The appendices set forth in these land development regulations are made a part hereof and shall be used where required by these land development regulations.

5.2.1

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the board of county commissioners to consider the subdivision of land and the development of a subdivision plat as subject to the control of the board of county commissioners pursuant to the comprehensive plan for the orderly, planned, efficient, and economical development of the area.

5.2.2

Land to be subdivided shall:

1.

Aid in the coordination of land development in accordance with orderly physical patterns.

2.

Discourage haphazard, premature, uneconomic, or scattered land development.

3.

Insure safe and convenient traffic control.

4.

Encourage development of an economically stable and healthful community.

5.

Insure adequate utilities.

6.

Prevent periodic and seasonal flooding by providing adequate protective flood control and drainage facilities.

7.

Assure land subdivision with installation of adequate and necessary physical improvements.

8.

Assure that citizens and taxpayers will not have to bear the costs resulting from haphazard subdivision of land and the lack of authority to require installation by the subdivider of adequate and necessary physical improvements.

9.

Assure to the purchaser of land in a subdivision that necessary improvements of lasting quality have been installed.

10.

Serve as one of the several instruments of implementation for the comprehensive plan.

It is the intent of these land development regulations to encourage and promote, in accordance with present and future needs, the safety, morals, health, order, convenience, prosperity and general welfare of the residents of the county.

Regulations of the subdivision of land and the attachment of reasonable conditions to land subdivision is an exercise of valid police power delegated by the state to the county. The subdivider has the duty of compliance with reasonable conditions established by the board of county commissioners for design, dedication, improvement, and restrictive use of the land so as to conform to the physical and economical development of the area and to the safety and general welfare of future property owners in the subdivision and of the community at large.

Land which the board of county commissioners finds to be unsuitable for subdivision of development due to flooding, improper drainage, steep slopes, rock formations, adverse earth formations or topography, utility easements, or other features which will reasonably be harmful to the safety, health, and general welfare of the present or future inhabitants of the subdivision and/or its surrounding areas shall not be subdivided or developed unless adequate methods are formulated by the subdivider and approved by the board of county commissioners to solve the problems created by the unsuitable land conditions.

5.6.1

These land development regulations shall apply to all subdivisions, lots, or parcels of land, as defined in article 2 of these land development regulations, located within the unincorporated area of the county.

5.6.2

No land shall be subdivided within any area subject to these land development regulations until:

1.

The subdivider or his agent has obtained approval of the final plat by the board of county commissioners; and

2.

The approved final plat is filed with the clerk of the circuit court of the county.

5.6.3

No building permit shall be issued for any parcel, lot, or tract of land which was created by subdivision or other means and not in conformity with the provisions of these land development regulations. No excavation of land or construction of any public or private improvements shall take place or be commenced except in conformity with these land development regulations.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

Nothing in these land development regulations shall be construed as meaning that the county shall take over maintenance of any road, street, utilities, public parking or other public area, or drainage facility related thereto. Any road, street, utilities, public parking or other public area, or drainage facility accepted for maintenance by the county shall be designed and built in accordance with the Florida Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and the county's subdivision design and maintenance manual, as per the office of the county engineer and accepted for maintenance by the county manager or his/her designee (see section 5.20).

(Ord. No. 2011-13, § 1, 6-16-11; Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

Whenever access to the subdivision is required across land in another government's jurisdiction, the board of county commissioners may request assurance from that government's attorney that access is legally established, and that the access road is adequately improved or that a performance bond has been duly executed and is sufficient in amount to assure the construction of the access road.

5.9.1

Procedure for resubdivision. For any change in a map of an approved or recorded subdivision plat, if such change affects any public use, or any lot line excepting as provided in F.S. chapter 177, or if it affects any map or plan legally reached prior to the adoption of any regulations controlling subdivisions, such parcel shall be approved by the board of county commissioners by the same procedure, rules, and regulations as for a subdivision.

5.9.2

Procedure for subdivisions where future resubdivision is indicated. Whenever a parcel of land is subdivided and the subdivision plat shows one or more lots containing more than one acre of land and where such lots could eventually be resubdivided into smaller building sites, the board of county commissioners may require that such parcel of land allow for the future opening of streets and the ultimate extension of adjacent streets and utilities. Easements providing for the future opening and extension of such streets may be made a requirement of the plat.

If the subdivider places restrictions on any of the land contained in the subdivision greater than those required by these land development regulations, such restriction or reference thereto shall be indicated on the subdivision plat and/or recorded with the clerk of the circuit court of the county.

The subdivision of any lot or parcel of land, by the use of metes and bounds description for the purpose of sale, transfer, or lease, shall be subject to all of the requirements of these land development regulations.

Every subdivision shall be given a name by which it shall be legally known. Such name shall not be the same or similar to a subdivision name appearing on another recorded plat within the county so as to confuse the records or to mislead the public as to the identity of the subdivision, except when the subdivision is subdivided as an additional unit or section by the same subdivider or his or her successors in title. The name of the subdivision shall be shown in the dedication and shall coincide exactly with the subdivision name. The board of county commissioners shall have final authority to approve the names of subdivisions.

The vacation and annulment of plats shall be according to F.S. chapter 177, as amended. In addition, the board of county commissioners may, on its own motion, order the vacation and revision to acreage of all or any part of a subdivision within its jurisdiction including the vacation of streets or other parcels of land dedicated for public purposes or any of such streets or other parcels, when: (1) the plat of which subdivision was recorded as provided by law not less than five years before the date of such action, and (2) in which subdivision or part thereof not more than ten percent of the total subdivision area has been sold as lots by the original subdivider or his successor in title. Such action shall be based on a finding by the board of county commissioners that the proposed vacation and reversion to acreage of subdivided land conforms with the comprehensive plan and that the public health, safety, economy, comfort, order, convenience, and welfare will be promoted thereby. Before acting on a proposal for vacation and reversion of subdivided land to acreage, the board of county commissioners shall hold a public hearing thereon with due public notice.

No owner of any parcel of land in a subdivision shall be deprived by the reversion to acreage of all or any part of the subdivision of reasonable access to existing facilities to which such parcel has theretofore had access, provided that such access remaining or provided after such vacation need not be the same as that theretofore existing, but shall be reasonably equivalent thereto.

If land in a subdivision or part thereof is proposed for reversion to acreage, the board of county commissioners shall conduct proceedings for amending the zoning district designation of such acreage as may be deemed advisable in view of the conditions that will exist subsequent to such reversion to acreage.

5.14.1

Preparation of plats. All preliminary and final plats shall be prepared by a registered surveyor and construction plans and specifications for required improvements shall be prepared by a registered engineer.

5.14.2

Classification of subdivisions. Whenever any subdivision of land is proposed, before any contract is made for the sale of any part thereof, and before any permit for the erection of a structure in such proposed subdivision shall be granted, the subdividing owner, or his or her authorized agent, shall apply for and secure approval of such proposed subdivision in accordance with the following procedure, which includes basically two steps for a minor subdivision and four steps for a major subdivision. (See section 2.1 for the definition of a major and minor subdivision.):

1.

Minor subdivision.

a.

Pre-application conference.

b.

Final subdivision plat.

2.

Major subdivision.

a.

Pre-application conference.

b.

Preliminary plat.

c.

Construction plans.

d.

Final subdivision plat.

5.14.3

Modified procedure for minor subdivision. Proposed subdivisions meeting the criteria of a minor subdivision as defined by these land development regulations in section 2.1 shall not have to comply with sections 5.16 and 5.17. A final plat may be prepared directly following the pre-application conference in accordance with the final plat procedure as outlined in section 5.18.

The subdivider or his or her representative shall have a pre-application conference with the land development regulation administrator and other departments or agencies as the case may require, in order that the subdivider may become familiar with the requirements of these land development regulations, and any provisions of the comprehensive plan affecting the land in which the proposed subdivision is located.

5.16.1

Step 1—The subdivider shall submit the application for preliminary plat along with any other required materials in accordance with policies and procedures established by the land development regulation administrator.

5.16.2

Step 2—The land development regulation administrator shall transmit copies of the preliminary plat materials to the county attorney, county engineer, county road superintendent, county health department, the water management district and other appropriate departments or agencies as the case may require for review and comment.

5.16.3

Step 3—Following review of the materials by the land development regulation administrator, county attorney, county engineer, county road superintendent, county health department, water management district and other agencies which received copies of the preliminary plat materials, the board of county commissioners shall consider approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval of the preliminary plat at its next regularly scheduled meeting as part of a previously prepared agenda. At the meeting, any person may appear in person or by agent. The reasons for approving the preliminary plat subject to conditions or disapproving shall be stated in writing to the subdivider. Reference should be made to the specific sections of these land development regulations, the comprehensive plan, or other ordinances or regulations of the county with which the preliminary plat does not comply.

5.16.4

Notice of the action of the board of county commissioners shall be given to the subdivider.

5.16.5

Approval of the preliminary plat shall not constitute approval of the final plat. Approval of the preliminary plat shall be deemed an expression of approval of the layout submitted as a guide to the preparation of the final plat. Any change in the number and configuration of lots and/or the addition of a new street subsequent to preliminary plat approval shall require the subdivider to re-submit the preliminary plat and follow the procedures for approval of the preliminary plat. Approval of the preliminary plat shall be valid for a period of three years but may be extended by a request from the subdivider and approval of the board of county commissioners for a period not to exceed an additional 12 months, provided the request for extension is made prior to the expiration of the initial approval period. After the expiration date, the subdivider must re-submit the preliminary plat and follow the procedures for approval of the preliminary plat. Subdivider may submit plans individually for final plat approval.

5.16.6

For subdivisions presumed to be developments of regional impact as provided in F.S. chapter 380, as amended, and chapter 28-24, Florida Administrative Code, a copy of the preliminary plat and a completed application for development approval shall be submitted to the board of county commissioners, the regional planning agency, and the state land planning agency.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

5.17.1

Step 1—Either at the time of submission of preliminary plat materials or following preliminary plat approval by the board of county commissioners, the subdivider shall submit the construction plan materials as specified by the land development regulation administrator.

5.17.2

Step 2—The land development regulation administrator shall transmit copies of the construction plan materials to the county engineer, county road superintendent, the county attorney, the county engineer, the water management district and other appropriate departments or agencies as the case may require for review and comment. The land development regulation administrator shall evaluate the comments from the appropriate departments or agencies and notify the subdivider of the status of the construction plans.

5.17.3

Step 3—Following review by these agencies, the county manager or his/her designee shall consider approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval of the construction plans.

5.17.4

Step 4—Upon completion of the review process and recommendation by the county manager or his/her designee, the construction plans shall be transmitted to the board of county commissioners for approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval.

5.17.5

Approval of the preliminary plat and construction plans by the board of county commissioners is authorization for the subdivider to proceed with site development and the installation of improvements in accordance with the approved construction plans, subject to the approval of other agencies having authority. In the event minor changes or deviations from the approved construction plans are necessary due to requirements caused by actual construction or the necessary causes, the county engineer shall have the authority to approve such minor changes or deviations. If minor changes or deviations are authorized, the subdivider shall submit new construction plan materials as specified herein.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

5.18.1

Upon approval of the preliminary plat and construction plans and while the preliminary plat approval is in effect, the subdivider shall submit the final plat for approval to the land development regulation administrator. The final plat shall include the information required in section 5.37 of these land development regulations. The final plat shall also be accompanied by the materials required in section 5.37 of these land development regulations, as well as a copy of any conditions imposed at the time of conditional approval of the preliminary plat or of the construction plans. Also, the final plat shall conform to all applicable provisions of F.S. chapter 177, as amended.

5.18.2

The land development regulation administrator shall transmit copies of the final plat and materials to the county engineer, county road superintendent, county attorney, the water management district and other appropriate departments or agencies as the case may require for review and comment. The land development regulation administrator shall evaluate the comments from the appropriate departments and agencies and notify the subdivider of the status of the final plat.

5.18.3

Following review by these agencies and once all agency comments have been satisfactorily addressed, the board of county commissioners shall consider the final plat as part of a previously prepared agenda. The final plat shall conform with the preliminary plat as approved and, at the option of the subdivider, shall constitute only that portion of the approved preliminary plat which he or she proposes to record provided, however, that such portion conforms with these land development regulations. Approval by the board of county commissioners shall not be depicted on the final plat until all requirements of these land development regulations have been met and the following conditions have been complied with:

1.

Upon completion of the improvements, the board of county commissioners or its authorized representative has inspected the construction work to determine that the work has been completed in a satisfactory manner and complies with the requirements of these land development regulations or a surety device has been posed which meets the requirements of section 5.39;

2.

Upon completion of improvements in the subdivision, the subdivider has submitted three blue line sets and one reproducible set of blueprints showing "as-built" improvements (which shall also include potable waterline and sanitary sewer line laterals);

3.

Certificate of the surveyor has been executed. (See section 5.38 and appendix A.);

4.

Certificate of the subdivider's engineer has been executed (see section 5.38 and appendix A) or a certificate of estimated cost (see appendix A) has been completed and a surety device has been provided by the subdivider to satisfy the requirements of section 5.40;

5.

Certificate of approval by the county attorney has been executed (see section 5.38 and appendix A).

6.

The subdivider has entered in a Municipal Service Benefit Unit ("MSBU") assessment agreement for the maintenance of any stormwater management facilities, drainage easements, roadways, and/or any other public utilities to be dedicated to the county or the public pursuant to the preliminary or final plats.

5.18.4

Upon final plat approval by the board of county commissioners the county shall provide a letter to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Columbia County authorizing the recording of the final plat. No permits shall be issued for structures on the individual lots within the subdivision until the final plat is recorded by the subdivider.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

5.19.1

Where required by these land development regulations, the subdivider shall grade and improve streets, install sidewalks, street name signs, streetlights, fire hydrants, and curbs and gutters, place monuments and corner stakes and install sanitary sewer and water mains and stormwater facilities in accordance with the specifications of these land development regulations and any other specifications established by the board of county commissioners. The board of county commissioners may, if conditions warrant such action, require that improvements be designed and constructed to higher standards than are incorporated herein. Required improvements shall be paid for by the subdivider.

In addition to the requirements established herein, all subdivision plats shall comply with the following laws, rules, and regulations:

1.

Applicable statutory provisions.

2.

The building code, and other applicable land development regulations of the county.

3.

The comprehensive plan in effect at the time of submission.

4.

Rules and regulations of the Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the appropriate water management district and other appropriate regional, state and federal agencies.

5.

Rules and regulations of the Florida Department of Transportation if the subdivision or any lot contained therein abuts a State highway or connecting street.

6.

The county's subdivision design and maintenance manual.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

5.20.1

The subdivider shall maintain and repair all improvements required by the land development regulations for a period of no less than one year. A final plat shall neither be approved by the board of county commissioners nor accepted for filing until the subdivider posts a maintenance bond, letter of credit or other security acceptable to the county to cover at least 15 percent of the estimated costs of all required improvements for the above specified maintenance period (see appendix A). All defects which occur after completion of all required improvements and within the above specified maintenance period shall be remedied and corrected at the subdivider's expense. After the above specified maintenance period has terminated, the following procedures shall apply:

1.

The subdivider shall petition the county to accept maintenance of the subdivision improvements.

2.

The county manager or his/her designee shall inspect the improvements. If discrepancies are found, notice shall be given to the subdivider of said discrepancies. The subdivider shall notify the county manager or his/her designee when all discrepancies have been rectified. Upon re-inspection, if all the discrepancies have been corrected and found to be in compliance with these land development regulations as reflected by the approved construction plans, as-built plans, and all other applicable local and state rules and regulations, the county manager or his/her designee shall accept for maintenance all improvements dedicated for the perpetual use of the public as dedicated on the final plat and/or agreed upon in the MSBU.

3.

The subdivider's responsibility for maintenance of the improvements shall continue until the county manager or his/her designee has approved final acceptance of maintenance.

4.

After the improvements have been accepted, the county shall release the subdivision performance security, cash, or surety bond.

(Ord. No. 2011-13, § 2, 6-16-11; Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

Subdivisions which are located outside the corporate limits of any municipality but are to be connected to and serviced by municipal utilities such as water, sewage, and/or natural gas shall meet all the requirements of the applicable sections of these regulations, as well as municipal regulations governing the design, construction, and connection of such utilities.

The subdivider shall adhere to the requirements of F.S. chapter 177, as amended, regarding the placement of all monuments.

5.23.1

Arrangement. The lot arrangement shall be such that there will be no foreseeable difficulties, for reasons of topography or other conditions, in securing building permits to build on all lots in compliance with these land development regulations of the county and other applicable regulations and in providing driveway access to buildings on such lots from an approved street.

5.23.2

Dimensions and design. Lot dimensions, shall comply with any minimum standards as established within any land development regulations of the county and provided that for residential subdivisions where the lots are less than five acres, the lot length shall not exceed three times the width of lots. In general, side lot lines shall be at right angles to street lines (or radial to curving street lines) unless variation from this rule will provide a better street or lot plan. The entrance of automobiles from the lot to the street shall be approximately at right angles or radial to street lines. Corner lots shall be sufficiently wider and larger to permit additional yard area. Lots shall be laid out so as to provide positive drainage away from all buildings and individual lot drainage shall be coordinated with the general stormwater drainage pattern for the area in accordance with approved construction plans. (See article 8 of these land development regulations).

5.23.3

Double frontage. Double frontage and reversed frontage lots shall be prohibited except where necessary to provide separation of residential development from existing streets or to overcome specific disadvantages of topography and orientation.

The proposed use of lots within any subdivision shall comply with those uses permitted by the comprehensive plan and these land development regulations. Further, whenever any land in the unincorporated area of the county is subdivided, a building permit for the construction of a residence, commercial building or other principal structure shall not be issued for any such structure on less than a lot as platted within such subdivided land.

5.26.1

General requirements.

1.

The arrangements, character, extent, width, grade, and location of all streets shall conform with the comprehensive plan, where applicable, and shall be considered in their relations to existing and planned streets, to topographical conditions, to public convenience and safety, and to the proposed uses of land to be served by such streets. Streets within a subdivision shall be dedicated to the perpetual use of the public and shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the standards established in these land development regulations. However, the board of county commissioners may approve private streets when constructed to the specifications of these land development regulations and when adequate provision for initial installation and future private maintenance is made for such streets.

2.

All work and/or construction performed under these land development regulations concerning road right-of-way clearing and grubbing, earthwork, stabilizing, and construction of a base and surface course shall meet the minimum requirements of the Florida Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, latest edition and amendments, where applicable, and the county's subdivision design and maintenance manual, as amended. These specifications are intended to govern the equipment, materials, construction methods, and quality control of the work, unless otherwise provided herein.

The provisions of those specifications pertaining to basis of payment are not applicable to these land development regulations.

3.

All work and/or construction performed under these land development regulations concerning placement of bituminous asphaltic concrete shall be performed by a contractor licensed with the State of Florida and pre-qualified with the Florida Department of Transportation.

5.26.2

Street improvement schedule. Street improvements shall be provided as required by the following schedule. Improvements shall conform with:

1.

Standard A, for commercial and industrial subdivisions.

2.

Standard B, for residential subdivisions where any lot is less than 20,000 square feet.

3.

Standard C, for residential subdivisions where all lots are equal to or greater than 20,000 square feet but less than or equal to ten acres.

4.

Standard D, for residential subdivisions where all lots are greater than ten acres.

Where the proposed subdivision includes an existing street, said street shall also be improved as required to conform with this schedule. This requirement shall not apply to any abutting street which is not connected with the proposed subdivision's street system.

Standard improvement.

5.26.2.13

Concrete sidewalks are required for Standard A and Standard B streets, as defined in Section 5.26.2; however, concrete sidewalks are not required for Standard C or Standard D streets unless, in the opinion of the board of county commissioners, pedestrian traffic will justify the installation of sidewalks as a safety precaution.

If sidewalks are required, they shall be installed by the subdivider, provide curb cuts for bicycles and handicapped access, and constructed at least five feet wide and four inches thick. Sidewalks shall be located entirely in the street right-of-way, unless otherwise approved by the board of county commissioners. If the board of county commissioners approves concrete sidewalks that are not located entirely in the street right-of-way, said sidewalks shall be located immediately adjacent to the street right-of-way and a minimum of a 10-foot sidewalk easement adjacent to all street rights-of-way shall be dedicated to the perpetual use of the public. Said sidewalk easement shall be for the installation and maintenance of said sidewalks.

5.26.2.14

Quality control. The subdivider shall be required to have a qualified soils and materials testing laboratory certify to the board of county commissioners through the public works director that all materials and improvements entering into the completed work are in compliance with these land development regulations. All costs shall be borne by the subdivider and copies of the test results shall be submitted to the board of county commissioners with the final plat. There shall be a minimum of one density test on subgrade and base for every 1,000 square yards each. In addition, there shall be a minimum of one limerock bearing ratio (LBR) test for every 1,000 square yards of the subgrade. The subdivider shall provide an opportunity to the county engineer to inspect the density testing.

5.26.3

Design standards.

5.26.3.1

Topography and arrangement.

1.

Streets shall be related appropriately to the topography. All streets shall be arranged so as to place as many building sites as possible at or above, the grades of the streets. Grades of streets shall conform as closely as possible with the original topography. A combination of steep grades and curves shall be avoided.

2.

Local streets shall be laid out to discourage use by through traffic, to permit efficient drainage and utility systems and to require the minimum number of streets necessary to provide convenient and safe access to property.

3.

The rigid rectangular gridiron street pattern need not necessarily be adhered to, and the use of curvilinear streets, culs-de-sac, or U-shaped streets shall be encouraged where such configuration will result in a more desirable layout.

4.

Proposed streets shall be extended to the boundary lines of the tract to be subdivided unless prevented by topography or other physical conditions or unless, in the opinion of the board of county commissioners, such extension is neither necessary nor desirable for the coordination of the layout or the most advantageous future development of adjacent tracts.

5.

In commercial and industrial development, the streets and other access way shall be planned in connection with the grouping of buildings, location of rail facilities, and the provision of alleys, truck loading and maneuvering areas, and walks and parking areas so as to minimize conflict of movement between the various types of traffic, including pedestrian traffic.

5.26.3.2

Blocks.

1.

Blocks shall have sufficient width to provide for two tiers of lots of appropriate depths. Exceptions to this prescribed block width shall be permitted in blocks adjacent to existing streets, railroads, or waterways.

2.

The lengths, widths, and shapes of blocks shall be such as are appropriate for the locality and the type of development contemplated, but block lengths in residential areas shall not exceed 2,200 feet, nor be less than 400 feet in length.

3.

In long blocks, the board of county commissioners may require the reservation of an easement through the block to accommodate utilities, drainage facilities, or pedestrian traffic.

Pedestrian ways or crosswalks, not less than ten feet wide, may be required by the board of county commissioners through the center of blocks more than 800 feet long where deemed essential to provide circulation or access to schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, transportation, or other community facilities.

5.26.3.3

Access to existing county streets. Any subdivision containing lots less than ten acres in size shall have a direct access to a publicly owned paved road.

Where a subdivision borders on or contains an existing county-maintained public street, access to such street shall be limited by one or more of the following means.

1.

The subdivision of lots such that each lot that fronts on an existing arterial or collector, as classified in the Columbia County Comprehensive Plan shall have a minimum frontage width of 330 feet. Access to the existing street shall be limited to a common driveway for every two lots.

2.

The subdivision of lots such that each lot that fronts on an existing county-maintained public street, which is not classified as an arterial or collector and the board of county commissioners has decided there is a need for access management, or where such subdivision lots front on any other road that the board of county commissioners determines a need for access management, shall have a minimum frontage width of 150 feet. Access to the existing street shall be limited to a common driveway for every two lots.

3.

A series of culs-de-sac, or U-shaped streets, entered from and designed generally at right angles to the existing street. Each proposed roadway or street shall be located no less than 1,000 feet apart where such streets connect with an arterial street and 660 feet apart where such streets connect with a collector street. Distances shall be measured from the centerline of such connecting streets.

4.

The subdivision of lots so as to back onto the existing street; no access shall be provided from the existing street and screening shall be provided in a strip of land along the rear property line of such lots.

5.

A marginal access street separated from the existing street by a grass strip and having access thereto at suitable points.

6.

Due to specific site conditions the board of county commissioners may determine more or less restrictive distance requirements for the dimensions cited within this subsection.

5.26.3.4

Street names. The following standards shall be followed in establishing street names:

1.

No two streets shall have the same name.

2.

Streets in a proposed subdivision which are extensions of existing streets shall have the same name as the existing street.

3.

No street names shall be used which will duplicate or be confused with the names of existing or other proposed streets.

4.

All street names shall conform to the county's street naming and addressing system.

5.

The board of county commissioners shall have final authority to approve the names of all streets.

5.26.3.5

Road and street signs.

1.

Road and street signs are traffic control signs such as stop signs, speed limit signs, etc. for all subdivisions, all road and street signs shall be designed in number and location to meet Florida Department of Transportation standards and shall be shown on the preliminary plat. Prior to approval of the final plat, the subdivider shall install such road and street signage as approved by the board of county commissioners body and shall maintain and repair such signage as provided for in section 5.20 herein. In lieu of installation of such signage prior to the approval of the final plat, the posting of a surety device in accordance with section 5.39 herein shall be filed, approved and accepted by the board of county commissioners.

2.

Street name signs are signs within a subdivision which identify street names. Street name signs shall be placed, by the subdivider, at all intersections within or abutting the subdivision, the type and location of which to be approved by the board of county commissioners, shall be submitted as part of the preliminary plat and shall conform to the county's street naming and addressing system.

5.26.3.6

Street lights. Installation of street lights is not required unless the board of county commissioners determines that the public's safety justifies the installation of street lights. If street lights are required, they shall be installed by the subdivider and constructed according to the standards of the board of county commissioners.

5.26.3.7

Reserve strips. The creation of reserve strips shall not be permitted adjacent to a proposed street in such a manner as to deny access to such street from property adjacent to the proposed subdivision.

5.26.3.8

Construction of roads and dead-end streets.

1.

Construction of roads. The arrangement of streets shall provide for the continuation of arterial and/or collector streets between the proposed subdivision and adjacent properties when such continuation is necessary to convenient movement of traffic, effective fire protection, for efficient provision of utilities, and where such continuation is in accordance with the comprehensive plan.

If the property adjacent to the proposed subdivision is undeveloped and the street must temporarily be a stub street (a street planned for future continuation), the street right-of-way shall be extended to the property line of the proposed subdivision. All stub streets which are 250 feet or less shall have a temporary T- or L-shaped turnabout, while stub streets which are greater than 250 feet shall have a temporary cul-de-sac turnabout.

There shall be a notation on the final plat that land used for a temporary T- or L-shaped cul-de-sac or turnabout which is outside the normal street right-of-way shall revert to abutting land owners whenever the street is continued. The subdivider of the adjoining area shall pay the cost of restoring any stub street to its original design cross-section and extending the street. The board of county commissioners may limit the length of temporary stub streets in accordance with the design standards of these land development regulations.

2.

Dead-end streets. Dead-end streets are not permitted in any proposed subdivision under these land development regulations. For purposes of these land development regulations, stub streets (streets planned for future continuation) are not to be considered dead-end streets.

5.26.3.9

Cul-de-sac streets. Culs-de-sac shall be provided with a turnaround having an outside roadway diameter of at least 80 feet, and a street property line diameter of at least 100 feet. (See appendix A). Culs-de-sac shall have a maximum length of 2,750 feet including the turnaround.

5.26.3.10

Intersections.

1.

Streets shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles. (See appendix C). A proposed intersection of two new streets at an angle of less than 75 degrees shall not be acceptable. An oblique street should be curved approaching an intersection and should be approximately at right angles for at least 100 feet therefrom. No more than two streets shall intersect at any one point unless specifically approved by the board of county commissioners.

2.

Proposed new intersections along one side of an existing street shall, wherever practicable, coincide with any existing intersections on the opposite side of such street. Street jogs with center-line offsets of less than 125 feet shall not be permitted. (See appendix A). Where proposed streets intersect major streets, their alignment shall be continuous.

3.

Minimum curb radii at the intersection of two local streets shall be at least 20 feet, and a minimum curb radius at an intersection involving a collector street shall be at least 25 feet. Abrupt changes in alignment within a block shall have the corners cut off in accordance with standard engineering practice to permit safe vehicular movement.

5.26.3.11

Widening and realignment of existing roads. Where a subdivision borders on an existing street or when the comprehensive plan or land development regulations of the county, or other local, regional or state agency plan or program indicates plans for realignment or widening a road that would require use of some of the land in the subdivision, the applicant shall be required to dedicate at his or her expense such areas for widening or realignment of such roads. Such frontage roads and streets shall be dedicated by the subdivider at his or her own expense to the full width as required by these land development regulations.

(Ord. No. 2007-22, § 1, 5-17-07; Ord. No. 2017-19, § 1, 11-16-17; Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

Stormwater management systems shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the county's subdivision design and maintenance manual and article 7 of these land development regulations. See article 8 of these land development regulations for flood protection requirements.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, § 1, 3-23-23)

5.28.1

Where a publicly-owned sanitary sewer system is available and reasonably accessible as determined by the board of county commissioners, the subdivider shall provide sanitary sewer services to each lot within the subdivision. All sewer lines serving lots within the subdivision shall be designed to operate on a gravity flow basis wherever possible. If a wearing surface (see section 5.26.2.11) and sanitary sewer lines are required, all sewer lines shall be installed by the subdivider prior to the paving of the street.

5.28.2

Where lots cannot be served by the extension of an existing publicly-owned sanitary sewer, an alternate method of sewage disposal for each lot may be used in compliance with all applicable standards of the county health department, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and any other regional, state or federal agency, as applicable. Alternative methods of sewage disposal shall be so installed as to simplify later connections to a publicly-owned sanitary sewer system as service becomes available.

5.28.3

The subdivider must furnish written proof to the board of county commissioners which shows that provisions for sanitary sewage disposal of the entire subdivision meets with the approval of the county health department. Preliminary plat and construction plan approval shall not be given until this condition has been met.

5.29.1

Where a publicly-owned water supply is available and within a reasonable distance as determined by the board of county commissioners, the subdivider shall provide a system of water mains and shall connect the system to such supply. If a wearing surface (see section 5.26.2.11) and water mains are required, all water lines shall be installed by the subdivider prior to the paving of the street.

5.29.2

Where no publicly-owned water supply is available within a reasonable distance, an alternate supply may be used when in compliance with all applicable standards of the county health department, the Florida Department of Health, the Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

5.29.3

The subdivider must furnish written proof to the board of county commissioners which shows that provisions for water supply of the entire subdivision meet with the approval of the county health department. Preliminary plat and construction plan approval shall not be given until this condition has been met.

5.29.4

Fire protection improvements shall be provided when the subdivision is connected to a publicly-owned water system and shall include the installation of fire hydrants to water mains with a minimum pipe size of six inches in diameter.

If fire protection improvements are required, then fire hydrants shall be located no more than 1,000 feet apart and within 500 feet of each lot. Also, the distribution system shall be capable of delivering, in addition to domestic requirements of residual pressures of not less than 20 pounds per square inch and fire flows of at least 500 gallons per minute.

New central water and sanitary sewer systems where required by the county's comprehensive plan shall be designed by a Florida registered engineer in accordance with all applicable regulations of the county health department, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Water Management District, and the Florida Department of Health.

5.31.1

Location. Utility location within the road right-of-way shall be as shown in appendix A.

5.31.2

Easements. Normally, utility easements across lots or centered on rear or side lot lines will not be permitted. Where, due to topography or other circumstances beyond the control of the subdivider, such easements are deemed by the board of county commissioners to be necessary to the reasonable development of the property, such easements shall be at least 15 feet wide and centered as near as practical between the lots.

The preliminary plat shall be drawn clearly and legibly at a scale of at least one inch equals 200 feet using a sheet size of 24 inches by 36 inches, reserving a one-half inch margin on all sides. (See appendix A.) If more than one sheet is required, an index map relating each sheet to the entire subdivision shall be shown on the first sheet.

Ten sets of the preliminary plat and necessary supporting material shall be submitted in accordance with the procedure outlined in section 5.16 of these land development regulations.

The preliminary plat shall contain the following information.

1.

Proposed name of subdivision, and existing name if resubdivision is proposed.

2.

Name, address, and telephone number of the subdivider and agent of the subdivider.

3.

Name, address, telephone number, and registration number of surveyor and engineer.

4.

Date of boundary survey, north arrow, graphic scale, date of plat drawing, and space for revision dates.

5.

Existing contours at five-foot intervals based on U.S. Coastal and Geodetic Datum for the tract to be subdivided and extending 25 feet beyond the tract boundary.

6.

Vicinity map showing location with respect to existing roads, landmarks, section lines and quarter section lines, etc., and total acreage of the subdivision and total number of lots. The vicinity map shall be drawn to show clearly the information required, but not less than one inch to 2,000 feet. U.S. Geological Survey Maps may be used as a reference guide for the vicinity map.

7.

Boundary line of the tract, by bearing and distance, drawn by a heavy line.

8.

Legal description of the tract to be subdivided.

9.

Names of owners of adjoining land with their approximate acreage or, if developed, names of abutting subdivisions.

10.

Preliminary layout including streets and easements with dimensions and street names, lot lines with appropriate dimensions, land to be reserved or directed for public or common uses, and any land to be used for purposes other than single-family dwellings.

11.

Block letters and lot numbers, lot lines, lot sizes and scaled dimensions.

12.

Zoning district boundaries on and abutting the tract.

13.

Proposed method of water supply, sewage disposal, drainage, and street lighting.

14.

Natural features, including lakes, marshes or swamps, water courses, wooded areas, and land subject to the 100-year flood as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency official flood maps.

15.

Soil survey map.

16.

Existing and proposed covenants and restrictions, if any.

17.

Inscription stating "NOT FOR FINAL RECORDING".

18.

Any other information that may be considered necessary by either the subdivider, or the board of county commissioners for full and proper consideration of the proposed subdivision.

Plans for the required improvements shall be prepared for the approval of the public works director prior to construction and either at the time of submission of the preliminary plat or after approval of the preliminary plat. Construction plans shall show the proposed locations, sizes, grades, and general design features of each facility.

5.34.1

Required materials for submission. Seven sets of construction plans and necessary supporting material shall be submitted in accordance with the procedure outlined in section 5.17 of these land development regulations.

5.34.2

Plans specifications. Construction plans shall be drawn to a scale of one inch represents 200 feet or larger and shall consist of the following:

1.

A topographic map of the subdivision with a maximum contour interval of one foot for all right-of-way approaches where overall slopes are zero percent to two percent, two feet where slopes are over two percent, based on U.S. Coast and Geodetic Datum.

2.

A contour drainage map of the basins within the proposed subdivision, with the size of each basin shown in acres. The outlines and sizes, in acres, of all existing and proposed drainage areas shall be shown and related to corresponding points of flow concentration. Each drainage area shall be clearly delineated. Flow paths shall be indicated throughout, including any final outfalls from the subdivision and basins. Existing and proposed structures affecting the drainage shall be shown.

3.

Plans showing proposed design features and typical sections of canals, swales and all other open channels, storm sewers, all drainage structures, and other proposed subdivision improvements.

4.

Plans and profiles for all proposed streets and curbs are required. Where proposed streets intersect existing streets, elevations and other pertinent details shall be shown for existing streets for a minimum distance of 300 feet from point of intersection.

5.

Plans of any proposed water distribution system and sanitary sewer collection system showing pipe sizes and location of valves, pumping stations and fire hydrants, where the installation of such facilities are required by these land development regulations.

6.

Plans for all road and street signs and street name signs showing the location of such signage and any other traffic safety control devices which is required or proposed. In addition, the specifications for such signage shall be provided as part of this plan, which shall detail in diagram form as necessary the size, material, color, and specifications for installation of such signage.

7.

Existing streets, utilities, and easements on and adjacent to the tract, including the name, purpose, location, and size of each and the invert elevation of sewers.

8.

Surface drainage and direction of flow and method of disposition and retention indicated.

9.

Subsurface conditions of the tract showing subsurface soil, rock and ground water conditions, location and extent of muck pockets.

10.

Other information on the construction plans as may be required by the board of county commissioners.

The final plat shall be drawn clearly and legibly in ink at a scale of at least one inch equals 200 feet using a sheet size of 18 inches by 24 inches. Each sheet shall be drawn with a marginal line completely around the sheet and placed so as to leave a three-inch binding margin on the left side and a one-half-inch margin on the other three sides. (See appendix A.) If more than one sheet is required, an index map relating each sheet to the entire subdivision shall be shown on the first sheet.

Ten sets of the final plat and necessary supporting material shall be submitted in accordance with the procedure outlined in section 5.18 of these land development regulations.

1.

Name of subdivision shall be shown in bold legible letters, as stated in F.S. chapter 177, as amended. The name of the subdivision shall be shown on each sheet included and shall have legible lettering of the same size and type including the words "section," "unit," "replat," "amended," etc.

2.

Name and address of subdivider.

3.

North arrow, graphic scale, and date of plat drawing.

4.

Vicinity map showing location with respect to existing streets, landmarks, etc., and total acreage of the subdivision and total number of lots. The vicinity map shall be drawn to show clearly the information required, but not less than one inch to 2,000 feet. U.S. Geological Survey Maps may be used as a reference guide for the vicinity map.

5.

Exact boundary line of the tract, determined by a field survey, giving distances to the nearest one-hundredth foot and angles to the nearest minute, shall be balanced and closed with an apparent error of closure not to exceed one in 5,000.

6.

Legal description of the tract.

7.

Location of streams, lakes and swamps, and land subject to the 100-year flood as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Where no flood elevation is determined the area shall be determined by subdivider's engineer.

8.

Bearing and distance to permanent control points on the nearest existing street lines of bench marks or other permanent reference monuments (not less than three) shall be accurately described on the plat.

9.

Municipal and county lines shall be accurately tied to the lines of the subdivision by distance and angles when such lines traverse or are reasonably close to the subdivision.

10.

The closest land lot corner shall be accurately tied to the lines of the subdivision by distance and angles.

11.

Location, dimensions, and purposes of any land reserved or dedicated for public use.

12.

Exact locations, width, and names of all streets within and immediately adjoining the new subdivision.

13.

Street right-of-way lines shall show bearing distance along centerline of roads, radii, and arc length.

14.

Lot lines shall be shown with dimensions to the nearest one-hundredth foot and bearings.

15.

Lots shall be numbered in numerical order and blocks lettered alphabetically.

16.

Accurate location and description of monuments and markers.

17.

Covenants and restrictions.

18.

The date the board of county commissioners approves the preliminary plat.

The following certificates shall appear on the final plat. Certificates listed within this section shall be properly signed before the final plat is submitted to the board of county commissioners and the certificate of approval by the board of county commissioners shall be properly signed after the final plat is approved by the board of county commissioners. (See appendix A.)

1.

Certificate of surveyor.

2.

Certificate of the subdivider's engineer.

3.

Certificate of approval by the attorney for the county.

4.

Certificate of approval by the board of county commissioners.

A final plat shall neither be approved by the board of county commissioners nor accepted for filing until the improvements required by these land development regulations have been constructed in a satisfactory manner or, in lieu of such construction, the posting of a surety device. Such surety, in the form of a surety bond, performance bond, escrow agreement, or other collateral (the form of which to be approved the attorney for the county), shall be filed with the board of county commissioners. Such surety shall.

5.39.1

Cover at least 110 percent of the estimated cost of all required improvements such as streets, drainage, fill, and other public improvements with estimated costs provided by the subdivider's engineer. A certificate of the estimated cost shall appear on the final plat. (See appendix A.) This certificate shall be properly signed before the final plat is submitted to the board of county commissioners. This estimated cost shall represent the total estimated cost of installing all required improvements. Such estimate shall be prepared by a registered engineer. As an alternative to the above, bids of two licensed contractors or a copy of all executed contracts for the installation of the above mentioned improvements may be submitted.

5.39.2

Be conditioned upon the faithful performance by the subdivider of all work required to complete all improvements and installations for the subdivision or unit division thereof, in compliance with these land development regulations and within a specified time as determined between the subdivider and the board of county commissioners.

5.39.3

Be payable to, and for the indemnification of, the board of county commissioners.

5.40.1

Dedication. A dedication to the public by the owners of the land involved of all streets, drainage easements, and other rights-of-way however designated and shown on the plat for perpetual use for public purposes, including vehicular access rights where required. If the property is encumbered by a mortgage, the owner of the mortgage shall join in the dedication or in some other manner subordinate the mortgage's interest to the dedication of public right-of-way.

5.40.2

Certificate of payment of taxes. Certification that all payable taxes have been paid and all tax sales against the land redeemed.

5.40.3

Certificate of title and encumbrances. Title certification as required by F.S. chapter 177, as amended.

5.40.4

Unrecorded plats. This article does not apply to plats presently recorded. All other unrecorded subdivision plats or surveys in existence on the effective date hereof shall not be required to comply herewith for the sale and conveyance of the lots, parcels, or tracts therein, provided, however, that any such sale and conveyance shall not describe the lots, parcels, or tracts conveyed by reference to said unrecorded subdivision plat or survey. As a prerequisite to a finding by the county commission that a subdivision was in existence as of the effective date of the land development regulations and is eligible to be exempted from these land development regulations, the owner or subdivider shall cause a certificate to be prepared by a licensed surveyor certifying that said subdivision was surveyed, all interior lot corners staked and mapped by a licensed surveyor on or before the effective date of these land development regulations; and that the roads shown on such map or plat shall have been completed to the point of providing access to the lots, parcels or tracts shown on said map or plat; and that the road right-of-way shall be of sufficient width to permit servicing by standard road maintenance equipment. The exemption shall not be detrimental to the surrounding territory or to public safety and welfare. An unrecorded subdivision shall not be eligible for exemption from these land development regulations unless the owner or subdivider shall file the said certificate with the county commission along with six copies of such unrecorded subdivision plat within 60 days of the effective date of these land development regulations, provided that any resurvey or replatting of any such subdivision shall comply herewith.

5.40.5

Subdivision in progress. As a prerequisite to a finding by the county commission that a subdivision was in progress as of the date of adoption of these land development regulations and is eligible to be exempted from this article, the owner or subdivider shall cause a certificate to be prepared by licensed surveyor certifying that for said subdivision, a computation of interior lot dimensions and the lot layout was substantially underway as of the date of adoption of these land development regulations, furthermore the recording of the final plat must be performed not later than 90 days following the adoption of these land development regulations.