FBCC approves 6 ordinances with little discussion on 5-0 votes

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 18, 2022

At their February 15, 2022 Regular Meeting, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) unanimously approved six ordinances on Second and Final Reading.  No one spoke during the public hearings on these ordinances. To view the ordinances themselves as well as back up material, visit the City website and click on the Agendas tab. From there you may navigate to the February 15, 2022 FBCC Regular Meeting Agenda.

Ordinance 2022-01 – Historic District Boundary Expansion

Willing property owners requested to be included in the City’s locally adopted downtown historic district boundary. After following all applicable review and notice criteria provided in LDC Section 8.03.02, the Historic District Council (reference HDC 2021-0033) completed its review and issued a recommendation of approval at its regular meeting on October 21, 2021. The Planning Advisory Board issued a recommendation of approval on December 8, 2021. Staff continues to support the district’s expansion for the properties identified. 

This Ordinance was approved at First Reading on January 18, 2022. Per Ordinance 2006-99, inclusion of these properties as contributing structures to the local historic district would provide for the allowance of an ad valorem text exemption of fifty percent (50%) of the assessed value.

Ordinance 2022-03 – Land Development Code Amendments

Land Development Code (LDC) amendments were prepared to address errors, omissions and corrections. The Planning Advisory Board (PAB), at its December 8, 2021, Regular Meeting, issued a recommendation of approval.  

This Ordinance was approved at First Reading on January 18, 2022, with the deletion of  barbed wire fencing.

Ordinance 2022-04 – Land Development Code Amendment – Tree Protection and Landscaping Requirements

The FBCC directed additional amendments to its tree protection and landscape ordinances at its annual goal-setting meeting on January 27, 2021. The City’s Planning & Conservation Department staff formed a Tree Committee, which provided recommendations for code amendments. The City Commission adopted the Tree Committee’s plan via Resolution 2021-123 on August 3, 2021. In addition, the committee provided an Urban Forestry Management Plan to direct specific actions for increasing canopy coverage within the City. This Ordinance serves to fulfill the City Commission’s desired action for code amendments. The Planning Advisory Board (PAB), at its December 8, 2021, Regular Meeting, issued a recommendation of approval. 

This Ordinance was approved at First Reading on January 18, 2022.

Ordinance 2022-05 – Mobile Food Vending “Food Trucks”

The City of Fernandina Beach City Commission enacted Ordinance 2021-23, allowing for mobile food vending, on July 20, 2021. The City applied for a text amendment to modify multiple Land Development Code Sections to incorporate standards for mobile food vending units or “food trucks.” The Planning Advisory Board (PAB), at its December 8, 2021, Regular Meeting, issued a recommendation of approval.

The City Commission approved this item at First Reading at its January 18, 2022, meeting.

Ordinance 2022-06 – Land Development Code Amendment – Encroachment

Land Development Code (LDC) amendments prepared to add definitions. The Planning Advisory Board (PAB), at its December 8th, 2021 Regular Meeting, issued a recommendation of approval.

This Ordinance was approved at First Reading on January 18, 2022.

Ordinance 2022-07 – Old Town Design Standards

This Land Development Code (LDC) amendment was prepared to address the Old Town Design Standards to clarify specific allowances for the development of connecting elements in side yard corridors. The Planning Advisory Board (PAB), at its December 8, 2021, Regular Meeting, issued a recommendation of approval.

This Ordinance was approved at First Reading on January 18, 2022.