Amelia Tree Conservancy
Submitted by Lyn Pannone
Press Release
June 3, 2021
On June 14, the county commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on a proposed ordinance to limit the height of new construction in unincorporated areas of Amelia Island, to 45 feet, or 35 feet if near the ocean. The proposed ordinance is virtually identical to one already in place in the City of Fernandina Beach.
Parcels currently zoned “Residential General 2” (RG-2) will be affected. Under the current rules RG-2 zoning permits structures up to seven stories or 85 feet high.
Among the parcels currently zoned RG-2, where seven-floor structures do not exist, are the 50-acre property adjacent to the state park at the south end of the island.
The result will be a uniform set of building height restrictions on the island. Parts of the county west of the Shave Bridge off the island will not be affected.
The primary benefit will be that there should be no more towers built on the island. Our existing skyline will be retained and the potential for looking like Myrtle Beach or Fort Lauderdale in the future will be substantially diminished. Additional benefits may include lower population density and traffic volumes. Residents in existing hi-rise units could possibly see the value of those units enhanced if similar construction is prohibited in the future.
How you can help:
- Email the commissioners expressing your support for no more towers on Amelia Island. A single email can be addressed to all.
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] - Attend the public hearing on June 14th at 6:00 PM in the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee.