payable to the tree fund within seven (7) days of such assessment. No further work or
development shall proceed until the city is in receipt of any such assessed fine.
(4) Any person(s) exhibiting a documented history of chronic or repeated violations o f this chapter
shall, upon third offense, be reported to the Florida Department of Business and Professional
Regulation, as well as any other authority governing licensing, registration or certification of
individuals or businesses.
(Ord. No. 95-10-101, § 2(Exh. A), 2-22-10; Ord. No. 5-19-68, § 3, 2-11-19)
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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Sec. 23-52. - Environmental stewardship committee—Intent.
The maritime forest in Atlantic Beach is core to the city's identity as a small coastal village. The tree
canopy creates beauty, provides a home for wildlife, functions as an element of the water management
system and enhances property values. It is in the best interest for this committee to be the stewards of
the tree canopy through advocacy, assessment, maintenance, planting and preservati on of this natural
resource. The city parks provide open spaces for recreation, exercise, wildlife habitat, relaxation and
encounters with the natural world. This committee intends to support the community to provide a variety
of park spaces that are well maintained, accessible and secure. This committee shall take the lead and
set high community standards in the beautification and maintenance of public spaces located within the
city. The Atlantic Ocean, the St. Johns River and the Intracoastal Waterway have a great deal of influence
on the micro climate, drainage issues and the diverse vegetation and wildlife that thrive within the city.
The care and health of the coast and marsh must be paramount in every recommendation made by this
committee about the use of our land, water system and tree canopy.
(a) Environmental stewardship committee purposes. It shall be the purpose of the environmental
stewardship committee:
(1) To study and make recommendations to the city commission and city staff with respect t o
the city's:
a. Maritime forest;
b. Parks and open spaces;
c. Beautification of public and private spaces; and
d. Environmental stewardship.
(2) To act as a motivating and coordinating body to encourage joint public and private
participation in promoting these purposes.
(b) Environmental stewardship committee—Scope of activities. The environmental stewardship
committee shall provide guidance and support to the city commission and city manager and, upon
request by the city commission or city manager, shall provide written recommendations, in the
following areas:
(1) Maritime forest:
a. Clarifying and strengthening the city's processes and all tree and landscape related city
codes and ordinances;
b. Monitoring the appropriate administration and enforcement of the city's ordinances;
c. Promoting transparency through online access to relevant information;
d. Developing and maintaining environmental education and outreach programs about the
maritime forest and relevant codes;
e. Promoting appropriate planting and care of trees on private property to owners,
developers, builders, and tree/landscape service contractors;
f. Developing and maintaining a long-term tree plan that includes an assessment of the
tree canopy, projecting future needs, and developing a calendar and budget for tree
planting in parks, public spaces and along streets and right -of-ways;
g. Promoting tree canopy advoc acy including upholding the city's status as a bona fide
"Tree City USA";
h. Developing a process for systematic, review of the city's enforcement of the existing
tree codes, including the long-term health of trees planted for mitigation; and
i. Developing and maintaining a process for citizens to communicate possible violations to
the city.
Agenda Item #1A.
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(2) Parks and open spaces:
a. Developing and maintaining a long-range plan to protect, improve and beautify park
spaces;
b. Improving access to and amenities for parks including disability accommodations, bike
paths, parking, signage and other user friendly features;
c. Expanding the city's inventory of parks and conservation land through acquisition or
other means; and
d. Maintaining a web-based, publicly accessible inventory of parks including their history,
archeological value, rules of use, deed restrictions and conservation easements.
(3) Beautification of public and private spaces:
a. Enhancing public spaces, including public rights -of-way, roadsides, city buildings,
beach accesses and other publicly held properties with art, carefully maintained
landscape design and plantings;
b. Incentivizing and advocating for beautification of private and commercial spaces;
c. Reducing the number and appearance of degraded or blighted properties; and
d. Developing a design theme/community branding for signage, bus shelters, lighting and
other elements of the built environment.
(4) Environmental stewardship:
a. Utilizing best practices, including a science based approach, when making any decision
about development and its impact on our environment;
b. Protecting the beach, dunes, marshlands and wetlands as critical defenses in hurricane,
erosion and flooding conditions;
c. Communicating the dynamics of tidal drainage and floodplain with the goal of preserving
the city's flood management system;
d. Reviewing the city's environmental codes and ensuring enforcement of rules including,
but not limited to, dumping, septic tanks and commerci al pollution; and
e. Reviewing, updating and maintaining the Marsh Master Plan for adherence to current
research about sea level change and wetlands preservation.
(c) Membership, terms, appointments, geographic requirements, composition.
(1) Membership. The environmental stewardship committee shall be composed of eleven (11)
members. One half of the currently filled seats A majority of the members of the committee
shall constitute a quorum. No member of the committee shall hold any other publi c office in
violation of Article II, Section 5(a), Florida Constitution.
(2) Terms. Following the expiration of the terms of office of the inaugural board members, all
members shall serve three-year terms. Members shall not serve more than three (3)
cons ecutive terms on the committee. All terms shall expire on December 31 of the proper
year, provided, however, that members whose terms expire shall continue to serve until
replacement appointments are effective. Any committee member who wishes to resign
should submit a letter of resignation to the chairman and city clerk. Any vacancy during the
unexpired term of an appointed member shall be filled for the remainder of the term. Should
the length of the unexpired term be less than one (1) year, then such appo intment shall not
count towards the maximum number of consecutive terms.
(3) Appointments. Except for the inaugural committee members, committee members shall be
selected by the board member review committee and shall be confirmed by the commission.
The commission shall select the inaugural committee members as follows:
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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Member Representation Appointed By
At large Mayor (3 years)
At large Mayor (4 years)
At large Mayor (3 years)
District 1308 resident Seat 2 commissioner (3 years)
At large Seat 2 commissioner (4 years)
District 1307 resident Seat 3 commissioner (3 years)
At large Seat 3 commissioner (4 years)
District 1306 resident Seat 4 commissioner (3 years)
At large Seat 4 commissioner (4 years)
District 1312 resident Seat 5 commissioner (3 years)
At large Seat 5 commissioner (4 years)
(4) Geographical requirements. There shall be at least one (1) member representing each city
district on the committee. Each committee member must be a full time resident of the city or
own real property in the city. For the purpose of this section, full time residency shall be
defined as the person's principal place of abode. Any member must immediately notify the
city manager and chair in writing upon no longer meeting these membership qualifications.
(5) Composition. To the extent possible, committee members should demonstrate at l east one
(1) of the following skills, experience, expertise, educational background or interests:
a. Knowledge of best practices in environmental management and sustainability;
b. Land development and building construction;
c. Urban planning and design;
d. Arboriculture and horticulture;
e. Landscape architecture;
f. Environmental policy;
g. Environmental and constitutional law;
h. Community engagement; and
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
Page 42 of 164
i. Educational programming.
(d) Organization.
(1) The committee shall meet on t he second Wednesday of each month. Special meetings may
be called by the chair, provided at least forty -eight (48) hours' notice is provided and that a
majority of the members must agree to the date and time. At its first regularly scheduled
meeting each January, the committee shall elect from among its members a chair, vice chair,
and secretary who shall assume their positions immediately upon election.
(2) The chair shall preside at all meetings of the committee. The vice chair shall preside if the
chair is absent.
(3) The committee shall be staffed at each meeting by a city staff member appointed by the city
manager to act as the recording clerk. In addition, the city manager or his/her designee shall
attend all committee meetings.
(4) Roberts Rules of Order shall be followed at committee meetings. The committee may adopt,
amend, and rescind procedural rules of the committee to aid in implementing t he provisions
of this section. All reports, studies, and recommendations made by the committee shall be
approved by the committee before the same may be presented to the city commission or city
manager on behalf of the committee.
(5) The committee shall establish a tree subcommittee in accordance with subsection (f) below.
The committee may establish such other subcommittees from among its membership as it
deems necessary to perform its activities. Subcommittees shall report on their progress to
the committee at such times as the committee shall require. All committee and subcommittee
meetings shall be open to the public and are subject to Florida's Government in the Sunshine
Laws.
(6) The committee's recording clerk shall keep minutes of the proceedings , showing the vote
of each member upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and
shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be
immediately filed in the office of the city clerk and shall become a public record.
(e) Removal of members. Any member on the committee may be removed for cause by the city
commission upon written charges and after public hearing. Any member who fails to attend three
(3) consecutive meetings without prior notice to the director of planning and community
development or his/her designee and without reasonable cause shall have his office declared
vacant by the committee. The vacancy shall be promptly reported to the city clerk and filled by
the city commission.
(f) Establishment of tree subcommittee, membership, terms.
(1) There is hereby established a tree subcommittee of the environmental stewardship
committee, referred to in this subsection as the subcommittee. The subcommittee shall
systematically review tree permits submitted to the city for completeness and to determine
compliance with the provisions of this chapter 23 as more particularly described in this
subsection. The subcommittee shall consist of three (3) members and one (1) alternate
member. The alternate shall serve in the case of the absence of any of the three (3)
members. The members of the environmental stewardship committee may volunteer to
serve on the subcommittee and shall be appointed to the subcommittee by the environmental
stewardship committee. All of the members of the subcommittee shall be members of the
environmental stewardship committee. The environmental stewardship committee shall
appoint or remove the members of the subcommittee by a simple majority vote. Filling
vacancies shall take place at the next regular scheduled meeting of the environmental
stewardship committee after a seat on the subcommittee has become vacated. Members of
the subcommittee may serve for as long as they serve on the environmental stewardship
committee.
(2) Organization of tree subcommittee.
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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a. The environmental stewardship committee shall establish a regular meeting schedule
of the tree subcommittee. Unless otherwise determined, the subcommittee's meetings
shall meet on the same date as the environm ental stewardship committee.
b. The administrator or designee shall attend all meetings of the subcommittee. A city staff
member designated by the city manager shall act as clerk for the subcommittee. The
clerk shall be responsible for the clerical administration of the subcommittee. The clerk
shall also be responsible for the maintenance and preservation of all records of the
subcommittee in coordination with the city clerk's office.
c. The subcommittee shall utilize the rules of the environmental stew ardship committee.
Robert's Rules of Order shall be followed to conduct meetings. All meetings shall be
open to the public. The subcommittee shall keep minutes of the proceedings, recording
the vote of each member upon each question or if absent or failing to vote, indicating
such facts. It shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which
shall be promptly filed with the city clerk's office and shall become public record. The
subcommittee will operate in compliance with Florid a's Government in the Sunshine
Laws.
(g) Systematic permit review and appeal process. Notwithstanding any other permit review or appeal
processes set forth in the Atlantic Beach Code of Ordinances, the following permit review and
appeal procedures shall constitute the exclusive procedures regarding tree permits in the City of
Atlantic Beach.
(1) Initial review period.
a. The administrator shall upload all tree permit applications to the city's website within
three (3) business days of being deemed sufficient in accordance with section 23-23 of
this Code, and ready for site inspection in accordance with section 23 -24. The initial site
inspection by the administrator may occur no earlier than the fourth business day after
the complete permit application has been uploaded to the city's website.
b. The subcommittee may review any tree permit applications.
c. Each member of the subcommittee may independently review any tree permit
applications that include the removal of more than fifty (50) percent of the total inches
of the diameter at breast height (DBH) of regulated trees on any property.
d. Each member of the subcommittee may independently review any tree permit
applications that include the removal of one (1) or more legacy tree(s) on any property.
e. One (1) member of the subcommittee may accompany the administrator on the initial
site inspection as an observer. The subcommittee member must make the request to
attend the initial site inspection as an observer within three (3) business days of the
permit being uploaded to the city's website. The subcommittee member shall not
interact with the property owner or the property owner's agents during the site inspection
and shall stay in the vicinity of the administrator during the inspection. The
subcommittee member shall be provided twenty -four (24) hours' notice prior to the time
of the site inspection. If mult iple requests are made by subcommittee members to
accompany the administrator on the initial site inspection, the administrator shall select
the first subcommittee member who submits a request in writing.
(2) Issuance, review and appeal procedures of a permit.
a. When the administrator's application review process and inspection have been
completed, the administrator shall distribute a notice of intent to issue tree permit to the
applicant and all members of the subcommittee, including the alternate mem ber and
upload the draft permit to the city's website. Within five (5) business days after the
distribution of the notice of intent, the applicant, any member of the subcommittee or
any "adversely affected party" as defined in section 24 -17 may place a hol d on the
permit by providing written notice to the administrator requesting further review. This
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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notice shall include the rationale to support the request for further review. If no notice is
filed, the permit shall be effective after the expiration of the five-business -day notice
period.
b. Should a written notice be timely filed, within five (5) business days after a notice is filed
with the administrator, the administrator shall place the matter on the agenda, with
proper notice, of the next available regularly scheduled subcommittee meeting.
c. The subcommittee shall review the draft permit for compliance with the requirements of
this chapter 23 and shall, by majority vote, recommend that the administrator approve,
approve with conditions or deny the application. The administrator shall issue or deny
the permit within five (5) business days after the subcommittee meeting. The applicant
or any member of the subcommittee or any "adversely affected party" who submitted
written comments to the subcommittee prior to the meeting or made a presentation to
the subcommittee during the meeting, may file a written notice objecting to the permit
within five (5) business days from the date of permit issuance stating the alleged
reasons the permit does not comply wit h the provision of this chapter 23. The permit
issued by the administrator shall not be effective until this five -business -day notice
period has expired.
d. Should a written notice be timely filed, the draft permit shall be placed on the next
available c ommunity development board agenda. The board's review shall be de novo.
The board shall determine whether the draft permit complies with the provisions of this
chapter 23. The board may issue, deny or modify the draft permit. All notice
requirements for "variances" set forth in section 24-51(c)(2) shall apply to the hearing
on said contested tree permit.
e. The decision by the community development board shall be final unless the applicant
or an "adversely affected party" who submitted written comments to the board prior to
the board meeting or made a presentation to the board during the meeting files a written
appeal of the community development board decision to the city commission within
fifteen (15) days of the board's decision, with the city clerk, to gether with a five-hundred -
dollar ($500.00) filing fee. Where the community development board approves a tree
permit, the subject tree permit shall not be effective until the fifteen -day appeal period
has expired. Said written appeal must set forth the all eged reasons that the community
development board's determination does not comply with the provisions of this chapter
23. The commission's review shall be de novo and the notice requirements for
"variances" set forth in section 24-51(c)(2) shall apply. The commission may confirm,
overturn or modify the community development board's action. The action of the
commission shall constitute final action of the city. Where the commission approves a
tree permit, the permit shall not be effective until any applicabl e judicial appeal period
has expired.
(Ord. No. 5-17-64, § 1, 7-24-17; Ord. No. 5-18-67, §§ 1—3, 1-14-19)
Secs. 23-53—23-60. - Reserved.
Agenda Item #1A.
10 Apr 2021
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Page 46 of 164
DraŌ
1
City of Atlantic Beach
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Connectivity Plan
Agenda Item #1B.
10 Apr 2021
Page 47 of 164
DraŌ
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction pg. 1-9
2. Community Input pg. 10-16
3. Existing Conditions & Facilities pg. 17-24
4. Identified Opportunities pg. 25-113
4a. “Dutton to Donner and East Coast Greenway” pg. 28-31
4b. “Marsh to East Coast Greenway” pg. 32-36
4c. “Tide Views to Dutton” (Main Street) pg. 37-40
4d. “Tide Views to Marsh Overlook” pg. 41-44
4e. “Tide Views to Veteran’s” pg. 45-46
4f. “Rose to Tide Views” pg. 47-51
4g. “Rose Park to East Coast Greenway” (W Plaza) pg. 52-55
4h. “East Coast Greenway” pg. 56-59
4i. “East Coast Greenway to Jordan Park” pg. 60-62
4j. “East Coast Greenway to Jordan and Jack Russell Parks” pg. 63-66
4k. “East Coast Greenway to Howell Park” pg. 67-71
4l. “Jack Russell to Selva Preserve” pg. 72-74
4m. “AB Dog Park to East Coast Greenway” pg. 75-79
4n. “Royal Palms Connections” pg. 80-87
4o. “Sailfish to ABE and Howell Park” pg. 88-90
4p. “Seminole to the Beach and Beaches Town Center” pg. 91-95
4q. “Plaza to Bull Park and the Beach” pg. 96-100
4r. “Johansen to Jack Russell” pg. 101-103
4s. “Selva Marina Walking Path” pg. 104-106
4t. “Country Club to Johansen Park and the Beach” pg. 107-109
4u. “Seminole Road Missing Link “ pg. 110-113
5. Cost Estimates pg. 114-115
6. Implementation pg. 116-118
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1. Introduction
Purpose and Benefits
Improving connecƟvity by providing a safe environment for pedestrians and bicyclists is a top priority within
the city. The purpose of this plan is to idenƟfy opportuniƟes for on– and off‐street faciliƟes that help create
safe and comfortable connecƟons that capitalize on the city’s natural, cultural, and recreaƟonal ameniƟes
such as parks, commercial districts, schools, community centers and the beach. In addiƟon to enhanced con‐
necƟvity and access, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure also influence:
Public health
CreaƟng opportuniƟes to walk or bike to desƟnaƟons increases physical acƟvity and improves the health
of residents by reducing risks of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.
Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure offers residents the opportunity to live healthier lifestyles and im-
prove quality of life.
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Purpose and Benefits
Safety
Bicycle and pedestrian faciliƟes improve safety by reducing the risk of pedestrian-automobile and bicycle-
automobile crashes. Such faciliƟes also help improve safety by slowing traffic to a people-friendly speed,
which can greatly reduce the risk of a pedestrian fatality in the event of a collision. Further, bicycle lanes
have been shown to improve safety for not just bicyclists, but all users, by increasing cyclist predictability,
reducing wrong-way riding, and increasing traffic control compliance.
Economy
Pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure increases property values, increases the number of visitors to business-
es, and is a more affordable mode of transportaƟon. According to the NaƟonal AssociaƟon of Realtors,
70% of Americans say that having bike lanes or trails in their community is important to them and two-
thirds of home buyers consider the walkability of an area in their purchase. Also, real estate values have
been found to be higher in areas with beƩer walking condiƟons.
Environment
Environmental benefits of walking and biking include reducƟons in vehicle emissions and fuel consump-
Ɵon, energy conservaƟon and independence, and improved water and air quality. Pedestrian and bicycle
faciliƟes encourage people to get out of their cars for transportaƟon which in turn reduces vehicle emis-
sions that pose environmental risks including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volaƟle organic com-
pounds, nitrous oxides, and benzene. Decreasing dependency on the automobile by increasing the availa-
bility of alternaƟve transportaƟon can reduce emissions and improve water and air quality.
Equity
Elderly, children under 16 years old, and lower income residents oŌen largely rely on alternaƟve modes
of transportaƟon including walking, biking, and public transit. Providing safe and convenient access to
transit stops and other daily desƟnaƟons helps create an equitable community.
Pedestrian/bike facility Crash reducƟon rate
Minimum 4’ paved shoulder 71% (pedestrian crashes)
Sidewalk 88% (pedestrian crashes)
Bicycle Lane 36% (bicycle crashes)
*Federal Highway AdministraƟon. Desktop Reference for Crash
ReducƟon Factors.
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Guiding Principles
The City completed a Bikeway and Trail Plan in collaboraƟon with the City of Neptune Beach and the City of
Jacksonville Beach in 2002, and updated the plan in 2009. This collaboraƟon produced a general and concep‐
tual plan for a system of bike and pedestrian routes to connect each of the three beach ciƟes. Based on the
findings of the study, a priority list of desired routes was developed.
The 2002 bikeway plan led to the “Beaches Bikeway” mulƟ‐use path that runs from Selva Marina Drive to Pla‐
za and then west to Main Street. Since the 2009 update, several addiƟonal paths have been installed includ‐
ing the 8 foot path on the west side of Seminole Road from Garden Ln S to Oceanforest Dr N; a separated
path that connects DuƩon Island Preserve with DuƩon Island Road W; the “Safe Routes to School” path along
Sherry Dr and Seminole Rd that connects Ahern St to 17th St; and an 8 foot mulƟ‐use path along Seminole
Road from City Hall to AtlanƟc Blvd.
“Safe Routes to School” Path
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Guiding Principles
The 2018 ‐ 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes the following goals, objecƟves, and policies addressing safe
and efficient transportaƟon opƟons for bicyclists and pedestrians:
Policy E.1.2.3 The City shall conƟnue to implement and construct its bicycle and pedestrian pathway system, with prior-
ity given to locaƟons that provide links between neighborhoods, schools, parks and the beach and adjacent beach commu-
niƟes. 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 mulƟ-modal acƟviƟes. The City shall also advocate the addiƟon of bike lanes to
State and County Roads
ObjecƟve B.2.3 Provision of Bikeways and MulƟ-use FaciliƟes. All new right-of-ways established within the City shall be of
adequate width to provide for bikeways, sidewalks or similar faciliƟes as required to encourage safe and increased pedes-
trian and bicycle acƟvity. Where possible, exisƟng right-of-ways should provide for bikeways, sidewalks, or similar faciliƟes
to encourage safe and increased pedestrian and bicycle acƟvity.
Policy B.2.3.3 All exisƟng rights-of-way shall be reviewed when resurfaced, redesigned, or modified to provide for
bikeways, sidewalks, mulƟ-use paths, or similar faciliƟes throughout the city to provide linkages to schools, parks, and oth-
er desƟnaƟon points.
ObjecƟve B.2.4 Energy Efficient Strategies -The City shall maintain its exisƟng street paƩerns, 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 congesƟon.
Policy A.1.3.3 The City shall conƟnue to manage, preserve and construct faciliƟes that provide diverse opportuniƟes to all
residents for both passive and acƟve recreaƟon, including parks, nature preserves, trails and bikeways, skateboard parks
and ball fields, dune crossovers, waterway accesses and associated ameniƟes.
Policy A.1.14.1 The City shall maintain an energy efficient land use paƩern and shall conƟnue to promote the use of transit
and alternaƟve methods of transportaƟon that decrease reliance on the automobile.
Policy A.1.14.2 The City shall conƟnue 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 recreaƟonal and natural resources, and as a means to re-
duce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Guiding Principles
Given the abundance of recreaƟonal opportuniƟes within the city, it is important to provide safe and conven‐
ient access to these ameniƟes. In their “Safe Routes to Parks” report, the NaƟonal RecreaƟon and Park Asso‐
ciaƟon (NRPA) listed their five essenƟal elements of a safe route to a park:
Comfort
It is important to make walking to parks inviƟng with tree-lined streets, an
appealing and clean environment, and off-road trail access if possible.
Convenience
The NRPA recommends that the route to the park be no
further than one half of a mile or within a 10 minute walk
from where people reside.
Safety
Safety, and perceived safety, can be improved by sepa-
raƟng pedestrian paths from roads with physical barriers
so that pedestrians are not compeƟng with automobiles.
Access & Design
Proper design benefits all users and allows all ciƟzens to access safe routes to parks. This includes adding
wayfinding signage, reviewing for ADA compliance, and ensuring mulƟple access points.
The Park
In addiƟon to building a safe route, a park that offers mulƟple ameniƟes will aƩract the surrounding pop-
ulaƟon and increase usage of the routes to that park
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Several on and off‐street faciliƟes are recommended in this document based on comfort and safety of users,
condiƟons of roadways or right of ways, and other factors. Brief descripƟons for each facility are below:
Sidewalk
A paved path that runs parallel to the roadway that is designated for pedestrian use. Sidewalks can be on
either side of a right of way separated by landscaping or as part of the roadway. Bicycle and other recre-
aƟonal acƟviƟes are not suitable for sidewalk use.
Shared Use Path (also known as mulƟ‐use paths, greenways or sidepaths)
This is a mulƟ-use path that is accessible to all users including, but not
limited to, people with disabiliƟes, bicyclists, pedestrians, skateboarders,
etc. These pathways should be separated from the roadway by land-
scaping to provide a buffer and increase safety. When designed correctly,
these faciliƟes provide a high level of comfort for pedestrians and bicy-
clists.
Elevated Walkway
A pathway that is elevated above the ground to create a
walking space that may not be possible on the ground level.
They oŌen connect two separate, ground–level walking loca-
Ɵons that were not once accessible because of topographical
limitaƟons.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
Sidewalks are generally unsuitable to be used as bikeways for the following reasons:
Sidewalks are generally not designed for cycling speeds. Cyclists must either
reduce their speed or travel too fast for condiƟons.
There is generally insufficient width for shared bicycle and pedestrian travel,
parƟcularly due to obstacles such as uƟlity poles, signs, and street furniture
that narrows the effecƟve width of the sidewalk.
Bicyclists face conflicts with motor vehicles at driveways and intersecƟons. Mo‐
torists are generally not expecƟng a cyclist to cross their path from the side‐
walk, and may not be looking for them.
Traffic rules, such as obligaƟons to yield, are unclear when cyclists ride on side‐
walks, creaƟng confusion and risk between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
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Shared Roadway Markings
A roadway where both bicyclists and cars can occupy the same lane. These
lanes will include shared roadway markings, or “sharrows” placed on both
sides of the street to indicate to the driver that they must share the road way
and to designate the direcƟon of riding.
Bicycle Lane
A designated porƟon of the roadway that is designated for preferenƟal and exclusive use of bicyclists.
This lane provides a separate and safe locaƟon for people to ride their bike without the added hazards of
sharing a lane. The minimum width for bicycle lanes is 4 feet.
Paved Shoulder
A paved, striped shoulder that is designated for pedestrians and/ or bicyclists. While there is no minimum
width, 4 feet or greater is recommended. Paved shoulders provide a stable walking and riding surface
while also reducing roadway maintenance and improving drainage.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
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The community input and planning process for this
plan was largely completed in conjuncƟon with that
of the recently competed Parks Master Plan, which
began in 2018 with a parks and trails public work‐
shop. AŌer a presentaƟon by the Planning Director,
parƟcipants went to the different “staƟons” that had
been set up around the room. One of the staƟons
was for “sidewalks and paths” and had a large map
showing the exisƟng sidewalks and paths within the
city. ParƟcipants then wrote their comments on
sƟcky notes or directly on the map itself.
In 2019, a two day public charreƩe was held with
assistance from the NaƟonal Park Service (NPS) and
the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
The first day of the charreƩe included a “staƟon”
that focused on mulƟ‐use paths and improving con‐
necƟvity throughout the city. ParƟcipants from the
public wrote their comments on a map at this sta‐
Ɵon. On the second day, the volunteers from the
NPS and ASLA presented their sketches and Power‐
Points based on the community’s feedback. However, these
sketches focused largely on the parks.
In February, 2021, a public workshop was held with staƟons re‐
viewing the proposed opportuniƟes as well as a proposed com‐
plete streets policy.
AddiƟonally, an online “Parks and Trails” survey was conducted
by the city with responses from 291 parƟcipants. This survey
garnered feedback regarding the importance of the city’s parks
and trails, frequency and reasons for uƟlizing the parks and
trails, and many other insighƞul quesƟons and comments.
2. Community Input
2018: Public Workshop
2019: Two-day Public Charrette
2018/2019: Online “Parks & Trails” Survey
2021: Public Workshop
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Community Input
A public workshop was held in December, 2018 with one of the “staƟons” addressing paths and trails. The
comments from this workshop can be seen below:
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Community Input
In October, 2019, a two‐day public charreƩe was held to address certain parks as well as mulƟ‐use paths.
The comments from this workshop are below:
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Community Input
The City conducted a city wide online survey to obtain public feedback about not only city parks and pre‐
serves but also about mulƟ‐use paths and trails.
77% of survey respondents were very supporƟve and an addiƟonal 19% were somewhat supporƟve of
developing new walking/biking trails and/or connecƟng exisƟng ones to improve the city’s park and rec‐
reaƟon system.
86% of survey respondents supported using public funds to develop addiƟonal trails and/or mulƟ‐use
paths in AtlanƟc Beach.
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Community Input
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Community Input
A public workshop was held on February 3rd, 2021. Four interacƟve “staƟons” were set up where parƟci‐
pants were encouraged to provide feedback on which bike/ped faciliƟes they would like to see and where
they would like to see them. Each staƟon provided informaƟon on different bike/ped faciliƟes along with
maps showing the idenƟfied opportuniƟes.
Responses at StaƟon 4 included:
Main Street
Gateway to the City at Mayport + Sem‐
inole Roads
3‐D PainƟngs
Xeriscape Roundabouts
3‐D Painted Crosswalks
Tour de Parks Bike Route
Criteria to request traffic calming de‐
vices (must have neighborhood buy in)
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Community Input
Common themes idenƟfied from the community input included:
ConnecƟons to and between parks
ConnecƟng exisƟng trails and paths
ConnecƟng the marsh to the beach (east & west sides of the city)
ConnecƟons along the marsh and between the preserves
Safety concerns crossing and traveling along Mayport Road
ConnecƟons/access to Hanna Park
Paths and connecƟons on Seminole Road
The public feedback and input gathered helped shape the improvements explored in this plan. For exam‐
ple, connecƟons to and between parks are a major focal point of this plan as is demonstrated in the
“IdenƟfied OpportuniƟes” map included in this plan. Similarly, connecƟng exisƟng and proposed paths is
addressed throughout this plan and is a goal of this plan. The “IdenƟfied OpportuniƟes” and associated im‐
provements proposed serve to connect the enƟre city and, while addressed in “segments” , they work to‐
gether to connect the marsh to the beach. Further, several of the proposed improvements work to safely
connect the city’s marsh preserves (Tide Views, River Branch, & DuƩon Island). Also discussed in this
plan is how the city has worked with the Florida Department of TransportaƟon (FDOT) and North Florida
TransportaƟon Planning OrganizaƟon (TPO) to address safety concerns on Mayport Road, a state owned
and operated roadway. Efforts thus far have resulted in a speed limit reducƟon, planned crosswalk signal‐
izaƟon & Ɵming improvements, and plans for a “road diet” that include an extension of the East Coast
Greenway (see ResoluƟon No. 19‐42)) and a bicycle lane from AtlanƟc Blvd to DuƩon Island Rd. Also not
addressed in this plan is access to Hanna Park from Seminole Road. As many residents know, this has been
a contenƟous issue that resulted in the creaƟon of an easement essenƟally blocking access to Hannah Park
from Seminole Road. Lastly, regarding paths/connecƟons on Seminole Road, this plan addresses improve‐
ments that would build on the mulƟple exisƟng paths on Seminole Road.
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A number of factors influence the demand for non‐motorized transportaƟon faciliƟes including the de‐
mographics, land use paƩerns, and exisƟng travel condiƟons of an area.
AlternaƟve transportaƟon rates are higher in
lower‐income areas as residents oŌen do not
have access to a vehicle and rely on other
modes of transportaƟon.
The map to the leŌ shows the 2019 median
household income for each census block. The
lowest household incomes were reported in the
western census blocks.
3. Existing Conditions
Factor Examples
Favorable Demographics ‐Lower income neighborhoods
‐Large numbers of children or elderly residents
CompaƟble Land Use ‐Higher residenƟal density
‐Mixed land uses or commercial centers
‐DesƟnaƟon sites (schools, parks, etc.)
Suitable Travel CondiƟons ‐Lower traffic speeds and volumes
‐Lack of driveway cuts or access aisles
‐Sufficient ped/bike faciliƟes like sidewalks and bicycle parking
Areas Likely to Benefit from Non‐motorized FaciliƟes
Demographics
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Young and elderly residents oŌen rely on non‐motorized forms of transportaƟon more so than other age
groups due to not having access to a vehicle or no longer driving. The NaƟonal Aging and Disability Transpor‐
taƟon Center reports that 1 in 5 Americans that are older than age 65 are no longer driving and demand for
alternaƟve transportaƟon is increasing as the boomer populaƟon conƟnues to age. In AtlanƟc Beach, the
number of residents 65 and over as well as residents under 15 has increased over the past 5 years.
Demographics
On a smaller scale, census block
data helps illustrate the age dis‐
tribuƟon within the city of Atlan‐
Ɵc Beach. The two maps below
show that a higher percentage of
residents 65 and over live within
the eastern census blocks, while
the distribuƟon of residents un‐
der 15 years old is more balanced
across the city.
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An addiƟonal factor measured by the U.S.
Census is the percentage of respondents
that reported walking or biking as their
means of transportaƟon to work. This per‐
centage has more than doubled over the
past 5 years in AtlanƟc Beach.
Many U.S. ciƟes are seeing an increase in bicycle
commuters, according to the U.S. Census Bu-
reau. What about commuters who walk to
work? Brian McKenzie, a Census Bureau sociologist,
said, "In recent years, many communiƟes have tak-
en steps to support more transportaƟon opƟons,
such as bicycling and walking. For example, many
ciƟes have invested in bike-share programs, bike
lanes, and more pedestrian-friendly streets."
Demographics
In the maps below you can see the census blocks with the highest percentage of respondents that walk or
bike to work. These maps, as well as other relevant data, should be considered when prioriƟzing pedestrian
and bicycle infrastructure.
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Walking and bicycling rates tend to be high‐
er in areas with higher densiƟes and a mix of
uses. Higher densiƟes (populaƟon per acre)
and a mix of compaƟble land uses make non
‐motorized modes of transportaƟon more
efficient by providing more users and desƟ‐
naƟons in a smaller area.
This map shows populaƟon per acre for each
census block in AtlanƟc Beach. The data
shows the highest populaƟon densiƟes are
generally within the western two census
blocks along Mayport Road (note that to ac‐
curately show density, Hanna Park and the
Intracoastal Waterway were removed from
total acreage within the respecƟve census
blocks). In addiƟon to higher densiƟes, areas
with a mix of land uses and/or commercial
centers serve as desƟnaƟon sites that gener‐
ate higher demand for pedestrian and bicy‐
cle faciliƟes. The two commercial corridors
in AtlanƟc Beach are located adjacent to
Mayport Road and AtlanƟc Boulevard, with
the highest concentraƟon of mixed uses lo‐
cated within the Beaches Town Center.
Land Use
Example of a mix of uses Example of a high density land use
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Travel condiƟons should be reviewed when establishing prioriƟes
and considering pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including the
following factors:
Street ClassificaƟon & Speed. High speeds and traffic volumes
can present significant barriers and obstacles to non‐motorized
traffic. Ped/bike faciliƟes can greatly impact the amount of walk‐
ing and biking that occurs on these roadways.
Crash Data. Streets or intersecƟons with a concentraƟon of pe‐
destrian or bicycle crashes can indicate a need for infrastructure or other safety improvements.
School Walking Zones. These are typically residenƟal areas within one half (1/2) mile of a school,
where children are likely to walk to school.
Travel Conditions
The map below idenƟfies the classificaƟon of the city’s roadways. Principal Arterial roadways experience the
highest traffic speeds and volumes, followed by Minor Arterials and Collectors. Local roads experience lower
traffic speeds and volumes making them generally safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. In AtlanƟc Beach, the
two Principal Arterial roadways are Mayport Road and AtlanƟc Boulevard, which are the two state roads
within the city. These are also the roadways that experience the highest number of pedestrian and bicycle
crashes.
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Bicycle and pedestrian crash data from the University of Flori‐
da was used for the map below. This data shows that most
crashes within the city have occurred on Mayport Road and
AtlanƟc Boulevard, the busiest roadways. The Plaza and Don‐
ner/Levy Road intersecƟons with Mayport Road and the Sherry
Drive intersecƟon with AtlanƟc Boulevard experienced the
most pedestrian and bicycle involved crashes.
Travel Conditions
*Note that crash locaƟons
are not exact and this map
is only meant to show the
general locaƟons.
IntersecƟon # of
crashes
Mayport Rd & Plaza/ W Plaza 7
Mayport Rd & Donner/Levy Rd 5
AtlanƟc Blvd & Sherry Dr 6
AtlanƟc Blvd & Sailfish Dr 4
AtlanƟc Blvd & AtlanƟc Ct 4
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A school “walk zone” typically includes residenƟal areas that are within a one half mile radius of an elemen‐
tary school. Proposed pedestrian and bicycle faciliƟes within a school walking zone are prime candidates
when prioriƟzing projects as they can enhance safety for children, who are vulnerable users. Infrastructure,
policies and regulaƟons discussed in this plan can be used to improve the connecƟvity and safety within the
school walking zone shown below.
Travel Conditions
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AtlanƟc Beach currently has several shared‐use paths including one major east‐west and one major north‐
south connecƟng path. The east‐west path is an 8 foot wide, separated shared‐use path that runs along the
West Plaza drainage canal from Main Street to Mayport Road and then conƟnues east along Plaza to the
“five way” intersecƟon with Seminole Road and Sherry Drive, then conƟnues north to Selva Marina Drive.
This path was idenƟfied as a priority in the 2002 Bike Plan and constructed a few years later. The major
north‐south connector is a result of the State’s “Safe Routes to School” grant program and was completed
in 2019. This 8 foot wide mulƟ‐use path runs along Sherry Drive and Seminole Road from Ahern Street
north to 17th Street. AddiƟonal paths within the city include a shared use path that runs along the “Leroy
EvereƩ Memorial Parkway” connecƟng DuƩon Island Preserve to DuƩon Island Road and an 8 foot wide
path that runs along Seminole Road from Garden Lane South north to Oceanforest Drive North, both of
which were idenƟfied as prioriƟes in the 2002 Bike Plan. In addiƟon to these exisƟng paths, construcƟon is
underway on an 8 foot path along Seminole Road from AtlanƟc Boulevard north to Jack Russell Park
(idenƟfied as priority in 2009 Bike Plan).
In addiƟon, mulƟple shared use paths are planned within the city. First, in conjuncƟon with a redesign of
the street, plans are underway to install an 8 foot path along Donner Road from Mayport Road to Sandpiper
Lane. ConƟnuing this connecƟon across Mayport Road, plans are also underway to install a 8 foot path
along Levy Road from Mayport Road to Main Street. Further, as part of the “East Coast Greenway”, the
North Florida TransportaƟon Planning OrganizaƟon has plans for a “road diet” on Mayport Road which
would include the addiƟon of an 8 to 10 foot shared use path on the east side and a bicycle lane on the
west side of Mayport Road from AtlanƟc Boulevard to DuƩon Island Road.
Facility Type Miles
Shared Use Path ~4.15
Bicycle Lane 0
"Sharrows" 0
Existing & Planned Facilities
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UƟlizing public feedback from the online survey and public workshops as well as recommendaƟons from the
2002 “Beaches Bikeway Report” and the 2009 “Bikeway and Trail Plan”, the following map idenƟfies oppor‐
tuniƟes to improve connecƟvity throughout the city. While all new roadway projects should be reviewed for
potenƟal pedestrian and bicycle enhancements, staff has idenƟfied these locaƟons as opportuniƟes for fu‐
ture pedestrian and bicycle connecƟvity .
Most of the idenƟfied opportuniƟes are within city right‐of‐ways with exisƟng paved streets. Others, howev‐
er, are within city parks, unimproved right‐of‐ways, and JEA property.
Local, neighborhood streets with low‐traffic volumes and speeds provide safe and comfortable routes for
pedestrians and bicyclists. As such, many neighborhood streets were not included in this map since they al‐
ready operate as shared roadways without an immediate need for bike lanes or other special improve‐
ments. For example, many of the numbered streets that connect to beach access points are not idenƟfied
on this map as they are low‐traffic neighborhood streets that pedestrians and bicyclists can use safely in
their exisƟng form. Further, Beach Avenue, a prominent pedestrian and bicyclist route, was not idenƟfied as
an opportunity in this plan because the narrow right‐of‐way width limits possible ped/bike infrastructure
improvements. However, the policies and regulaƟons discussed in this plan should be reviewed and consid‐
ered for all roadways within the city.
4. Identified Opportunities
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Agenda Item #1B.
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Agenda Item #1B.
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4a. Identified Opportunities
“DuƩon to Donner & East Coast Greenway”
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Dutton to Donner & East Coast Greenway”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
DuƩon Island Road West
Right‐of‐way width:
50 feet east of George Street
60 feet from George St to Main St
66 feet west of Main St
Pavement width: varies
Connects DuƩon Island Preserve, Donner Park, and E.C. Greenway
DuƩon Island Road West connects DuƩon Island Preserve (both the AtlanƟc
Beach and Jacksonville preserves), Donner Park, and Mayport Road. This
stretch of roadway serves a large and expanding residenƟal area within both
AtlanƟc Beach and Jacksonville and directly connects the future “East Coast
Greenway” along Mayport Road to both Donner Park and DuƩon Island Pre‐
serve. As such, this roadway has been idenƟfied as an important connecƟvity
piece and as an opportunity for bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Policy A.1.14.2 The City shall conƟnue 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
recreaƟonal and natural resources, and as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Dutton to Donner & East Coast Greenway”
Possible next steps
Construct an 8 foot wide shared use path on the south side of DuƩon Island Road W from Main Street
to George Street. A path along this stretch of the roadway would provide an off‐street connecƟon
from Main Street to Donner Park, separaƟng bicyclists and pedestrians from vehicles on a busy road. Con‐
sider narrowing the width of the path to preserve trees where applicable. There is an exisƟng 5 foot side‐
walk that can be widened to 8 feet to accomplish a
shared use path. Also, a path could be located out‐
side of the right of way in Donner Park if necessary.
Drainage swales in the right of way may need to be
“piped” in some areas to allow for a wider sidewalk.
Coordinate with City of Jacksonville to explore construcƟng a shared use path on the north side of the
roadway (within COJ) from George Street to Mayport Road. The City of AtlanƟc Beach has jurisdicƟon
only over the southern part of this right of way, which is too narrow to construct a shared use path. The
north side of the roadway, however, has sufficient space for a potenƟal path but any improvements will
need to be done in coordinaƟon with COJ.
1.
2.
Approximately 13,600 square feet
Approximately 7,200 square feet
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“Dutton to Donner & East Coast Greenway”
Possible next steps
Install shared roadway markings (“sharrows”) on DuƩon Island Road .This op‐
Ɵon may also need to be done in coordinaƟon with the City of Jacksonville for
those porƟons of the roadway located within Jacksonville city limits. Shared roadway
markings are useful where the pavement width is too narrow for bike lanes and where
lanes are too narrow for a bicyclist and motorist to travel side by side.
4.
Install a sidewalk on the south side of DuƩon Island Rd W from Mayport Rd to George Street. As
menƟoned, there is not enough right‐of‐way for this stretch to install a shared use path. Alterna‐
Ɵvely, a narrow sidewalk may be considered for this locaƟon. A sidewalk would provide the 10 residenƟal
parcels with frontage on this stretch of the road access to Donner Park and to Mayport Road without hav‐
ing to cross DuƩon Island Road or walking in the grass beside the road.
3.
Approximately 3,600 square feet
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4b. Identified Opportunities
“Marsh to East Coast Greenway”
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Marsh to East Coast Greenway”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
Levy Road
Right‐of‐way width:
66 feet east of Main Street
50 feet west of Main Street
Pavement width:
24 feet without curb and guƩer east of Main Street
20 feet without curb and guƩer west of Main Street
Connects River Branch Preserve to
East Coast Greenway
Levy Road is a major east‐west connector and is one of only a few that connect the marsh to Mayport
Road. A common theme from the public feedback was the desire for a east‐west connecƟon that connects
the marsh to the beach. While this route does not connect all the way to the beach, it does connect the
marsh to Mayport Road/East Coast Greenway and other connecƟons to the east.
The JEA parcel offers an off‐road route from the end of Levy Road to DuƩon Island Preserve. This segment
of the route would provide a more scenic and safer route than traveling Main Street (north of Levy), which
does not contain any bicycle faciliƟes and can be hazardous for pedestrians & bicyclists.
There is a roughly 50 foot wide JEA parcel located adja‐
cent to the River Branch Preserve from the end of Levy
Road north to the Leroy EvereƩ Memorial Parkway and
exisƟng path, which leads to DuƩon Island Preserve.
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Possible next steps
Work with JEA to discuss installing an elevated walkway/path within their property. An elevated walk‐
way would provide access to view the River Branch Preserve and a connecƟon to DuƩon Island Pre‐
serve. This JEA property does not encroach on the FL Land Trust’s conservaƟon easement and is one secƟon
of the proposed “Marsh Preserves Trail” that connects Tide Views Preserve to DuƩon Island Preserve from
the Marsh Master Plan. In 2014, there was opposiƟon to this trail from some of the residents as well as from
the North Florida Land Trust and funding was diverted to other projects. This proposed segment of the larg‐
er trail does not encroach on the NFL Land Trust’s easement and is not adjacent to any residenƟal property.
For this reason, it is recommended for discussion and further consideraƟon.
1.
“Marsh to East Coast Greenway”
JEA Property
JEA Property (looking south)
JEA Property (looking north)
Policy A.1.3.3 The City shall conƟnue to manage, preserve and construct
faciliƟes that provide diverse opportuniƟes to all residents for both passive
and acƟve recreaƟon, including parks, nature preserves, trails and bikeways,
skateboard parks and ball fields, dune crossovers, waterway accesses and
associated ameniƟes.
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Possible next steps
Construct an 8 foot wide shared use path on the north side of Levy Road from Main Street to May‐
port Road. On arterial roadways with higher traffic volumes, like Levy Road, off‐street paths separat‐
ed from vehicular traffic offer the safest opƟon for pedestrians and bicyclists. Where the path crosses wider
commercial driveway cuts, consider removing excess concrete within the city right of way and clearly deline‐
aƟng the path by uƟlizing painƟngs, marking, and/or different surface material. Also, landscaping should be
installed where possible to buffer path users from vehicle traffic and the adjacent industrial uses.
2.
“Marsh to East Coast Greenway”
Looking East Looking East Looking West
Approximately 16,000 square feet
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Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the street. These markings increase awareness of
motorists for the potenƟal presence of cyclists as well as direcƟng cyclists to ride in the proper direc‐
Ɵon. Shared roadway markings are recommended for the stretch of Levy Road west of Main Street, especial‐
ly if the path on the JEA property moves forward. However, for the part of Levy Road east of Main Street, off
‐street improvements are recommended over on‐street markings since this is an arterial road with higher
traffic volumes, including commercial vehicles.
If shared roadway markings are considered, it is recommended that they are added
to West 14th Street (east of Main St) instead of Levy Road as W 14th Street experi‐
ences lower traffic volumes and speeds due to the stop signs at each intersecƟon. W
14th Street is also part of the designated “US Bicycle Route 1” which is a designated
bicycle corridor through the East Coast (see ResoluƟon No. 20‐01)
3.
“Marsh to East Coast Greenway”
Install a 4 foot bike lane or paved shoulder on one side of the road. The current pavement width is too
narrow to install bike lanes on both sides of the road. Bike lanes are designated porƟons of the road‐
way for the exclusive use of bicyclists. Paved shoulders can be used by bicyclists and/or pedestrians.
4.
Agenda Item #1B.
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4c. Identified Opportunities
“Tide Views to DuƩon”
(Main Street)
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Tide Views to Dutton” (Main Street)
ExisƟng CondiƟons
Right‐of‐way width:
50 feet south of Levy Road
60 feet north of Levy Road
Pavement width:
24 feet with curb and guƩer
south of Levy Road
24 feet without curb and guƩer
north of Levy Road
Only paved connecƟon that links DuƩon Island & Tide Views Preserves
Main Street is the only road west of Mayport Road that connects DuƩon Island Road W and W 1st Street,
near Tide Views Preserve. Public feedback from the online survey and two workshops indicated a strong de‐
sire to connect Tide Views Preserve and DuƩon Island Preserve. Main Street is currently the only paved road
west of Mayport Road to connect these two preserves. Since this road experiences higher traffic volumes and
speeds, pedestrians and bicyclist faciliƟes would help provide a safe and reliable connecƟon to these pre‐
serves for residents and visitors.
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install a bike lane or a paved shoulder on either side of the road. The pavement width is 24 feet,
meaning a bike lane or paved shoulder should be no wider than 4 feet and can only be located on
one side of the road. Preferably, bike lanes and paved shoulders are placed on both sides of the road,
however the pavement width is too narrow for this. Bike lanes are designated porƟons of the roadway for
the exclusive use of bicyclists while paved shoulders
can be used by bicyclists and/or pedestrians.
1.
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the street. These
markings increase awareness of motorists for the potenƟal presence of
cyclists as well as direcƟng cyclists to ride in the proper direcƟon.
2.
“Tide Views to Dutton” (Main Street)
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Construct a shared use path north of Levy Road on either side of the roadway. This stretch of Main
Street is the only road west of Mayport Road that connects residents south of Levy Road to Donner
Park and the DuƩon Island Preserves. However, the sidewalk on the east side of this road is narrow and
is located between industrial property and a drainage swale which prohibits bicyclists and pedestrians
from sharing the sidewalk and makes passing difficult. This results in bicyclists and vehicles oŌen sharing
the roadway and traveling in close proximity; with drainage swales on both sides of the road it leaves
liƩle room for error. To install a shared
use path, the drainage swales would
need to be piped on that side of the road.
Also, landscaping along this path should
be considered to buffer path users from
traffic and the adjacent industrial uses.
3.
“Tide Views to Dutton” (Main Street)
Approximately 12,800 square feet
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4d. Identified Opportunities
“Tide Views to
Marsh Overlook”
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Tide Views to Marsh Overlook”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
W 6th Street
Right‐of‐way width: 50 feet
Pavement width: varies
Jasmine Street
Right‐of‐way width: 50 feet
Pavement width: N/A (unpaved)
ConnecƟon from Tide Views to the Marsh Overlook
This proposed route would provide a scenic path over the marsh from Tide Views Preserve to W 6th Street
which could then connect users to the River Branch Marsh Overlook located at the end of this road. In to‐
tal, this route would be about one quarter of a mile in length. This route, in conjuncƟon with wayfinding
signage, will promote the underuƟlized River Branch Marsh Overlook by providing an off‐road, scenic con‐
necƟon from Tide Views Preserve.
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install an elevated walkway/path within the Jasmine Street right‐of‐way from Tide Views Preserve
to W 6th Street. The walkway would need to elevated over marsh and water unƟl it reaches the
exisƟng dirt road within the Jasmine Street right‐of‐way where the path can then be paved. This path
would provide a scenic opƟon for pedestrians to walk over the marsh as well as provide a connecƟon to
the underuƟlized marsh overlook at the end of W 6th Street.
1.
“Tide Views to Marsh Overlook”
View of Jasmine Street right‐of‐way
from Tide Views Preserve
Looking north to W 6th Street from
the Jasmine Street right‐of‐way
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the street of W 6th
Street from Main Street to the marsh overlook. Wayfinding signage should
also be installed to direct users of this route. Shared roadway markings in‐
crease awareness of motorists for the potenƟal presence of cyclists as well as di‐
recƟng cyclists to ride in the proper direcƟon.
2.
“Tide Views to Marsh Overlook”
W 6th Street looking east
W 6th Street looking west
Agenda Item #1B.
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4e. Identified Opportunities
“Tide Views to Veteran’s”
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“Tide Views to Veteran’s”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
W 1st Street
Right‐of‐way width: 50 feet
Pavement width: 20 feet, no curb & guƩer
Camelia Street
Right‐of‐way width: 50 feet
Pavement width: 20 feet, no curb & guƩer
ConnecƟon from Tide Views Preserve to Veteran’s Memorial Park
Tide Views Preserve and Veteran’s Memorial Park are located only about one quarter of a mile from each
other and are connected by West 1st Street and a small porƟon of Camelia Street. This idenƟfied oppor‐
tunity represents an evident and short route that would connect Veteran’s Memorial Park to both entranc‐
es to Tide Views Preserve.
Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of both W 1st Street and Camelia
Street. Tide Views Preserve and Veteran’s Memorial Park are located only about
one quarter of a mile from each other and are connected by West 1st Street and seg‐
ment of Camelia Street. These are low traffic and low‐speed roads that are safe for bi‐
cyclists and pedestrians. However, there are currently no bicycle or pedestrian faciliƟes
on these roads that make it clear that they are shared roadways. Because these are low
‐traffic roadways, an off‐street path or sidewalk is not warranted in staff’s opinion. Also,
the pavement width of both roads is too narrow for bicycle lanes or paved shoulders.
1.
Widen the sidewalk from Mayport Road to Veteran’s Memorial Park to encour‐
age pedestrians and bicyclists to use this connecƟon to the park. Currently, this
sidewalk is 5 feet wide and relaƟvely hidden behind the trees, with no clear indicaƟon
that it leads to a park. Many users of Mayport Road are unaware that there is a park in
this locaƟon. A wider sidewalk, 8 to 10 feet, in conjuncƟon with a park entrance sign
(see Parks Master Plan), would encourage pedestrians and bicyclists to use this connec‐
Ɵon to the underuƟlized Veteran’s Memorial Park from Mayport Road.
2.
Approximately 300 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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4f. Identified Opportunities
“Rose to Tide Views”
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Rose to Tide Views”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
Orchid Street
Right‐of‐way width: 50 feet
Pavement width: 24 feet with curb and guƩer and
24 feet without curb and guƩer south of W 6th
Street
West 3rd Street
Right‐of‐way width: 50 feet
Pavement Width: 20 feet without curb and guƩer
ConnecƟon from Rose Park & Dog Park to Tide Views Preserve
Orchid Street not only serves as a major connecƟon “piece” between Rose Park and Tide Views Preserve
but also provides a much safer alternaƟve to traveling on Mayport Road for pedestrians and bicyclists as it
runs parallel to Mayport Road between W 1st Street to W Plaza. Also, residents in this area oŌen travel to
the W Plaza intersecƟon to cross Mayport Road when traveling east. As such, improvements to Orchid
Street would benefit the pedestrians and bicyclists that use this route. W 3rd Street then completes the
connecƟon by linking Orchid Street to the entrance to Tide Views Preserve on Camelia Street.
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install a bike lane or a paved shoulder on either side of Orchid Street. The pavement width is 24 feet,
meaning a bike lane or paved shoulder should be no wider than 4 feet and only located on one side
of the road. The pavement width of W 3rd Street is too narrow for a bike lane or paved shoulder.
Construct a shared use path on either side of Orchid Street. This can be accomplished by widening the
exisƟng sidewalks on the south side of the roadway south of West 9th Street and on the north side of
the roadway north of West 9th Street. Shared use paths allow various transportaƟon opƟons such as walk‐
ers, skaters, joggers, and bicyclists to travel on a path that is separated from automobile traffic.
1.
2.
“Rose to Tide Views”
Orchid Street with a bicycle lane and a shared use path
Approximately 17,600 square feet
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Possible next steps
Install sidewalks along Orchid Street to fill in the exisƟng “gaps” where there are no sidewalks.
Currently, there are secƟons of sidewalks on both sides of Orchid St but they do not run the enƟre
length of the road. This results in pedestrians having to cross the street in order to travel the enƟre
length of the road.
3.
“Rose to Tide Views”
Approximately 10,800 square
feet total for 6’ sidewalks
A couple of secƟons of Orchid St with-
out a sidewalk contain a drainage
swale which would have to be removed
to install a sidewalk.
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install sidewalks on West 4th and 5th Streets from Orchid Street to the JEA Walking Path and on
West 3rd Street from Main Street to the Tide Views Preserve entrance on Camelia Street. These
sidewalk “extensions” would connect exisƟng sidewalks to two desƟnaƟon points; the JEA Walking Path
and Tide Views Preserve. Currently, pedestrians must walk in the street to access these ameniƟes. Side‐
walks would provide a safer and more comfortable opƟon for pedestrians.
4.
“Rose to Tide Views”
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the W 3rd Street. These
markings may also be installed on Orchid Street in lieu of opƟons 1 and 2. Such
markings indicate that vehicles must share the roadway with bicyclists.
5.
Approximately 6,000 square feet total
Agenda Item #1B.
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4g. Identified Opportunities
“Rose Park to East Coast Greenway”
(W Plaza)
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Rose Park to East Coast Greenway”
(W Plaza)
ExisƟng CondiƟons
West Plaza
Right‐of‐way width: 50 feet
Pavement width: 20 feet without curb and
guƩer
ConnecƟon from Rose Park to the East Coast Greenway
W Plaza connects Rose Park to the proposed East Coast Greenway along Mayport Road. Currently, there is
an exisƟng 8 foot wide shared use path on the north side and a 5 foot wide sidewalk on the south side of
the road. However, improvements can be made to increase safety and comfort for the pedestrians and
bicyclists that use these sidewalks.
No separaƟon/
buffer from vehicles
NRPA essenƟal elements for a safe route
Safety: Can be improved by separaƟng pedestrian paths from roads with
physical barriers so that pedestrians are not compeƟng with automobiles.
Comfort: It is important to make walking to parks inviƟng with tree-lined
streets, an appealing and clean environment and off-road trail access if
possible.
Several pine trees were removed on the
south side of road due to disease, resulƟng in
a lack of shade and comfort for pedestrians.
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Rose Park to East Coast Greenway”
(W Plaza)
Between January, 2015 and October, 2020 there were five pedestrian and two bicycle involved crashes at
or near the intersecƟon of Plaza and Mayport Road, including one fatality.
Note that crash locaƟons
are not exact and only
meant to show general
locaƟons.
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Create a buffer between the 8 foot shared use path and the road, where one does not exist cur‐
rently. Roughly 200 feet of the exisƟng path is located directly adjacent to the street pavement
which results in automobiles exiƟng Mayport Road traveling in close proximity to pedestrians and bicy‐
clists. To improve safety and comfort, a landscape/grass buffer between the two should be created by
relocaƟng the path slightly north. There are drainage swales to the north of the path that would need to
be piped in order to accomplish this.
Relocate the sidewalk on the south side of the road to the southern edge of the city right‐of‐way and
plant shade trees between the relocated sidewalk and the street. Recently, several pine trees were re‐
moved (from private property) on the south side of the road resulƟng in a lack of shade for users of this
sidewalk. Staff looked at planƟng shade trees to the south of the exisƟng sidewalk but due to a stormwater
pipe, it was not possible. It is recommended that the sidewalk be relocated over this pipe and shade trees be
planted between the sidewalk and
street, where the exisƟng sidewalk is
located. Doing so would create a tree
lined street that would provide shade to
all users of the road and provide a buff‐
er between pedestrians and vehicles.
1.
2.
“Rose Park to East Coast Greenway”
(W Plaza)
No separaƟon/
buffer from vehicles
ExisƟng
Proposed
Agenda Item #1B.
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4h. Identified Opportunities
“East Coast Greenway”
Agenda Item #1B.
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“East Coast Greenway ”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
Mayport Road (SR‐A1A)
Right‐of‐way width: 100 feet
Pavement width:
76 feet with curb and guƩer south of
DuƩon Island Rd
55 feet with curb and guƩer north of
DuƩon Island Rd
Mayport Road is owned and operated by the Florida Department of TransportaƟon (FDOT) and is a six‐lane
divided roadway with a 40 mile per hour posted speed limit.
A 2018 analysis of the roadway demonstrated that Mayport Road, south of DuƩon Island Rd, currently op‐
erates well below its capacity, meaning that in its present condiƟon the roadway is far wider than
needed, which encourages speeding and pass‐through trips. This analysis is included in the 2018
Mayport Road Vision ImplementaƟon Plan.
Agenda Item #1B.
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“East Coast Greenway ”
ConnecƟon from Key West to Maine
Mayport Road represents one “piece” of the East Coast Greenway, which is a bicycle and pedestrian path
that will traverse the East Coast from Key West to Maine. The East Coast Greenway will connect 15 states
as well as 450 ciƟes and towns for 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida when completed. The goal of the EC
Greenway is to foster a safe walking and biking route through the country’s most populated corridor.
A secƟon of the East Coast Greenway is proposed to be constructed through the heart of AtlanƟc Beach
along Mayport Road as part of a project consisƟng of an 8‐10 foot separated mulƟ‐use path on the east
side and a bike lane on the west side of the roadway. In order to accommodate these installaƟons, May‐
port Road will undergo a “road diet” to reduce six lanes of traffic to four lanes. The project will dramaƟcal‐
ly change the look, feel and safety of Mayport Road. The project has been placed on the five year List of
Priority Projects with the Florida Department of TransportaƟon and is included in the North Florida Trans‐
portaƟon Planning OrganizaƟon’s TransportaƟon Improvement Plan. The project’s design work will start in
2021 with construcƟon planned for 2025‐2026.
At the local level, the EC
Greenway runs along
Florida Boulevard in Nep‐
tune Beach to the south
and is planned to run
along SR‐A1A to the
north, eventually con‐
necƟng to the St. Johns
Ferry.
Mayport Road
(SR A1A)
Florida
Boulevard
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
ConƟnue to work with the Florida Department of TransportaƟon and North FL TransportaƟon
Planning OrganizaƟon to design and complete a “road diet” on Mayport Road. Repurposing two
travel lanes on Mayport Road into bike/ped faciliƟes will increase safety by reducing crossing distance
and exposure for pedestrians and bicyclists when crossing Mayport Road while also reducing vehicle
speeds and improving sight distances for leŌ turning vehicles. Further, the installaƟon of the East Coast
Greenway along Mayport Road will assist in the revitalizaƟon of Mayport Road which has been a major
focus and effort of the city. Also, conƟnuing working with stakeholders to idenƟfy routes and next steps
to conƟnue the EC Greenway north.
1.
“East Coast Greenway ”
ConƟnue to implement programs, policies and regulaƟons that create and encourage a walkable
development paƩern along Mayport Road in preparaƟon for the East Coast Greenway. The 2018
Mayport Road Vision ImplementaƟon Plan also discusses various recommendaƟons.
Reduce minimum parking standards to create a more pedestrian oriented design.
Reduce setbacks to define the street edge and acƟvate the street.
Encourage a mix of uses (i.e. commercial on first floor and residenƟal on upper stories).
Promote densiƟes that encourage acƟve nodes.
Add bike/ped faciliƟes to the side streets along Mayport Road.
Provide intersecƟon improvements at the Plaza and Donner Rd intersecƟons, such as bricked cross‐
walks, gateway signage, bulb‐outs and beƩer pedestrian lighƟng.
Provide 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 exisƟng medians along Mayport Road.
2.
Agenda Item #1B.
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4i. Identified Opportunities
“East Coast Greenway to
Jordan Park”
Agenda Item #1B.
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Francis Avenue
Right‐of‐way width:
30 feet north of Jackson Road
Pavement width:
20 feet with curb and guƩer
DuƩon Island Road East
Right‐of‐way width:
50 feet
Pavement width:
20 feet with curb and
guƩer
One connecƟon to Jordan Park from the East Coast Greenway
This route is used by pedestrians and bicyclists to not only visit Jordan Park but also because, other than
Mayport Road, Francis Avenue is the only north‐south connecƟon between Donner Road and DuƩon Island
Road E and is safer and more comfortable than traveling along Mayport Road. This route is already used by
the surrounding residenƟal neighborhood to access Jordan Park and the Community Center and will likely
increase in usage with the proposed extension of the East Coast Greenway along Mayport Road as it con‐
nects the greenway to Jordan Park.
“East Coast Greenway to Jordan Park”
Agenda Item #1B.
10 Apr 2021
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Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on Francis
Avenue from Jordan Park to DuƩon Island Rd E.
The street pavement is too narrow to install bike lanes
or paved shoulders. Similarly, the right of way width
for this secƟon of Francis Avenue is only 30 feet, in‐
sufficient for a shared use path. Shared roadway
markings indicate that vehicles must share the road‐
way with bicyclists.
Install a 8 foot wide shared use path on the south side of DuƩon Island Road East where the exisƟng 5
foot sidewalk is located. Due to adjacent commercial and high density residenƟal zoning as well as in‐
creased traffic from the AtlanƟc Beach Country Club, it is recommended that a shared use path separated
from vehicular traffic be installed
rather than on‐street shared
roadway markings on DuƩon Is‐
land Road East.
1.
2.
“East Coast Greenway to Jordan Park”
Approximately 4,500 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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4j. Identified Opportunities
“East Coast Greenway to Jordan and Jack Russell Parks”
Agenda Item #1B.
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Francis Avenue
Right‐of‐way width:
55 feet south of Jackson Road
Pavement width:
20 feet with curb and guƩer
Donner Road
Right‐of‐way width:
50 feet west of Francis Ave
60 feet east of Francis Ave
Pavement width:
22 feet with curb and guƩer
Sandpiper Lane
Right‐of‐way width:
40 feet
Pavement width:
22 feet without curb and guƩer
ConnecƟons to Jordan and Jack Russell Parks from EC Greenway
This idenƟfied route consists of three roads; Francis Avenue, Donner Road, and Sandpiper Lane. Donner
Road connects Mayport Road to Francis Avenue and Francis Avenue to Sandpiper Lane. Francis Avenue
connects to Jordan Park and Sandpiper Lane is a popular route that connects Donner Rd to the shared use
path along Plaza, which leads to Jack Russell Park. By improving these roadways, connecƟvity between
two parks and the proposed East Coast Greenway, as well as a connecƟon between two neighborhoods,
will be enhanced.
“East Coast Greenway to Jordan and Jack
Russell Parks”
Francis Ave
Donner Road
Sandpiper Lane
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Construct an 8 foot wide shared use path on the northern side of Donner Road. Currently, there
is a 5 foot sidewalk that is adjacent to the street with no buffer between it and the street pave‐
ment. Since Donner Road experiences heavier traffic, a new shared use path with a buffer would sepa‐
rate pedestrians and bicyclists from automobile traffic and provide a safer and more comfortable trip
for users. Further, Donner Road is not located within the center of the right of way like most roads are.
Instead, the road was constructed in the southern part of the right of way leaving space for a shared
use path on the northern side of the roadway. Several fences, driveways, parking pads, and even a
building have been constructed within this right of way that will need to be removed or designed
around to install a path.
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of Donner Road and Sandpiper
Lane Both streets are too narrow to install bike lanes or paved shoulders.
Shared roadway markings increase awareness of motorists for the potenƟal presence
of cyclists as well as direcƟng cyclists to ride in the proper direcƟon.
1.
2.
“East Coast Greenway to Jordan and Jack
Russell Parks”
ExisƟng
Proposed
Approximately 16,000 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Construct an 8 foot wide shared use path on the east side of the road from Jordan Park to
Donner Road. The 55 foot right of way width is sufficient for a shared use path. An exisƟng
five foot sidewalk on this side of the road could be expanded to create a shared use path. The path
could be located outside of the right of way and within Jordan Park and adjacent city‐owned parcel
to extend the path north.
Consider installing “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the
road. Such markings indicate that the vehicles must share the road‐
way with bicyclists. The exisƟng pavement width is 20 feet, not wide
enough for bike lanes or paved shoulders.
3.
4.
“East Coast Greenway to Jordan and Jack
Russell Parks”
Approximately 2,400 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
10 Apr 2021
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4h. Identified Opportunities
“East Coast Greenway to Howell Park”
Agenda Item #1B.
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“East Coast Greenway to Howell Park”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
Plaza (between Mayport Rd & Seminole Rd)
Right‐of‐way width: 80 feet
Pavement width:
30 feet with curb and guƩer from Mayport Rd to
Sandpiper Ln
22 feet with curb and guƩer on one side from
Sandpiper Ln to Jack Russell Park
22 feet without curb and guƩer along Jack Russell
Park
ConnecƟon from East Coast Greenway to Howell Park
Plaza is the main east‐west roadway within the city. The secƟon of Plaza shown here connects Mayport
Road and the proposed East Coast Greenway to Jack Russell Park which can then be uƟlized to travel to
Howell Park. While exisƟng faciliƟes such as the shared use path on the north side of Plaza and the walking
path in Jack Russell Park provide great opportuniƟes for pedestrians and bicyclists to make these connec‐
Ɵons, further enhancements are possible to increase safety and comfort for users.
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install bicycle lanes on both sides of Plaza from Mayport Road to Sandpiper Lane. The pavement
width for this stretch is 30 feet, sufficient for two 4 to 5 foot wide bicycle lanes. Installing bicycle
lanes would allow bicyclists to travel on‐street if desired, as opposed to on the shared use path. Traveling
on‐street is oŌen preferred by more advanced bicyclists. Further, the bicycle lanes would decrease the
width of the travel lanes which has been shown to slow traffic down and increase safety.
1.
“East Coast Greenway to Howell Park”
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on Plaza between Sandpiper Lane and Seminole Road (the “5‐
way” intersecƟon) The street pavement is too narrow for this stretch of Plaza to install bike lanes or
paved shoulders. The shared roadway markings will serve those bicyclists that choose to travel on the street,
rather that on the shared use path, for this secƟon of Plaza and will noƟfy vehicles that they must share this
roadway with bicyclists.
2.
“East Coast Greenway to Howell Park”
Extend the exisƟng path in Jack Russell Park east to the mid block crossing on Plaza. There is an ex‐
isƟng 4‐5’ sidewalk that does not provide adequate width for mulƟple users or forms of transporta‐
Ɵon (walking, biking, skaƟng, etc.). An 8 foot wide path would connect the shared use path on Plaza to the
exisƟng path in the park, which then
connects users to Howell Park.
3.
Approximately 4,000 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Create a bicycle path through Howell Park. Currently, a network of coquina paths exist within Howell
Park but coquina is not conducive to bicycles. A solid, pervious material would allow bicyclists to travel
through Howell Park and connect to Jack Russell Park, Bull Park, and the beach. Also, a path through Howell
Park would allow many bicyclists/skaters to avoid crossing the five‐way intersecƟon which can be dangerous
and uncomfortable for some bicyclists. The path could uƟlize exisƟng coquina paths or can be a new separate
path and should connect the entrance on Seminole Road to the entrance at Sherry Drive and 6th Street.
4.
“East Coast Greenway to Howell Park”
Entrance on Seminole Road
Entrance on 6th Street
Approximately 2,400 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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4k. Identified Opportunities
“Jack Russell to Selva Preserve”
Agenda Item #1B.
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“Jack Russell to Selva Preserve”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
Park Side Drive
Right‐of‐way width: 55 feet (wider at medians)
Pavement width: 24 feet with curb and guƩer (wider
at medians)
11th Street (west of Seminole Rd)
Right‐of‐way width: 60 feet
Pavement width: 22 feet
ConnecƟon to Selva Preserve from Jack Russell Park and Seminole Rd
Both Park Side Drive and this secƟon of 11th Street are oŌen used by residents of Selva Lakes, Selva
Linkside, and the Donner neighborhoods for walking and biking. In addiƟon, these roads are oŌen used by
motorists to avoid the 5‐way intersecƟon which results in vehicles (someƟmes in a rush) sharing the road‐
way with pedestrians and bicyclists. Further, this route provides a connecƟon from Jack Russell Park and
from Seminole Road to Selva Preserve, a recent purchase by the city.
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install a sidewalk on both Park Side Drive and this stretch of 11th Street (from Seminole Rd to Park Side
Dr). A sidewalk would allow pedestrians to travel this route without having to walk on the street along
with vehicular traffic. Currently, pedestrians must share the street with vehicles which increases the risk of a
collision. Further, a sidewalk on these streets would connect the exisƟng shared use paths on Seminole Road
and Plaza.
1.
“Jack Russell to Selva Preserve”
Approximately 7,800 square feet for a 6’ sidewalk
Install shared roadway (“sharrow”) markings on both sides of Park
Side Drive and 11th Street. These marking indicate to vehicles that
they must share the roadway with bicyclists.
2.
11th Street Park Side Drive
Agenda Item #1B.
10 Apr 2021
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4k. Identified Opportunities
“AB Dog Park to East Coast Greenway”
Agenda Item #1B.
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
AquaƟc Drive
Right‐of‐way width:
60 feet
Pavement width:
24 feet with curb and guƩer
24 feet with on‐street parking on
both sides
Royal Palms Drainage Right‐of‐way
Right‐of‐way width:
60 feet
City owned parcel (AquaƟc Pond)
Drainage pond owned by city
Narrow but sufficient width for
path on south end
Off‐street connecƟon to the AB Dog Park from Plaza
This route connects the AtlanƟc Beach Dog Park to the exisƟng shared use path along Plaza, which then
connects to the East Coast Greenway a couple of blocks west and uƟlizes a city drainage right‐of‐way,
drainage parcel, and AquaƟc Drive. This route would provide an off‐street connecƟon to the AB Dog Park
as an alternaƟve to using exisƟng roads (hot pavement for dogs) and having to travel to AtlanƟc Boulevard
or Cutlass Drive.
“AB Dog Park to East Coast Greenway”
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the AquaƟc Drive from the
city’s drainage parcel to AtlanƟc Boulevard. These markings increase aware‐
ness of motorists for the potenƟal presence of cyclists as well as direcƟng cyclists to
ride in the proper direcƟon, and remind cyclists to ride further from parked cars.
Install a 4 foot bike lane or paved shoul‐
der on one side AquaƟc Drive. The ex‐
isƟng pavement width is too narrow to
have them on both sides of the road. Bike lanes
are designated porƟons of the roadway for the
exclusive use of bicyclists. Paved shoulders can
be used by bicyclists and/or pedestrians.
1.
2.
“AB Dog Park to East Coast Greenway”
Agenda Item #1B.
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Install a permeable path along the southern edge of the city’s drainage parcel from AquaƟc Drive to
Cavalla Road. This path would provide a scenic and comfortable connecƟon from the AquaƟc Gardens
neighborhood and the Dog Park to Cavalla Road and the Royal Palms neighborhood. Permeable pave‐
ment is recommended as this is an area prone to flooding.
3.
Possible next steps
“AB Dog Park to East Coast Greenway”
Approximately 4,500 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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Install a permeable path along Hopkins Creek which runs parallel to Skate
Road. This drainage right‐of‐way is 60 feet wide and runs from Plaza south to
the city’s drainage parcel in AquaƟc Gardens. The proposed path would provide an
off‐street connecƟon , along with the proposed path along the drainage parcel,
from the exisƟng path on Plaza to the AtlanƟc Beach Dog Park. This path should be
permeable so it doesn't negaƟvely affect the stormwater capacity and funcƟons of
this creek. Landscaping and fencing should also be considered as the creek runs
along the backyards of single and mulƟ‐family residences.
4.
Possible next steps
“AB Dog Park to East Coast Greenway”
Approximately 16,000 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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4l. Identified Opportunities
“Royal Palms ConnecƟons”
Agenda Item #1B.
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Royal Palms Drive
Right‐of‐way width:
60 feet
Pavement width:
22 feet with curb and guƩer north of
Cavalla Rd
36 feet with curb and guƩer south of
Cavalla Rd
Sailfish Drive (south of Plaza)
Right‐of‐way width:
60 feet
Pavement width:
22 feet with curb and guƩer
Cavalla Road
Right‐of‐way width:
60 feet
Pavement width:
24 feet with curb and guƩer
ConnecƟons to and through the Royal Palms neighborhood
These idenƟfied routes were chosen because they are the roadways that connect the northern and southern
ends as well as the eastern and western ends of the Royal Palms neighborhood. Royal Palms and Sailfish
Drives consistently experience pedestrians and bicyclists using the roadway to travel south to the nearby
commercial desƟnaƟons or north to connect to the Plaza shard use path. Similarly, Cavalla road is oŌen used
to travel east/west as an alternaƟve to cuƫng across the busy parking lots of the adjacent shopping centers.
“Royal Palms Connections”
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps (Royal Palms Dr)
Install a bicycle lane or a paved shoulder on each side of the Royal Palms Drive, south of Cavalla
Road. The pavement width is 36 feet, sufficient for a bicycle lane or paved shoulder on each side of
the street. The bicycle lanes or paved shoulders could be as wide as 6 feet, including line markings, and
should be “protected” bike lanes. Protected bike lanes include some sort of physical, verƟcal separaƟon
between the bike lane and travel lane.
1.
“Royal Palms Connections”
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps (Royal Palms Dr)
Construct an 8 foot wide shared use path along Royal Palms Drive north of Cavalla Road. This can be
accomplished by widening the exisƟng sidewalks on the east side of the roadway. Royal Palms Drive
experiences heavier traffic than the other roads in this area. A shared use path would allow pedestri‐
ans and bicyclists to travel on a path separated and buffered from vehicular traffic.
2.
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the Royal Palms
Drive. Such markings indicate that the vehicles must share the roadway
with bicyclists.
3.
“Royal Palms Connections”
ExisƟng
Proposed
Approximately 16,000 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
10 Apr 2021
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Possible next steps (Royal Palms Dr)
Construct a sidewalk on the west side of Royal Palms Drive, north of Cavalla Rd. Doing so would
provide a sidewalk on both sides of Royal Palms Drive, a collector road with high levels of pedestri‐
an acƟvity. Providing a sidewalk on both sides of the road will reduce the amount of users that have to
cross the street and reduce instances of mulƟple pedestrians or bicyclists sharing the sidewalk.
3.
“Royal Palms Connections”
Approximately 12,000 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps (Sailfish Dr)
Construct a shared use path along Sailfish Drive, south of Plaza. This can be accomplished by
widening the exisƟng sidewalk on the west side of the roadway. This would allow pedestrians
and bicyclists to travel on a path separated and buffered from vehicular traffic. Consider narrowing
the path to avoid exisƟng trees.
1.
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of Sailfish Drive. Such
markings indicate that the vehicles must share the roadway with bicyclists. 2.
“Royal Palms Connections”
Approximately 16,0000 square feet
Sailfish Dr with an 8’ wide shared use path
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps (Sailfish Dr)
Construct a sidewalk on the east side of the road. Doing so would provide a sidewalk on both
sides of Sailfish Drive, a collector road with high levels of pedestrian acƟvity. Providing a side‐
walk on both sides of the road will reduce the amount of users that have to cross the street and re‐
duce instances of mulƟple pedestrians or bicyclists sharing the sidewalk.
3.
“Royal Palms Connections”
Approximately 16,500 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps (Cavalla Rd)
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the street.
These markings increase awareness of motorists for the poten‐
Ɵal presence of cyclists as well as direcƟng cyclists to ride in the prop‐
er direcƟon, and remind cyclists to ride further from parked cars.
Install a 4 foot bike lane or paved shoulder on one side of the road. The current street is too narrow
to install bike lanes on both sides of the road. Bike lanes are designated porƟons of the roadway
for the exclusive use of bicyclists. Paved shoulders can be used by bicyclists and/or pedestrians.
1.
2.
Consider construcƟng a 6 foot sidewalk or an 8 foot path on the northern side of the road. The south
side of the road has long stretches of on‐street parking that would make installing a sidewalk difficult.
This opƟon would provide pedestrians and bicyclists an off‐street opƟon separated from vehicles.
3.
Cavalla Road with a 4’ bike lane
(looking east)
“Royal Palms Connections”
Approximately 9,000 square feet for 6’ sidewalk
Agenda Item #1B.
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4m. Identified Opportunities
“Sailfish to ABE and
Howell Park”
(Seaspray Ave)
Entrance to Howell Park
Agenda Item #1B.
10 Apr 2021
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Seaspray Avenue
Right‐of‐way width:
60 feet
Pavement width:
24 feet with curb and guƩer
ConnecƟon to AtlanƟc Beach Elementary and Howell Park
Seaspray Avenue provides residents of both the Seaspray and Royal Palms neighborhoods a direct connec‐
Ɵon to AtlanƟc Beach Elementary School as well as to Howell Park and Seminole Road. This is the only street
that connects from the east to the Royal Palms neighborhood south of Plaza resulƟng in frequent pedestrian
and bicycle traffic. While it directly connects to ABE and Howell Park, Seaspray Avenue is also used by pedes‐
trians and bicyclists traveling to Sturdivant Ave on their way to the beach and the Town Center.
“Sailfish to ABE and Howell Park”
(Seaspray Ave)
AtlanƟc Beach Elementary School Howell Park entrance on Pine St
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install a bike land or a paved shoulder on ei‐
ther side of the road. The pavement width is
24 feet, meaning a bike lane or paved shoulder
should be no wider than 4 feet and only located on
one side of the road.
Construct a shared use path. This can be accomplished by widening the exisƟng sidewalks on the
west side of the roadway. This would allow pedestrians and bicyclists to travel on a path separated
and buffered from vehicular traffic. Consider narrowing the path to avoid exisƟng trees.
1.
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the road. Such markings indicate that the ve‐
hicles must share the roadway with bicyclists. 3.
4.
“Sailfish to ABE and Howell Park”
(Seaspray Ave)
Approximately 15,000 square feet
Construct a sidewalk on the north side of the road. There is an exisƟng sidewalk on the south side of
the road so this would result in a sidewalk on each side of Seaspray Avenue. This would minimize
pedestrians crossing the street to access the exisƟng sidewalk.
2.
Approximately 11,250 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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4n. Identified Opportunities
“Seminole to the Beach and the Beaches Town Center”
Agenda Item #1B.
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Sturdivant Avenue
Right‐of‐way width:
50 feet
Pavement width:
22 feet without curb and guƩer
Ahern Street
Right‐of‐way width:
40 feet west of East Coast Dr.
57 feet between East Coast Dr. and Ocean Blvd.
26 feet between Ocean Blvd. and Beach Ave.
Pavement width:
20 feet with curb and guƩer west of East Coast
Dr.
Varies between East Coast Dr. and Ocean Blvd.
24 + feet between Ocean Blvd. and Beach Ave.
ConnecƟon to the Beach and Town Center
This idenƟfied opportunity includes Sturdivant Avenue and Ahern Street, which connect the exisƟng shared
use path on Seminole Road to the Beach and to the Beaches Town Center. Sturdivant Avenue is used fre‐
quently by bicyclists and pedestrians traveling to Town Center as well as to the beach. It is the only connec‐
Ɵon between Seminole Road and Sherry Drive between Plaza and AtlanƟc Boulevard, resulƟng in many using
it when traveling east/west to and from these desƟnaƟons. Further, since it runs parallel to AtlanƟc Boule‐
vard, it provides bicyclists and pedestrians a safer opƟon than traveling along AtlanƟc Boulevard due to its
lower traffic volumes and slower speeds. Similarly, Ahern Street experiences high levels of pedestrian and
bicycle traffic due to the adjacent high density residenƟal and commercial land uses. This street also connects
residents and visitors to the beach and the Beaches Town Center, resulƟng in a high level of traffic. This
roadway presents an opportunity to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle travel in a busy area .
“Seminole to the Beach and Town Center”
Sturdivant Ave
Ahern St
Agenda Item #1B.
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Shared roadway markings, or “sharrows”, are placed in the center of a travel
lane to indicate that a bicyclist may use the full lane. According to the US Manual
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, sharrows are used to:
Assist bicyclists with lateral posiƟoning in lanes that are too narrow for a
motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic
lane;
Alert motorists of the lateral locaƟon bicyclists are likely to occupy within
the traveled way;
Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists; and
Reduce the incidence of wrong‐way bicycling
Possible next steps (Sturdivant Ave)
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the road. Such markings indicate that the
vehicles must share the roadway with bicyclists. The current pavement width is not sufficient for
bicycle lanes or paved shoulders.
1.
Construct an 8 foot wide shared use path. This can be accomplished by widening the exisƟng side‐
walk. This would allow pedestrians and bicyclists to travel on a path separated and buffered from
vehicular traffic.
2.
“Seminole to the Beach and Town Center”
Approximately 14,500 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps (Ahern St)
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the street. The secƟon of Ahern Street
west of East Coast Dr. is too narrow for a bike lane or paved shoulder and the exisƟng on‐
street parking and development paƩern makes it difficult to widen the exisƟng sidewalk or install a
shared use path.
Install a bike lane , paved shoulder and/or a sidewalk on the northern porƟon of Ahern Street,
between East Coast Dr. and Ocean Blvd. This opƟon may require reorienƟng on‐street parking
and/or addiƟonal pavement for a porƟon of the street. Installing a bike lane and sidewalk will sepa‐
rate both pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic.
Install a sidewalk on the southern porƟon of Ahern Street between East Coast Drive and Ocean
Boulevard. This opƟon would improve the “walk‐ability” of this part of Town Center by allowing
pedestrians to walk on a sidewalk, rather that on the street.
1.
2.
3.
“Seminole to the Beach and Town Center”
Ahern Street with a bicycle
lane, on‐street parking, and
a sidewalk on each side of
the road.
Approximately 2,000 square feet
Agenda Item #1B.
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AHERN STREET
Agenda Item #1B.
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4o. Identified Opportunities
“Plaza to Bull Park & the Beach”
Agenda Item #1B.
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Plaza (east of Seminole Rd)
Right‐of‐way width:
80 feet
Pavement width:
36 feet (18 feet each lane)
with curb and guƩer
East Coast Drive
Right‐of‐way width:
30 feet
Pavement width:
20 feet without curb and guƩer
ConnecƟon to the Beach and Town Center
This idenƟfied route contains two secƟons. The first connects the 5‐way in‐
tersecƟon, where mulƟple exisƟng paths lead, to Bull Park and the Beach.
Pedestrians and bicyclists traveling east on Plaza oŌen conƟnue along Plaza
through the 5‐way towards the Beach, Bull Park, or to Beach Avenue. This
also includes traveling on East Coast Drive and 7th Street.
The second secƟon is Ocean Boulevard between 7th Street and 10th Street,
where Beach Avenue is “interrupted” by the Cloisters Condo‐
miniums. Because Beach Avenue is such a popular route
amongst pedestrians and bicyclists, this “gap” between 10th
Street and Club Drive oŌen results in people using Ocean
Boulevard for a few blocks before traveling back to Beach Av‐
enue. However, this can be dangerous for bicyclists because
this secƟon of Ocean Boulevard is narrow and there is only a
4 foot sidewalk (which oŌen has pedestrians on it), which re‐
sults in vehicles and bicycles traveling in close proximity.
“Plaza to Bull Park & the Beach”
Ocean Boulevard
Right‐of‐way width:
varies
Pavement width:
20 feet without curb
and guƩer
7th Street
Right‐of‐way width:
40 feet
Pavement width:
20 feet without curb
and guƩer
Agenda Item #1B.
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Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of each roadway: Plaza, East Coast Drive, and
Ocean Boulevard.
Plaza: The pavement width for the secƟon of Plaza between Seminole Rd and
East Coast Dr is 18 feet wide with on-street parking for each travel lane,
which means adding a bicycle lane or paved shoulder would eliminate the on-
street parking which is not recommended. Similarly, a shared use path is not
recommended as it could not be installed unless it was located in the center
median which contains many trees. As such, shared roadway markings are
recommended for this stretch of Plaza.
East Coast Drive: Shared roadway markings are recommended for East Coast Dr
between Plaza and 7th Street. The exisƟng street pavement is 20 feet, too nar-
row for a bicycle lane or paved shoulder. There is an exisƟng 4 foot sidewalk on
the west side of the street that is too narrow for bicyclists and pedestrians to
share. However, widening this sidewalk would result in the removal of several
historically designated palm trees that currently create an aƩracƟve
streetscape. As such, shared roadway markings are recommended for this
stretch of East Coast Drive.
Ocean Boulevard: With a 20 foot pavement width and a very narrow right-of-way
width (~20’), bicycle lanes, paved shoulders, or a shared use path are not feasible for
the secƟon of Ocean Boulevard between 7th Street and 10th Street. However, due to
the high usage this stretch of roadway receives from bicyclists and pedestrians, im-
provements are recommended. As such,
1.
“Plaza to Bull Park & the Beach”
Shared roadway markings
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“Plaza to Bull Park & the Beach”
Possible next steps
Improve the intersecƟons where East Coast Drive and Ocean Boulevard intersect with 7th Street by
installing “intersecƟon treatments”. These two intersecƟons experience high usage of bicyclists and
pedestrians due to their proximity to the beach, Beach Avenue and Bull Park. As such, these intersecƟons
may be designed and marked in a way that will grab drivers’ aƩenƟon and increase safety and comfort.
2.
Intersection treatments include:
Minimizing crossing distances by reducing
the curb radius and extending curbs.
Pedestrian crossing signals
High visibility crosswalks
Lighting and illumination
Ocean Blvd & 7th St
A. Minimizing the crossing distance at Ocean Blvd and 7th
Street can be accomplished by adding short sidewalk
extensions to the crosswalks at both east‐west cross‐
ings. Currently, since there are no sidewalks leading to
a crosswalk when traveling east/west, pedestrians are
forced to use the travel lane when crossing which is a
crossing distance of about 45 feet. Sidewalk extensions
would lead pedestrians to a designated crosswalk re‐
ducing the crossing distance from 45 feet to about 20
feet.
B. In addiƟon, the designated crosswalks should be highly
visible to drivers and pedestrians, similar to one cross‐
walk at East Coast Drive and 7th Street. This can be
accomplished by using different surface material or
pavement markings as well as
retroreflecƟve pavement
markings. These are low‐cost
enhancements that improve
safety by clearly idenƟfying
crossing areas and grabbing
motorists’ aƩenƟon.
East Coast Dr. & 7th St
Ocean Blvd & 7th St looking north
Ocean Blvd & 7th St looking south
Extend sidewalk to crosswalk
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“Plaza to Bull Park & the Beach”
ExisƟng CondiƟons
With sidewalk extensions and
high visibility crosswalks
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4p. Identified Opportunities
“Johansen to Jack Russell Park”
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Johansen Park is a linear passive park that has a
narrow drainage swale that runs along the enƟrety
of the park.
Seminole Road
Right‐of‐way width:
100 feet
Pavement width:
22 feet without curb and guƩer
ConnecƟon through Johansen to Jack Russell Park
This idenƟfied route would connect the northern end of Johansen Park at Saturiba Drive to the exisƟng
shared use path that ends at Selva Marina Drive, which leads to Jack Russell Park. One secƟon of the route
would go through Johansen Park along the exisƟng drainage swale from Saturiba Drive to Seminole Road.
The second secƟon includes secƟon of Seminole Road from Johansen Park to Selva Marina Drive, where
the shared use path currently ends. Together this opportunity would provide residents (Selva Marina &
Norte areas) an off‐street, scenic route through Johansen Park to an exisƟng shared use path that con‐
nects to Jack Russell and Howell Parks.
“Johansen to Jack Russell Park”
Created by Sarah Dark
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“Plaza to Bull Park & the Beach”
Possible next steps
Install a pervious walking path along the drainage swale in Johansen Park. This would provide a sce‐
nic and shaded off‐road route for residents traveling north or south. A path would also encourage
use of the enƟre park, including the northern secƟon that oŌen appears “closed off” or as if it is private
property. Wayfinding and entrance signage should also be considered so users no that this is a public path
and park that may be used.
1.
Install an 8 foot wide shared use path on the west/north side of Seminole Road between Selva Marina
Drive and Park Terrace West. This would essenƟally be an extension of the exisƟng path that ends at
Selva Marina Drive and would allow users to connect to Johansen Park comfortably. Currently, a 4
foot sidewalk exists in this area but does not provide sufficient width for bicyclists, pedestrians and other
potenƟal users (strollers, skateboarders, etc.) to share the sidewalk, especially with fences and vegetaƟon
on either side. InstallaƟon of an 8 foot shared use path for this block (~450 linear feet) would complete a
connecƟon from Main Street to Johansen Park.
2.
Approximately 24,000 square feet
Approximately 3,600 square feet
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4q. Identified Opportunities
“Selva Marina Walking Path”
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Selva Marina Drive
Right‐of‐way width:
100 feet
Pavement width:
Varies
Major North‐South ConnecƟon
Selva Marina Drive is one of the main north‐south roadways in the city, especially north of Plaza. This well
shaded roadway is surrounded by single‐family and mulƟ‐family residences, including the AB Country Club,
resulƟng in not only vehicular traffic but also pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Selva Marina Drive begins at its
intersecƟon with Seminole Road to the south and terminates just north of 20th Street to the north.
“Selva Marina Walking Path”
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Possible next steps
“Selva Marina Walking Path”
Install a walking path in the median of Selva Marina Drive. Currently, pedestrians and bicyclists share
the street with vehicles. A path would provide a path for pedestrians that is separated from vehicles
and would be well shaded and scenic. The path could meander around the exisƟng trees where applicable.
1.
Where a path in the median is not applicable (i.e. north of 19th St), a sidewalk or path may be in‐
stalled on either side of the road. A sidewalk or path would conƟnue to provide pedestrians a route
that is separated from vehicular traffic.
2.
Approximately 40,000 square feet for an 8 foot path
Approximately 8,000 square feet for an 8 foot path
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the street. These markings increase aware‐
ness of motorists for the potenƟal presence of cyclists as well as direcƟng cyclists to ride in the
proper direcƟon, and remind cyclists to ride further from parked cars.
3.
Agenda Item #1B.
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4r. Identified Opportunities
“Country Club to Johansen Park & the Beach”
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Country Club Lane
Right‐of‐way width:
60 feet
Pavement width:
22 feet with curb and guƩer
Connects Country Club to Johansen Park & the Beach
This idenƟfied route (Country Club Lane) is an east‐west route that connects the AtlanƟc Beach Country
Club to Johansen Park and the exisƟng “Safe Routes to School” path on Seminole Road as well as geƫng
residents within a couple blocks of the beach. This route largely serves residents of the Country Club and
Selva Marina neighborhoods.
“Country Club to Johansen Park & the Beach”
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Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the street. These markings increase aware‐
ness of motorists for the potenƟal presence of cyclists as well as direcƟng cyclists to ride in the
proper direcƟon, and remind cyclists to ride further from parked cars. The current pavement width is
too narrow to install a bike lane or a paved shoulder.
1.
Shared roadway markings, or “sharrows”, are
placed in the center of a travel lane to indicate that a
bicyclist may use the full lane. According to the US
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, sharrows
are used to:
Assist bicyclists with lateral posiƟoning in lanes
that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a
bicycle to travel side by side within the same
traffic lane;
Alert motorists of the lateral locaƟon bicyclists
are likely to occupy within the traveled way;
Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists;
Reduce the incidence of wrong‐way bicycling
“Country Club to Johansen Park & the Beach”
Construct a sidewalk on either side of the roadway. Currently,
pedestrians must walk on the street. Adding a sidewalk would
provide an area for pedestrians to walk that would be separated
from vehicles.
2.
Approximately 7,500 square feet for an 6’ sidewalk
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4s. Identified Opportunities
“Seminole Road Missing Link”
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ExisƟng CondiƟons
Right‐of‐way width:
100 feet
Pavement width:
22 feet without curb and guƩer
“Missing Link” between exisƟng shared use paths
This stretch of Seminole Road connects two exisƟng 8 foot wide shared use paths. Enhancing this stretch of
the road would help provide a conƟnuous path for bicyclists from Ahern Street all the way north to Ocean‐
forest Drive N. Currently a 4 to 5 foot sidewalk connects these two shared use paths, which does not provide
adequate space for bicyclists traveling this route.
“Seminole Road Missing Link”
(between 17th St & Garden Ln S)
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Possible next steps
Install “shared roadway” markings on both sides of the road. Such markings indicate that vehicles
must share the roadway with bicyclists and assist bicyclists with lateral posiƟoning in lanes that
are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane.
1.
Construct a shared use path on either side of the roadway. A shared use path would allow pedes‐
trians and bicyclists to travel on a path separated and buffered from vehicular traffic. This path
would also connect two exisƟng shared use paths to the north and south.
2.
“Seminole Road Missing Link”
(between 17th St & Garden Ln S)
Approximately 24,000 square feet
ExisƟng 4’ sidewalk ExisƟng 4’ sidewalk
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Possible next steps
Construct a sidewalk on the west side of Seminole Road from Saturiba Drive to 19th Street to
connect to the exisƟng sidewalk. Doing so would provide a sidewalk on both sides of Seminole
Road so users would not have to cross the street when traveling north or south for this stretch. It would
also allow pedestrians to cross the street at the Saturiba Drive intersecƟon which is a 4‐way stop, rather
than at the 19th Street intersecƟon where there is no stop sign.
3.
“Seminole Road Missing Link”
(between 17th St & Garden Ln S)
Approximately 6,000 square feet for a 6’ sidewalk
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5. Cost Estimates (Sidewalks & Paths)
Cost esƟmates for sidewalks and shared use paths were derived from recent roadway projects within the
city. Currently (2021), staff esƟmates concrete prices to be about $8 per square foot for sidewalks and
shared use paths. However, individual project costs can vary substanƟally based on a number of condiƟons
including:
Design and engineering (width, frequency of material placement, demoliƟon)
Surveys
Temporary traffic control requirements
Number of driveway cuts
UƟlity relocaƟon
Contractor experience and material availability
Permeable concreate/asphalt/pavement will increase cost
Taking these addiƟonal costs into consideraƟon, staff is using $10‐20 per square foot to esƟmate cost to for
new sidewalks and shared use paths.
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5. Cost Estimates (Bike Lanes and “Sharrows”)
Cost esƟmates for bicycle lanes and shared roadway markings (“Sharrows”) are shown below. Staff esƟ‐
mates the cost to stripe shared roadway markings to be about 32 cents per linear foot of roadway and
about 45 cents per linear foot of roadway for bicycle lane striping.
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6. Implementation
In addiƟon to infrastructure projects, many communiƟes use policies and regulaƟons to ensure that the nec‐
essary pedestrian and/or bicycle faciliƟes are provided.
A Complete Streets Policy is an increasingly popular approach that requires streets to be planned, designed,
operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages
and abiliƟes regardless of their mode of transportaƟon. By adopƟng a complete streets policy, communiƟes
seek to design and operate their roadways for
all users, not just motor vehicles. This means
every transportaƟon project should make the
roadway safer for walkers, bicyclists, drivers,
public transit users, and those with assisƟve
devices. A “complete street” may include side‐
walks, shared use paths, bike lanes, bus lanes,
public transit stops, crosswalks, medians,
roundabouts, and/or other faciliƟes depending
on the context and needs of the roadway.
Many communiƟes use new development as an opportunity to
create walkable and bikeable areas. For instance, mandatory
street connecƟvity, sidewalk installaƟon, and bicycle parking are
common requirements for new development. Further examples
include:
New development on arterial or connector roadways must
install a sidewalk or pay an impact fee for future sidewalk
installaƟon, where one does not exist.
New development within the “School Walking Zone” must
install a sidewalk or pay an impact fee for future sidewalk
installaƟon, where one does not exist.
Design guidelines for new parking lots that enhance pedes‐
trian and bicyclist safety.
LimiƟng the number and width of driveway cuts for residen‐
Ɵal and commercial development. Also, limiƟng driveway
cuts on arterial or collector roadways where possible.
Policies and Regulations
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6. Implementation
To further enhance acƟve transportaƟon, the American Planning AssociaƟon advises that communiƟes en‐
sure that their Comprehensive Plans and Land Development RegulaƟons support mixed use and compact
developments. Examples of such regulaƟons include:
Reduce building setbacks and minimum parking standards to acƟvate the street and enhance the pedes‐
trian experience.
AdopƟng a special pedestrian oriented zoning district or overlay to create more pedestrian friendly de‐
velopment.
Offer incenƟves such as density bonuses or reduced parking requirements for developments that create
pedestrian or bicycle ameniƟes.
Allow a mix of uses and residenƟal densiƟes to support and encourage acƟve transportaƟon.
Elements of a Walkable Place:
Buildings are located close to the street and
front the sidewalk
Sidewalks are wide enough to accommodate
mulƟple users, including outdoor dining
Street design that slows travel speeds
Policies and Regulations
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6. Implementation
This secƟon highlights potenƟal sources of funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements:
Grants, such as Community Development Block Grants, are great opportuniƟes to plan, design, and/or
construct transportaƟon projects. Grant opportuniƟes should be looked at regularly for potenƟal fund‐
ing.
Capital Improvements Plans (CIP) idenƟfy projects municipaliƟes are planning to fund for planning, de‐
sign, or construcƟon within the next 5 to 10 years typically. High priority transportaƟon, including bicycle
and pedestrian, improvements should be included in the CIP with funding sources idenƟfied.
DesignaƟng a certain percentage of the budget for a roadway project be designated for ped/bike im‐
provements.
Development Impact Fees are typically Ɵed trip generaƟon rates and traffic impacts by a proposed pro‐
ject. A developer may pay for on or off site pedestrian improvements to reduce the number of trips for
example. A clear nexus must be established between the impact fee and the project’s impacts.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a tool that uses future increases in taxes to finance improvements in a
designated Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).
Special Districts such as Business Improvement Districts, Economic Development Districts, Capital Im‐
provement Districts, and Neighborhood Improvement Districts are created by local governments for
designated purposes. Such districts oŌen use grants, fees, ad‐valorem taxes, and in some cases Tax In‐
crement Financing for funding.
Funding
Ways to Reduce Costs:
1) Integrate the project with a larger road construc‐
Ɵon project. Pedestrian and bicycle faciliƟes that
are integrated with a larger roadway or uƟlity pro‐
ject will reduce costs than a stand alone project.
This recommendaƟon Ɵes into the Complete
Streets Policy.
2) Combining smaller projects into one big project
since bid prices tend to drop as quanƟƟes in‐
crease.
Safe Routes to School project
Agenda Item #1B.
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