The purpose of this article is to establish the minimum standards for the division of land and improvement of that land in the City of Jacksonville Beach in order to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare. Specifically, these minimum subdivision standards are designed to:

(a)

Establish reasonable and equitable procedures and standards for the subdivision of land that fosters community stability, creates and maintains healthful living environments, preserves natural resources and aesthetic qualities, and appropriately safeguards natural resources.

(b)

Require the provision of safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian traffic circulation.

(c)

Ensure that public facilities are available to serve development.

(d)

Conserve and manage the natural resources of Jacksonville Beach in order to preserve the productivity, equilibrium, and aesthetic qualities of its land and water.

(e)

Prevent and reduce air and water pollution and the degradation of land.

(f)

Provide for open space and recreational land through efficient and appropriate subdivision design.

(g)

Guide the future growth and development of Jacksonville Beach consistent with the comprehensive plan and other provisions of the LDC.

(h)

Maintain and improve safety from fire, flood and other potential disasters.

(i)

Provide adequate light, air, and privacy for land uses.

(j)

Ensure that the subdivision of lands is recorded with proper legal descriptions and monuments.

The city council has the authority to subdivide land pursuant to Fl. Const. Art. VIII. Sec. 2, the Jacksonville Beach Charter, F.S. § 166.01 et seq., F.S. § 163.3161(8), and F.S. § 177.011 et seq.

Prior to the division of land which would create three (3) or more parcels of land within the City of Jacksonville Beach, it shall receive an approval for a final plat for subdivision pursuant to the procedures and standards of this article.

All land, unless exempted pursuant to this article, shall be required to gain approval of a concept plan for plat, development plan for plat, and a final plat pursuant to the procedures and standards of this article.

If a proposed development is subject to the terms of this article and has not received a development order for a preliminary development plan for PUD zoning district classification or a preliminary plan for RD zoning district classification, it shall be required to receive approval of a concept plan for plat pursuant to the procedures and standards of this section.

(a)

Submission of application. An application for a concept plan for plat shall be submitted to the planning and development department along with a nonrefundable application fee which is established from time to time by the city council to defray the actual cost of processing the application.

(b)

Contents of application. The application shall be submitted in a form established by the planning and development department and made available to the public that contains the following information:

(1)

The name, address and telephone number of the owner of record of the land proposed for the concept plan for plat.

(2)

The name, address, and telephone number of the developer, if different from the owner, and a description of the project. Written authorization from the landowner shall also be submitted if the application is being submitted by a person other than the landowner.

(3)

The name, address, and telephone number of the agent for the application, if there is an agent.

(4)

The name, address, and telephone number of all land use, environmental, engineering, economic, or other professionals that are assisting in the application.

(5)

The street address and legal description of the land proposed to be platted.

(6)

A concept plan of the proposed plat, which includes the lot and block layout, and the proposed traffic circulation system.

(c)

Determination of sufficiency. Within ten (10) working days after receipt of the application, the planning and development department shall determine if the application is sufficient.

(1)

If the planning and development department determines the application is not sufficient, a written notice shall be sent to the applicant specifying the deficiencies. No action shall be taken on the application until the deficiencies are remedied.

(2)

When the application is determined sufficient, the planning and development department shall notify the applicant of the application's sufficiency and that the application is ready for review pursuant to this division.

(d)

Review and decision by planning and development department. Within fifteen (15) working days after the application is determined sufficient, the planning and development department shall review the application and determine based on the standards in section 34-813(e) whether the plat is compliant. The planning and development department shall inform the applicant of compliance or deficiency.

(e)

Standards. A concept plan for plat shall comply with the following standards.

(1)

Consistency with comprehensive plan. It shall be consistent with the vision, intent and strategies of the comprehensive plan.

(2)

Compatible with surrounding land uses. The concept plan shall be compatible with surrounding land uses.

(3)

Design and layout. It shall be adequately designed so that the general layout of the proposed development will be similar to surrounding land uses and not cause a substantial depreciation in property values.

Within one (1) year of receipt of a concept plan for plat, an application for development plan for plat shall be submitted pursuant to the procedures and standards of division 5, or the concept plan for plat shall become null and void.

(a)

Submission of application. Within one (1) year of the approval of a development plan for plat pursuant to the procedures and standards of division 5, an application for a final plat shall be submitted to the planning and development department, along with a nonrefundable application fee which is established from time to time by the city council to defray the actual cost of processing the application. If the one (1) year timeframe is exceeded, the applicant shall submit a new development plan for plat to the planning and development department for review.

(b)

Contents of application. Four (4) copies of the application shall be submitted in a form established by the planning and development department and made available to the public that contains the following information:

(1)

The name, address and telephone number of the owner of record of the land proposed for the final plat.

(2)

The name, address, and telephone number of the developer, if different from the owner, and a description of the project. Written authorization from the landowner shall also be submitted if the application is being submitted by a person other than the landowner.

(3)

The name, address, and telephone number of the agent for the application, if there is an agent.

(4)

The name, address, and telephone number of all land use, environmental, engineering, economic, or other professionals that are assisting in the application.

(5)

The street address and legal description of the land proposed to be platted.

(6)

Date, north arrow, scale.

(7)

The unique subdivision name in bold legible letters under which should appear the City of Jacksonville Beach.

(8)

Identification of all street names.

(9)

A legal description of the final plat.

(10)

The location and names of adjacent subdivisions.

(11)

The exact dimensions (location and width) of all streets, their bearings, angle of intersection, length of arcs, radii, points of curvature and tangent bearings.

(12)

The exact location and width of all easements, whether public or private, and a statement of easement rights.

(13)

The exact length and bearings of the exterior boundaries of the land being subdivided.

(14)

The exact dimensions of all lots.

(15)

The exact radii of all curves and lengths of all tangents.

(16)

The exact location and area of all land to be dedicated for public use or reserved by deed covenant for common use of all property owners with the purpose indicated thereon. All lands dedicated for public use, other than streets, shall be marked "Dedicated to the Public."

(17)

The deed restrictions, if any, including the boundaries of each type of restrictions.

(18)

The accurate location and material of all permanent reference monuments and bench marks.

(19)

The certificate of the registered land surveyor preparing the plat that the plat, as presented, fully complies with the requirements of this article and the platting laws of the State of Florida, and that the plat is a correct representation of all exterior boundaries of the land surveyed, that the plat represents a survey made by them and that all monuments indicated thereon exist and their location, size and material are correctly shown, and that permanent control points will be placed accordingly.

(20)

As built drawings of all improvements that are to be dedicated to the City of Jacksonville Beach.

(21)

A certificate by the owner dedicating to the public and the City of Jacksonville Beach and its successors, full use of all streets and easements for drainage, utilities, and sewers.

(22)

Certification of acceptance by the City of Jacksonville Beach accompanied by the notarized signature of the mayor prior to filing with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Duval County.

(c)

Determination of sufficiency. Within ten (10) working days after receipt of the application, the planning and development department shall determine if the application is sufficient.

(1)

If the planning and development department determines the application is not sufficient, a notice shall be sent to the applicant specifying the application's deficiencies. No further action shall be taken on the application until the deficiencies are remedied.

(2)

When the application is determined sufficient, the planning and development department shall notify the applicant of the application's sufficiency and that the application is ready for review pursuant to the procedures and standards of this division.

(d)

Review and report by planning and development department. Within fifteen (15) working days after the application is determined sufficient, the planning and development department shall review the application. If the planning and development department finds that all the standards of section 34-815(f). have been met, the final plat shall be submitted to the city council along with a staff report for approval. If the planning and development department finds that all the standards of section 34-815(f). have not been met, and after deficiencies have been discussed and reviewed with the applicant, the applicant shall be given a period not to exceed ninety (90) days to take corrective action on the application. If corrective action is not taken, the planning and development department shall recommend disapproval of the final plat and shall set forth its reasons for such disapproval in writing.

(e)

Decision by city council. At the public hearing, the city council shall review the application and staff report and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the final plat based on the standards in section 34-815(f) upon approval by the city council, the seal of the city and the signatures of the mayor and the city clerk shall be affixed to the original plat. The original plat shall then be returned to the applicant. One (1) copy shall be retained in the files of the planning and development department The approved final plat shall be recorded by the applicant in the public records of the Duval County, and one (1) copy of the final plat showing the certificate of the clerk of county circuit court shall be returned by the applicant to the planning and development department.

(f)

Standards. A final plat shall comply with the following standards.

(1)

Design standards.

a.

General. In addition to these regulations, a final plat shall conform to the comprehensive plan, the LDC, and any other applicable ordinances and code provisions of the City of Jacksonville Beach to ensure that future development is consistent with the vision, intent, and strategies of the comprehensive plan.

b.

Blocks. The length, width and shape of blocks shall be determined with regard to:

1.

The provisions of adequate building sites suitable to the particular needs of the type of use contemplated.

2.

Zoning requirements as to lot size and dimensions.

3.

Needs for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of traffic.

4.

Limitations and opportunities afforded by topography and other natural features.

c.

Sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be installed parallel to all arterial and collector-type streets as enumerated in the current transportation element of the comprehensive plan for the City of Jacksonville Beach. Sidewalks may be required to be installed on one (1) side of all new subdivision streets which meet the definition of an arterial or collector street. Required sidewalks shall be four-inch thick monolithic concrete with a maximum slope of one-quarter (¼) inch per foot. Detailed plans for any required sidewalks or urban trails shall be submitted with the engineering plans for the proposed subdivision.

d.

Curves. Where a deflection angle of more than ten (10) degrees in alignment of a street occurs, a curve of reasonably long radius shall be introduced. On all streets except subdivision streets, the centerline radius of curvature shall not be less than two hundred fifty (250) feet; on subdivision streets, it shall not be less than one hundred (100) feet.

e.

Dead-end streets. Streets designed to have one (1) end permanently closed shall be designed as a cul-de-sac, and shall provide at the closed end a turnaround with a right-of-way radius of not less than forty-five (45) feet. A "cul-de-sac" shall not be more than one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet in length. Turnarounds consistent with paving and turning radius requirements described herein shall be provided at all temporary dead ends.

f.

Easements and dedications. Easements and/or rights-of-way for public utilities shall be required for poles, wires, conduits, gas and water lines, sewers, and storm drainage facilities. Easements of a greater width may be required along or across lot lines where necessary for adequate drainage. Dedication or reservation of sites or areas for schools, parks and other public areas may be required if necessary to ensure consistency with the comprehensive plan.

g.

Lots. Lot dimensions and setbacks shall conform to the minimum standards established for the pertinent zoning district in article VI, zoning districts.

h.

Intersections. Streets shall be designed to intersect at right angles. Property lines adjoining street intersections shall be rounded with a radius sufficient to allow sidewalks within the street right-of-way.

i.

Streets. Street design standards shall be based upon the intended use as specified by their functional classification as described below:

Table 34-815.1

Street grades shall be determined in relation to drainage requirements. Street grades shall not exceed five (5) percent or be less than three-tenths of one (0.3) percent.

(2)

Required improvements.

a.

General. Required improvements may not be indicated on the final plat; however, conformance with these regulations in advance of any building permits is contingent upon the improvements listed in this division being accomplished by the subdivider and accepted by the city. The subdivider is also required to execute the appropriate agreements that guarantee against faulty workmanship or materials prior to approval of the final plat.

b.

Monuments. Permanent reference monuments (PRM's) or irons shall be set before the recording of the final plat and shown on the plat according to F.S. § 177.091(7), Permanent control points (PCP's) shall also be placed on the tract and designated on the plat according to F.S. § 177.091(8), The registered land surveyor for the proposed subdivision shall be responsible for furnishing the city manager and the Duval County Clerk with the dates PCPs were set in the ground.

c.

Street names. Proposed street names shall appear on the final plat. New streets that are extensions of existing streets shall bear the name of the existing street. In no case shall the name given to a new subdivision street duplicate an existing street name. The city reserves the right to approve and/or reject any proposed street name.

d.

Streets and stormwater management improvements. All construction and materials used to install streets and drainage shall conform to the latest edition of "Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction of the Florida Department of Transportation." Streets and drainage improvements shall meet the following minimum specification:

1.

Subgrade. Subgrade shall be stabilized to this strength in accordance with the specification of the Florida Department of Transportation.

2.

Pavement base construction. Base construction shall utilize only Florida limerock or other approved materials.

3.

Surfacing. Surfacing for residential streets shall be either asphaltic concrete or concrete installed to acceptable design standards for residential or commercial development.

4.

Dimensions. Minimum dimensions shall conform to the following table:

Table 34-815.2

5.

Street intersections. Acute angles occurring between streets at their intersection alignments shall be curved so that tangents to the curves shall intersect at right angles. Radii at intersections shall be a minimum of thirty (30) feet for residential streets and forty (40) feet for streets within industrial or commercial subdivisions.

6.

Stormwater management facilities. All stormwater management facilities shall be constructed to provide adequate conveyance, detention or retention of stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and to maintain any natural water courses consistent with the standards in section 34-771.

7.

Floodproofing. Where land is subject to periodic flooding, it shall comply with the standards in section 34-772.

e.

Water supply and sewage.

1.

The subdivision's sanitary sewer collection and potable water distribution lines shall be connected to the city's system. Sanitary sewer lines excluding service connections shall be eight (8) inches in diameter unless a larger size is stipulated by the city. Service lines shall be six (6) inches in diameter. Lift stations and sewers shall be designed and constructed in accordance with acceptable engineering standards and practices and shall be approved by the director of the public works department.

2.

The water supply lines in the subdivision shall be designed and constructed in accordance with acceptable engineering standards and practices and shall be approved by the director of public works department. Lateral water lines to single-family residences shall be one (1) inch in diameter. Lines to commercial and industrial subdivisions shall be designed to the approval of the director of the public works department.

3.

The water distribution system shall be designed to supply the necessary fire flow in quantity and pressure as stipulated by the National Board of Fire Underwriters for classification assigned to the City of Jacksonville Beach. Fire hydrants shall be required for all subdivisions and shall be located at each intersection or no further than five hundred (500) feet apart, whichever provides the closer spacing.

4.

The city shall reimburse the developer for the additional expense of constructing water and sewer improvements having a greater capacity than required by the development alone, when necessary to provide adequate service to areas outside the subdivision.

f.

Street name and traffic control signs.

1.

All street name and traffic control signs required for the development shall be provided and installed by the city. The cost of manufacturing or purchasing and installing the signs shall be reimbursed to the city by the developer.

2.

The design and placement of traffic signs shall follow state regulations or the requirements specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, published by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

3.

At least two (2) street name signs shall be placed at each four-way intersection, and one (1) at each "T" intersection. Signs shall be installed under light standards wherever possible, and be free of obstruction.

g.

Inspection of improvements. The City of Jacksonville Beach shall provide for inspection of required improvements during construction and ensure their satisfactory completion. If the required improvements are not found to meet the standards and specifications required herein, the subdivider shall be responsible for completing the improvements satisfactorily.

h.

Completion of improvements prior to recording of the final plat. All improvements shall be completed to the specifications set forth herein prior to recording of the final plat. The city is hereby automatically vested with the right to inspect the construction of improvements. In addition to inspection by the city of the improvements, a certification of completion from the project engineer shall be provided to the planning and development department in order to obtain approval to record the final plat.

i.

Warranty bond. Accompanying the request for acceptance of subdivision improvements for maintenance, the person, seeking approval shall furnish a good and sufficient bond from a bonding company acceptable to the city in an amount equivalent to the value of the improvements contained within the subdivision. This bond is to be furnished solely as a guarantee against faulty workmanship and materials. Said bond shall be submitted by the subdivider to the city and shall remain in force for a minimum of one (1) year following date of acceptance for maintenance of the subdivision streets, drainage system and appurtenances thereto. One (1) year after the date of acceptance for maintenance by the city council of all improvements required, the city shall release the warranty bond or that portion which remains after any faulty workmanship has been corrected.

j.

Surety bond. The subdivider shall have the option of furnishing the city with a surety bond payable to the city from a bonding company acceptable to the city and in an amount equivalent to one hundred (100) percent of the sum of engineering and constructing the improvements required under this article. If at the end of one (1) year from the time of acceptance of the bond by the city, the improvements have not been completed and approved, then the subdivider may request a time extension of no more than one (1) year. The city council shall determine whether to grant an additional time extension for completion or to revoke construction permits requiring forfeiture of the performance bond. Upon completion of the bonded improvements, the subdivider shall submit a request to the city council for acceptance of all public improvements and release of the performance bond. The request shall be made to the planning and development department at least ten (10) days preceding the city council meeting at which action is requested.