HomeMy WebLinkAbout02272004 1225 Main Street [] Sebastian, Florida 32958
Telephone (772) 589-5330 [] Fax (772) 589-5570
City Council Information Letter
February 27, 2004
Sebastian Stormwater Utility Master Plan
Full Approval by St. John's River Water Mana.qement District
Please find the attached memorandum as compiled and delivered by
Stormwater Utility Engineer Ken Jones, accompanied by a letter from St.
John's River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Environmental
Scientist Whit Green relative to the status of acceptance of the City of
Sebastian's Stormwater Utility Master Plan as approved by City Council in
2003. I am pleased to report that SJRWMD formally accepted the plan, as
well as offered a declaration that the City of Sebastian has met all
obligations with the agency as governed in our interagency project and
funding agreement first authorized a couple of years ago. As such,
SJRWMD has now agreed to work with the City towards implementing
projects and programs that will minimize storm water runoff activity in the
Indian River Lagoon and St. Sebastian River. In addition, this approval
positions our ability to procure long term grant funding opportunities with the
district, including procurement of the previously discussed Environmental
Protection Agency 319 Program.
Historic Preservation Plannin.q - Ordinance Development
As discussed during Wednesday evening's meeting relative to possible
introduction of a historic preservation land development codification, please
find the attached ordinance as delivered to my office earlier this week from
the City of Fort Pierce that outlines terms and conditions governing
respective activities in their community. I believe that Fort Pierce is the only
city on the Treasure Coast that has adopted such regulations, prompting me
to request a copy of their ordinance for our review and edification (although
the document is quite voluminous, it does contain various and interesting
provisions pertaining to overall preservation activities, including and
City Councillnformation Leffer
February27,2004
Page2
implementing establishment of a historic preservation board, as well as
regulations governing structural renovation and retention). As such, Tracy
Hass, Rich Stringer and I will convene in the next few days in an effort to
compile possible recommendations for our community. A presentation will
therefore be offered publicly in the coming weeks for your review and
consideration.
Charter Officer Agenda Transmittal Review and Execution
In response to direction as offered during Wednesday evening's meeting
relative to charter officer participation in the review of agenda transmittals
being prepared for City Council meetings, please be advised that all
departments were directed to incorporate appropriate time management
practices to help facilitate this enhanced review process. Agenda
transmittals from all departments are now required to be submitted to the
Office of the City Manager by no later than eight (8) days prior to any next
regularly scheduled City Council meeting (Tuesday afternoons, two days
before the Office of the City Clerk begins compilations of agenda packets).
By the close of business during respective Tuesdays, transmittals will be
forwarded to the Office of the City Attorney, whereby Rich will have the
ability to review each item. Meetings involving all three charter officers will
therefore take place each Thursday morning (six days before regular
meetings) beginning at 10 o'clock to collectively finalize this review exercise.
The attached modified agenda format sheet now includes signature sections
for both the City Clerk and City Attorney (in the upper right hand corner,
along with required signatures of respective department directors). This
practice will begin effective next week; to commence with your regularly
meeting scheduled to take place Wednesday March 10th.
Indian River County Community - Wide Needs Assessment
of Human Services Programs in the Community
Please find the attached letter as compiled and delivered by Joyce
Johnston-Carlson, Indian River County Director of Human Services
announcing the initiation of a community-wide Children's Services Advisory
Committee needs assessment. The purpose of this effort is to collaborate
with cities in Indian River County to define potential future programs to
accommodate the increasing youth population, as well as possibly establish
interagency service efforts accordingly. My office will likely host meetings
City Council Information Letter
February 27, 2004
Page 3
regarding this matter with representatives from Ms. Johnston-Carlson's
office in the near future. Respective discussion may therefore very well yield
a future City Council meeting for further public discussion regarding the
matter.
Enclosure(s):
Memorandum from Ken Jonss/Letter from Whit Green - SJRWMD Approval of Stormwster Master Plan
Revised Agenda Transmittal - Signature Line for City Attorney and City Clerk
Letter from Joyce Johnston-Carlson, Director of Human Services, Indian River County- Community-Wide Needs Assessment
Personal Copies - City of Fort Pierce Historic Preservation Ordinance
My Documents/In foLetter206
To: Terrence Moore, City Manager
CC: David Fisher, City Engineer z'Z)h
From: Kenneth W. Jones, Stormwater Engineer
Date: February 26, 2004
Re: SJRWMD Contract SD625AA
Development of a Stormwater Master Plan for the City of Sebastian
I have attached a copy of a letter from Whit Green of the St. John's River Water
Management District for your review which states the City has met all obligations of
the partnership to formulate the City's Master Stormwater Management Plan set forth
in Contract SD625AA.
The storm water system improvements presented in the Master Plan have been
recognized by SJRWMD and the district is satisfied that the plan "nearly meets all the
contractual runoff load reduction targets" identified.
SJRWMD is currently investigating the impacts of storm water ranoff and its effects
on salinity dependent fauna into the Indian River Lagoor~ Minimum salinity targets
may be established in the future as a result. The swale replacement/curb and gutter
systems implementation will likely require demonstration that additional runoff will
not be generated or will be handled to ensure that loading and flows to the Sebastian
River and/or Indian River Lagoon will not be increased as a result. To this end the
SJRWMD has agreed to work with City stafftoward the goal of replacing the existing
swales in a phased approach in order to not increase storm water runoff to the
Sebastian River.
This acceptance of the Master Plan by SJRWMD combined with the creation of our
own storm water utility now enables the City to pursue additional grant funding
opportunities with the district for project implementation.
St. Johns Riye, r
4049 Reid Street · RO. Box 1429 · Palatka, FL 32178-1429 · (386) 329-4500
February 17, 2004
Mr. Kenneth W. Jones, Stormwater Engineer
City of Sebastian
1225 Main Street
Sebastian, Florida 32958
RE: Contract SD625AA
Development of a Master Stormwater Management Plan
Dear Mr. Jones:
At your request, I am sending this letter to verify that the City has provided the requisite deliverables
outlined in its contract with the District. Specifically, the City's contractor, CDM, submi~ed Appendix K
to the master stormwater management plan, which addresses the retrofit of the City s existing canal
system to a wet detention treatment system. In doing so, CDM's model indicates that the City will
nearly meet all the contractual runoff Icad reduction targets. As such, the City has met all obligations
set forth in Contract SD625AA.
You further requested that the District endorse the referenced Master Stormwater Management and
Drainage Plan. Thdugh the City's contractual obligations have been met, there are elements within
the master stormwater plan pertaining to the city-wide replacement of swales with curb and gutter
drainage systems that could be a hindrance to meeting certain important water quality targets. Of
particular concern is the potential for increasing the volume of stormwater runoff being discharged
into the Sebastian River.
An increase in runoff volume could have detrimental effects on salinity dependent fauna within the
river as well as increasing the amount of light-attenuating constituents within the river and therefore
being discharged into the Indian River Lagoon. The District is currently in the process of assessing
the need for establishing minimum salinity targets within the Sebastian River and the affect that area
runoff has on meeting such targets. Untii this assessment is complete, we cannot fully endorse the
elements of the plan concerning wide-scale replacement of swales with curb and gutter drainage
systems, We do share your interest in working together on this and the other elements of the master
plan and hope to find a way to meet both of our goals.
GOVERNING BOARD
Duane Ottenstmer, CHAIRMAN Ometrias D. Long, vice CHAIRMAN Fl. Clay Albfight, SECRETARY David G. Graharn,TRF.~SUFER
W. Michael Branch John G. Sowinski William Kerr Ann T. Moore
FERNANDINA BEACH ORLANDO MELBOURNE BEACH BUNNELL
Sincerely,
Whit Green, Environmental Scientist
Division of Environmental Sciences
WG:svl
C:
I RL-Contract SD625AA
Troy Rice
David Fisher, City Engineer
Eric Grotke, CDM - Vero Beach
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
AGENDA TRANSMITI~AL
Subject:
Approved for Submittal by: City Manager
Terrence R. Moore
Agenda No.
Department Origin:
Purchasing/Contracting:
Finance Director:
City Attorney:
City Clerk:
Date Submitted:
For Agenda of:
Exhibits:
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED:
AMOUNT BUDGETED:
APPROPRIATION
REQUIRED:
SUMMARY
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Telephone: (7721 567-8000
February 20, 2004
City of Sebastian
Administration
1225 Main Street
Sebastian, Florida 32958
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
1840 25th Street, Veto Beach, Florida 32960-3365
Attention: Terrence Moore, City Manager
Re: Community-Wide Needs Assessment of Human Services
Dear Mr. Moore,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Indian River County Children's Services Advisory
Committee, who has been authorized by the Board of County Commissioners to contact
community representatives regarding their interest in participating in a community-wide, cradle to
grave, needs assessment.
In order to plan for services the Children's Services Advisory Committee conducts an
assessment of children's needs. Perhaps your agency also conducts a needs assessment, and
would be interested in participating in a collaboration to conduct this countywide needs
assessment. In working together we will be able to serve our own organizations in a cost
effective manner, and be able to develop a needs assessment that will more efficiently identify
duplications, or gaps, in services.
These are the topics we wish to discuss: · Details of the needs assessment process.
· Where your organization would fit into this process.
· Funding possibilities.
We will call to make an appointment.
Indian River County Human Services
F:\Human ServiceskMar/onWiy Documents\Needs Assessment Sub-Committee\CWNA - lntro Letter Final Draft 2-17.doc
ORDINANCE NO. K-72
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF O~DINANCES OF THE
CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; REPEALING ARTICLE 12 OF
C~APTER 22, CREATING CHAPTER 23; PROVIDING FOR THE
IDENTIFICATION, PROTECTION, AND PROMOTION OF
RESTORATION OF BUILDINGS AND DISTRICTS WITHIN THE CITY
WHICH HAN"E SPECIAL HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTI/RAL AND
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIG~RIFICANCE; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS;
PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF AND THE POWERS AND
DUTIES OF A HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD; PROVIDING
STANDARDS, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR DESIG~NATION
OF HISTORIC SITES, STRUCTURES AND DISTRICTS; PROVIDING
FOR THE ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS;
PROVIDING AN A~PEALS PROCESS; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY
FOR VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE; REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, structures of architectural, historic, cultural and
importance enhance the quality of life in the City of Fort Pierce,
as lessons of the past and examples of quality for today; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to enact measures designed to
aesthetic
serve
protect and preserve such significant
simultaneously promote the
in turn combats blight.
sites and structures and
of deteriorated buildings which
rehabilitation
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Commission of the City of Fort Pierce,
Florida, a municipal corporation, as follows:
SECTION 1:
hereby repealed
whatsoever.
SECTION 2:
Article 12 of Chapter 22 (Sections 22-175-22-230) is
so that the same shall have no further force or effect
Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances is hereby created
so that the same shall read hereinafter as follows:
Chapter 23. Preservation of Historic
Archaeological Sites, Structures and Districts
and
ARTICLE I - GENERALLY
Sec. 23-010. Short Title.
This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the
"Historic Preservation Ordinance."
Sec. 23-0tl. Scope of Regulations.
(a) This Chapter is intended to and shall govern and
be applicable to all property located in the
incorporated city limits of Fort Pierce, Florida.
(b) The historic preservation ordinance shall be
filed, and it shall address the following sections:
The establishment of a Historic Preservation Board
with powers and duties; the creation of a process to
designate individual sites, districts, and
archaeological zones; a process of review for issuing
certificates of appropriateness and an appeal process.
The City shall also submit the proposed ordinance to
the National Register of Historic Places for
certification by the National Register to be eligible
for the 1981 Economic Recovery Tax Act as amended.
Sec. 23-012. Purpose.
(a) The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the
health, safety, education, cultural and economic
welfare of the public by preserving and protecting
properties of historical, cultural, archaeological,
aesthetic and architectural merit which serve as
visual reminders of the City's cultural, social,
economic, political, scientific, religious, and
architectural history. Furthermore, it is the purpose
of this Chapter to strengthen the economy of the City
by stabilizing and improving property values in
historic areas, combat urban decay through
rehabilitation and revitalization, and to encourage
quality new construction and developments that are
harmonious with neighboring historic structures.
(b) In addition, the provisions of this Chapter will
assist the City and property owners to be eligible for
Federal tax incentives, Federal and State grant funds
and other potential property tax abatement programs
for the purpose of furthering historic preservation
activities, including but not limited to Florida
Statute ~193.503 and the National Register Program.
(C) It is also the purpose of this Chapter to foster
civic pride in the accomplishments of the past, to
protect and enhance the City's attraction to visitors,
and to promote the use of individual sites and
districts for the education, pleasure and welfare of
the people of the City of Fort Pierce.
Sec. 23-013. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in
this Chapter, shall have the meaning subscribed to
them in this section, except where the contexts
clearly indicates a different meaning:
Addition means a construction project physically
connected to the exterior of a historic building.
Alteration means any change effecting the exterior
appearance of an existing improvement by additions,
reconstruction, ~emodeling or maintenance involving
change in color, form, texture or materials, or any
such changes in appearance of specially designated
interiors.
Applicant means any individual or group who provides
sufficient written information to the Department to
ascertain that the property meets the minimum
eligibility requirements for local historic
designation.
Archaeological Site means a single specific location
which has yielded or is likely to yield information on
local history or pre- history. Archaeological sites
may be found within historic sites or historic
districts.
Archaeological Zone means a geographically defined
area, designated pursuant to this Chapter, which may
reasonably be expected to yield information on local
history or pre- history based upon broad pre-historic
or historic settlement patterns and including, but not
limited to, items such as clothing, buckles, pottery
and housewares.
Board means the Historic Preservation Board as created
in this Chapter.
Building means a structure designed to stand
permanently and intended for use, occupancy or
ornamentation.
Certificate of Appropriateness means a written
document, issued pursuant to this Chapter, permitting
specified alterations, demolition, new construction,
or other work to a designated historic site or for a
building within a designated historic district.
Certificate to Dig A type of certificate of
appropriateness that gives the Board's permission for
certain excavation projects that may involve the
discovery of as yet unknown or known archaeological
sites in an archaeological zone.
Certificate of Recognition means a certificate issued
by the Board recognizing properties designated
pursuant to this Chapter.
Certified Local Government A government satisfying the
requirements of the United States National Historic
Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 (P.L. 96-515) and
the implementing of regulations of the U.S. Department
of the Interior and the State of Florida. A government
which is certified will review all nominations to the
National Register of Historic Places within its
jurisdiction prior to reviews at the state and federal
levels.
Contributing Building, Site, or Structure is one that
adds to the historic architectural qualities, historic
associations, or archaeological values for which a
property is significant because a) it was present
during the period of significance, and possesses
historic integrity reflecting its character at that
time or is capable of yielding important information
about the period, or b}it independently meets the
National Register criteria.
District A collection of archaeological sites,
buildings, structures, landscape features or other
improvements that are concentrated in the same area
and have been designated as a district pursuant to
this Chapter.
Demolition means the act or process of wrecking,
destroying or removing any building or structure.
Department means the Planning and
Department of the City of Fort Pierce.
Development
Designated Exterior means all outside surfaces of any
improvement listed in the designation report as having
significant value to the historic character of the
building or district.
Designation Report means a document prepared by the
Department for all properties or districts which are
proposed for local historic designation. The
Designation Report includes the boundaries of the
proposed historic property or district, a summary of
its historic significance, and contains location maps
and describes the physical characteristics of the
property or district.
Excavation means the removal of earth from its
original position.
Exterior means all outside surfaces of any building or
structure.
Fort Pierce Register of Historic Places means a
listing of the properties within the City that have
been designated as historic sites or districts by
action of the City Commission.
Historic Site means any culturally, historically, or
architecturally significant property, building,
structure, landscape feature, improvement, or
archeological site that has been designated as a
historic site pursuant to procedures described in this
Chapter.
Historic District means a geographically defined area
5
possessing a significant concentration, linkage or
continuity of structures, improvements or landscape
features united by historic events or aesthetically by
plan or physical development, and which area has been
designated as a Historic District pursuant to
procedures described in this Chapter. Such District
may have within its boundaries non-contributing
buildings or other structures that, while not of such
historic and/or architectural significance to be
individually designated, nevertheless contribute to
the overall visual character of the district.
Historic Survey means the results of a systematic
process of identifying significant buildings, sites
and structures through visual inspection and research
in the Florida Master Site File maintained by the
Florida Department of State, Division of Historical
Resources, Tatlahassee, Florida.
Improvement means any building, structure, fence,
gate, wall, walkway, driveway, park, light fixture,
bench, fountain, sign, work of art, earth works, or
other man-made objects constituting a physical
improvement of real property, or any part of such
improvement.
Landscape Feature means any improvement or vegetation
including, but not limited to, outbuildings, walls,
courtyards, fences, shrubbery, trees, sidewalks,
planters, plantings, gates, street furniture and
exterior lighting.
Multiple Property Nomination means a group of related
significant properties which share common themes, and
are organized by historic context and property types.
National Register of Historic Places means a Federal
listing maintained by the United States Department of
the Interior of buildings, sites, structures, objects
and districts which have obtained a quality of
significance as determined by the Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.
Non-Contributing Building, Site or Structure is one
that does not add to the historic architectural
qualities, historic associations, or archaeological
values for which a property is significant because a)
it was not present during the period of significance,
6
b) due to alterations, disturbances, additions, or
other changes, it no longer possesses historic
integrity reflecting its character at that time or is
incapable of yielding important information about the
period, or c) it does not independently meet the
National Register criteria.
Ordinary Maintenance or Repair means any work for
which a building permit is not required by law, where
the purpose and effect of such work is to correct any
physical deterioration or damage of an improvement or
any part thereof by restoring it as nearly as
practical, to /ts appearance prior to the occurrence
of such deterioration or damage.
Preservation the act or process of applying measures
necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and
materials of a historic property.
Reconstruction means the act or process of depicting,
by means of new construction the form, features, and
detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape,
building, structure or object for the purpose of
replicating its appearance at a specific period of
time and in its historic location.
Rehabilitation means the act or process of -~naking
possible a compatible use for a property through
repair, alterations, and additions while preserving
those portions or features which convey its
historical, cultural, or architectural values.
Relocation means the act of preserving a historic
structure which cannot remain on its existing site by
physically moving it to a new location.
Restoration means the act or process of accurately
depicting the form, features, and character of a
property as it appeared at a particular period of
time, by means of the removal of features from other
periods in its history and reconstruction of missing
features from the restoration period.
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Buildings refers to The
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for
Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing
Historic Properties, as revised, which provides
professional standards for preserving and protecting
all cultural resources eligible for listing in the
National Register of Historic Places.
Structure means a combination of materials to form a
construction for use, occupancy, or ornamentation,
whether installed on, above, or below the surface of
land or water.
Undue Economic Hardship means a financial burden that
would amount to the taking of property without just
compensation, or failure to achieve a reasonable
economic return in the case of income producing
properties.
ARTICLE II - HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
Sec. 23-014. Appointment, Duties of Officer
The City Manager shall appoint a person to serve as
Historic Preservation Officer to assist the Historic
Preservation Board. The appointee shall be
experienced with, and knowledgeable in, architectural
history, urban design, local history, landscape
materials, site planning and land use regulations.
The Historic Preservation Officer shall:
Schedule meetings of the Historic Preservation
Board, prepare agendas for the Board meetings,
and ensure that proper notice is given to the
public for all regular and special Historic
Preservation Board meetings and hearings.
PrePare designation reports which establish and
define the historic significance and character of
the proposed designated historic sites and
historic districts and all other items as
described in Sec. 23-036, et seq., for
designation reports under this Chapter, and make
recommendations to the Board regarding
designation status of those properties.
Prepare National Register of Historic Places
Nominations.
o
10.
11.
Provide advice, standards, guidelines and
procedures for the designation of historic sites
and historic districts, and to applicants for
certificates of appropriateness.
Upon receipt of a complete application for a
certificate of appropriateness for a designated
hissoric site and for properties within a
historic district, review such application, which
may include a field check of the site and
referral to other departments or agencies as
necessary to determine any adverse effect upon
the public welfare, and make approval/denial
recommendations to the Board.
Maintain and update an official inventory and map
delineating historic sites and photographs to
document all officially designated historic sites
and historic districts.
Prepare summary reports of all decisions on
applications for certificates of appropriateness
for designated historic sites and historic
districts including criteria and conditions for
approval or denial.
Review all final development plans for designated
historic sites and historic districts, for
compliance with terms and conditions of
applicable certificates of appropriateness, prior
to issuance of any building permit.
Issue all certificates of recognition for newly
designated historic sites, and issue all approved
certificates of appropriateness for designated
historic sites and for properties within historic
districts.
Work with other City departments, Public Agencies
and Private Groups as required to provide a
continuing effort to protect and preserve
significant elements of the man-made and the
natural environment through public education and
encouragement of preservation policies.
Serve as the Certified Local Government
Coordinator between the Historic Preservation
Board and the Florida Division of Historical
9
12.
13.
Resources, Bureau of Historic Preservation.
Promote the awareness of
and its community benefits
and to school children
materials, guidebooks,
brochures, educational
lectures,
historic preservation
to the general public
through promotional
tours, informational
tools, workshops,
and presentations.
Apply for preservation awards, grants, and
actively participate in other preservation
programs such as the Florida Historic Marker
Program, administered by the Florida Division of
Historical Resources, Bureau of Historic
Preservation.
Sec. 23-015-020. Reserved.
ARTICLE III - HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
Sec. 23-021. Established.
A Historic Preservation Board is hereby created and
established in and for the City. The Board is hereby
vested with the power, authority and jurisdiction to
recommend designations, regulate and administer
historical, cultural, archaeological and architectural
resources in Fort Pierce, Florida, as prescribed by
this Chapter under the direct jurisdiction and
legislative control of the City Commission.
Sec. 23-022. Composition, qualification of members.
(a) The Historic Preservation Board shall consist of
no fewer than seven (7) members appointed by the City
Commission. To the extent available within the City,
the Commission shall appoint professional members from
the disciplines of architecture, history,
architectural history, planning, archaeology, real
estate, law, engineering, construction, or any other
historic preservation related disciplines such as
urban planning, American studies, American
civilization, cultural geography and cultural
anthropology. Alternatively, to the extent that
10
professional individuals in such disciplines are not
available, there may instead be appointed lay
individuals that have substantial experience,
interest, or knowledge in the fields mentioned above.
b) It is the intent of this section that members of
the Board shall be appointed on the basis of civic
pride, integrity, and interest in the field of
Historic Preservation. Board members shall be persons
of mature and ethical judgment and background, having
the ability and desire to act in the public interest
and having the ability to make and form an equitable
decision concerning the preservation and protection of
the cultural environment.
(c) Each member of the Board shall be a resident of
the City or operate a business in the City during the
term of appointment and shall be appointed to a term
of three (3) years. Members shall hold office until
their successors have been duly appointed and
qualified.
(d) Special advisers may be appointed by the City
Commission upon recommendation by the Historic
Preservation Board. The Board may also seek expertise
on proposals or matters requiring evaluation by a
profession not represented on the Board.
Sec. 23-023. Appointment procedure.
Prior to the appointment of any Board member, the City
shall publish a notice concerning the opening in a
newspaper of general circulation in the City so as to
solicit qualified and interested individuals.
Vacancies shall be filled within sixty (60) days
except that an extension of si~ty (60) additional days
may be requested of the State Historic Preservation
Office. Appointments will be made by the City
Commission after recommendations have been made by the
Historic Preservation Officer.
Sec. 23-024. Terms.
(a) The initial terms of three (3) of the first seven
(7) appointees shall expire two years following
appointment. The initial terms of the remaining
11
appointees shall be for a full, three (3) year term.
Members shall be eligible for reappointment. Ail
appointments after the board is first established
shall be for a three year term.
(b) Any member may be removed for cause by a
majority vote of the City Commission. Appointments
for replacement of any member due to death,
resignation or removal shall be made by the City
Commission for the un-expired term. Upon failure of
a board member, without excuse, to attend three (3)
consecutive meetings, the Commission may declare the
membership vacant and shall arrange for a new
appointment.
Sec. 23-025. Organization.
The members of the Historic Preservation Board shall
elect members to serve as board chair and vice chair,
for a period of one (1) year. The Board may also
create and fill such other offices as it may deem
desirable. Nothing shall prevent the board from naming
a chair for successive terms. The Historic
Preservation Officer or such Officer's representative
shall serve as staff liaison to the Board with no
vote. A Secretary may be present to record minutes,
take roll, swear in speakers at public hearings, and
shall also have no vote.
Sec.
(a)
23-026. Meetings, Records.
Meetings. The Historic Preservation Board shall
be required to hold regular meetings but may also
hold special meetings as the board may determine,
or at the call of the Chair or the Officer
thereof, for consideration of business before the
Board. The Board shall hold a minimum of four
(4) regular meeting per year. All meetings of
the Board shall be publicly announced and shall
be open to the public. Meetings will have a
previously advertised agenda. The time and place
of the meetings, and the order of business and
procedure to be followed at meetings, shall be as
prescribed by the Board, and shall be available
for public inspection.
12
(c)
Voting. Ail Board decisions will be made in a
public forum. A majority of the Board shall
constitute a quorum and an affirmative vote equal
to a majority of the full Board shall be
necessary for the adoption of any motion thereof.
No member of the Board shall vote on any matter
that may'affect the property, income or business
interests of that member. Any member who abstains
from voting due to a conflict of interest shall
not be considered as part of the total membership
for that vote.
Minutes. The Board shall keep minutes and records
of all meetings and proceedings including voting
records, attendance, resolutions, findings,
determinations and decisions. Such records shall
be filed in the office of the secretary of the
Board and shall be open for public inspection.
Sec. 23-027. Compensation.
The members of the Historic Preservation Board shall
serve without compensation. When necessary, persons
serving on the Board may attend educational meetings
or workshops to develop a special interest, expertise,
experience or knowledge in preservation, architecture,
or quasi-judicial boards. Board members may be
reimbursed for these expenses, and for other expenses
necessarily incurred in the performance of their
duties, subject to the prior approval of .the City
Manager.
Sec. 23-028. Funding.
The City Commission shall appropriate funds in the
budget to the Historic Preservation Board for expenses
necessary in the conduct of its work. The Historic
Preservation Board may, in order to accomplish the
purposes and activities required by this Chapter,
recommend to the City Manager to expend all sums so
appropriated and other sums made available for use
from fees, gifts, state or federal grants and other
sources, provided acceptance of loans or grants shall
be approved by the City Commission.
13
Sec. 23-029. Rules and Regulations.
The Historic Preservation Board shall make and
prescribe such rules and regulations as are reasonably
necessary and appropriate for the proper conduct of
business. No such rules and regulations shall become
effective unless or until a public hearing has been
held before the Board upon the proposed rules and
regulations, and any amendments or modifications
thereto, and the same has been approved by the City
Commission and filed with the City Clerk. Upon
approval by the City Commission, such rules and
regulations shall have the force and effect of law
within the City. The Historic Preservation Officer,
with advise and consent of the board, shall devise
forms for use by applicants in compliance with the
provisions of this Chapter.
Sec. 23-030. Functions, Powers and Duties.
The Historic Preservation Board, in addition to such
other' powers, duties and authority as may be set forth
elsewhere in this code or in any other ordinance of
the City, shall have the following powers and duties:
Maintain and update files from any previous
historic survey within the City for the purpose
of identifying those sites, districts and zones
of special historic, aesthetic, architectural,
archaeological, cultural, or social value or
interest. The Board shall endeavor to improve
and expand the survey with additional sites,
documentary information, oral histories, and
other such materials as may become available; and
to periodically re-evaluate the survey to
determine whether changing times and values
warrant recognition of new or different areas of
significance.
Recommend to the City Commission properties for
designation as historic sites and historic
districts, and monitor the administration and
upkeep of the local register of historic sites
and historic districts.
As a Certified Local Government, participate in
the National Register Program for properties
do
so
go
within its jurisdiction as directed by the Code
of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 61, and
provisions of this Chapter.
Serve as a quasi-judicial instrument to approve
or deny certificates of appropriateness pursuant
to Article V of this Chapter.
Recommend zoning and building code amendments,
pursuant to Section 22-58(b).
Recommend as appropriate that certain provisions
of the zoning code be varied, waived, or
superseded when appropriate as a means of
encouraging historic preservation.
Make recommendations to the City Commission
concerning facade easements and the imposition of
other restrictions, and the negotiations of
historical property contracts for the purposes of
historic preservation.
Maintain a record of historically or
archaeologically significant sites, districts or
zones within the City. All inventory materials
shall be compatible with the Florida Master Site
File. Inventory materials shall be available to
the public upon request, and copies of inventory
materials shall be provided to the State Historic
Preservation Office.
Increase public awareness of the value of
historic preservation by developing and
participating in public information programs.
Make recommendations to the City Commission
concerning the utilization of grants from Federal
and State agencies or private groups and
individuals, and utilization of City funds to
promote the preservation of archaeologically,
historically and aesthetically significant sites,
districts and zones.
Evaluate and comment upon decisions of other
public agencies affecting the physical
development and appearance of archeologically,
historically and aesthetically significant sites,
districts and zones.
15
po
So
Contact public and private organizations and
individuals and endeavor to arrange intervening
agreements to ensure preservation of
archaeologically, historically or aesthetically
significant sites, districts and zones for which
demolition or destruction is proposed.
In the name of the City, and subject to and with
the approval of the City Commission, apply for,
solicit, receive or expend any federal, state, or
private grant, gift or bequest of any funding,
property or interest in property, in furtherance
of the purposes of historic, archaeological, and
cultural preservation.
Approve historic markers and plaques and issue
certificates of recognition to designated
historic sites and historic districts within the
City.
Advise the City Commission on all matters related
to the use, administration and maintenance of
City-owned designated historic sites and historic
districts.
Consider the issuance of Design Guidelines for
Historic Properties and Districts to be used in
addition to the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards of Rehabilitation.
Recommend if and when appropriate to the
Commission that the Commission consider adoption
of an ordinance allowing ad valorem tax
exemptions to historic properties, subject to
requirements of this Chapter and Florida Statute
~196.1997.
Recommend if and when appropriate to the
Commission that the Commission consider adoption
of an ordinance providing for the assessment of
historic properties that are used for commercial
or certain nonprofit purposes, as provided by
Florida Statute ~193.503.
Coordinate with the StaSe of Florida's Division
of Historical Resources Certified Local
Government program by satisfying the following
16
requirements:
(1)
The Division shall be given thirty (30) days
prior notice of all meetings and within
thirty (30) days following such meetings the
Division shall be provided with the minutes
and record of attendance of both the Board
and the public.
(2)
The Division shall be notified of any change
of Board members within thirty (30) days of
their appointment.
(3)
Notify the State Historic Preservation
Officer immediately of all new historic
designations or alterations to existing
designations.
(4)
Any amendments to the ordinance shall be
submitted to the State Historic Preservation
Officer for review and comment at least
thirty (30) days prior to adoption.
(5)
The Division of Historical Resources shall
be provided with an annual report by
November 1 covering activities of the
previous October 1 through September 30 and
shall include the following information:
(a) Any changes in the Board's Rules of
Procedure;
(b) Ail new National Register listings;
(c) All new local historic designations
and alterations to existing
designations;
(d)
Any changes to Board memberships and a
copy of their resumes;
(e) Revised resumes of Board members as
appropriate;
(f) Any amendments to this Chapter;
(g) A review of survey and inventory
activity with a description of the
17
system used;
(h) A program report on each
assisted activity; and
(i) Number of projects reviewed.
grant-
Sec. 23-031-035. Reserved.
ARTICLE IV - DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC SITES
Sec. 23-036. Criteria.
(1) Consistent with the criteria established by the
National Register of Historic Places, the Board shall
recommend for designation places, buildings,
structures, landscape features, archaeological sites
and other improvements as individual sites, districts
or archaeological zones that are significant in Fort
Pierce's history, architecture, archaeology or culture
and possess integrity of location, design, setting,
materials, workmanship or association; and meets one
(1) or more of the following criteria:
(a) (Significant Event) Are associated with
events that have made significant contributions to the
pattern of history in the community, St. Lucie County,
the State or the Nation; or
(b} (Significant Person) Are associated with the
lives of persons significant in our past; or
(c) (Architectural Significance) Embodies the
distinctive characteristics of an architectural type,
period, style or method of construction; or the work
of a prominent designer or builder; or contains
elements of design, detail, materials, or
craftsmanship of outstanding quality; or that
represents a significant innovation or adaptation to
the South Florida environment; or represents a
distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction; or
(d) (Archaeological Significance) Have yielded,
or are likely to yield information in history or
18
prehistory; or
(e) Is listed
Historic Places; or
in the National Register of
(f) (Aesthetic Significance) Is a part of or
related to a landscape, park, environmental feature or
other distinctive area, and should be developed or
preserved according to a plan based upon a historic,
cultural, or architectural motif; or because of its
prominent or spacial location, contrast of siting,
age, or scale is an easily identifiable visual feature
of a neighborhood or the city and contributes to the
distinctive quality of such neighborhood or the city.
(2) For a Multiple Property Nomination, eligibility
will be based on the establishment of historic
contexts, or themes which describe the historical
relationship of the properties.
(3) Criteria Considerations.
Ordinarily cemeteries, birth places, or graves of
historical figures, properties owned by religious
institutions or used for religious purposes,
structures which have been moved from their original
locations, reconstructed historic buildings,
properties primarily commemorative in nature and
properties that have achieved significance within the
past fifty (50) years shall not be considered eligible
for the Fort Pierce Register of Historic Places.
However, such properties will qualif~ if they are
integral parts of districts which do meet the criteria
or if they fall within the following categories:
(a) a building or structure removed from its original
location but which is significant primarily for
architectural value, or which is the surviving
structure most importantly associated with a historic
person or event; or
{b} a birthplace or grave of a historical figure of
outstanding importance if there is no appropriate site
or building directly associated with his or her
productive life; or
(c) a cemetery which derives its primary significance
from graves of persons of transcendent importance,
19
from age, from distinctive design features, or from
association with historic events; or
(d) a reconstructed building when accurately executed
in a suitable environment and presented in a dignified
manner as part of a restoration master plan and no
other building or structure with the same association
has survived; or
(e) a property primarily commemorative in intent if
design, age, tradition, or symbolic value has
invested it with its own exceptional significance; or
(f) a property achieving significance within the past
fifty (50) years if it is of exceptional importance;
or
(g} a religious property deriving primary significance
from architectural or artistic distinction or
historical importance.
Sec. 23-037. Procedure for Historic Designation.
Properties which meet the criteria for local historic
sites and local historic districts set forth in
Section 22-157 shall be designated according to the
following procedures:
(1) Petition of the Owner. The owner(s) of any
property in Fort Pierce may petition this Board for
designation of their property as an individual site,
district or archaeological zone by submitting a
Preliminary Application for Historic Designation to
the Historic Preservation Officer. Nothing in this
subsection shall be deemed to restrict the power of
the Board to initiate the designation process pursuant
to this section. If the Board is initiating
designation, the preliminary application may be
submitted concurrently with the full application at
the public hearing.
(2) Directive of the Board. The Board shall either
accept or deny the application. By accepting the.
application the Board must set a date for a public
hearing and shall direct staff to complete the
designation report and notify the proper parties of
the public hearing.
2O
(3) Designation Reports. Prior to the designation of
an individual site, a district, or an archaeological
zone, an investigation and designation report must be
prepared by the Historic Preservation Officer and
filed with the Board. Ail reports must address the
following:
(a) Legal description of the property;
(b) the historical, cultural, architectural or
archaeological significance of the property or how the
property fulfills the criteria for designation;
(c) Boundaries for individual historic sites and
a recommendation of boundaries for districts and
archaeological zones. When a district is recommended,
the report must identify those properties which are
not historically or architecturally contributing to
the district. District boundaries should be drawn to
include properties which individually do not
contribute to the historic character of the district,
but which require regulation in order to control
potentially adverse influences on the character and
integrity of the district. The standards for
regulating such non-contributing properties shall
provide that a certificate of appropriateness shall be
required for alterations and new construction on such
properties.
(d) Zoning Regulations. Every historic site and
historic district designation report may include
detailed zoning regulations made to be compatible with
its designation. Such regulations may be designed to
supplant or modify any element of existing zoning
regulations, including but not limited to use, floor
area, ratio, density, height, set-backs, parking,
minimum lot size and transfer of development rights,
or create any additional regulations provided for in
this section. The zoning amendment may identify
individual properties, improvements, landscape
features, or sites or categories of properties,
improvements, landscape features or sites for which
different regulations, standards and procedures may be
required.
(e) Ail reports shall take into consideration
current conditions of the property and how the owners
have maintained the property.
21
(f) The report shall also contain a location map
and photographs of all exterior surfaces (and interior
if applicable).
(g) Optional Designation of Interiors. Normally
interior spaces shall not be subject to regulation
under this section; however, in cases of existing
structures having exceptional architectural, artistic
or historical importance, interior spaces which are
customarily open to the public may be specifically
designated. The Designation Report shall describe
precisely those features subject to review and shall
set forth standards and guidelines for such
regulations.
(h) Designation reports shall also include a copy
of any survey materials related to such property, the
property appraiser's records of such property, and a
copy of the Public Hearing newspaper advertisement.
(i) Moratorium. Upon the filing of a designation
report by the staff, the owner(s) of the real property
which is the subject matter of the designation report
or any individual or private or public entity shall
not:
Erect any structure on the subject property.
2. Alter, restore, renovate, move or demolish any
structure on the subject property until such time as
final administrative action, as provided by this
Chapter is completed.
(4) Notifications.
a. Notification of owners. For each proposed
designation of a historic site or historic district,
the Board is responsible for mailing a copy of the
designation report and a notice of public hearing to
all property owners of record whose properties are
located within the boundaries of the designation. This
notice shall serve as notification of the intent of
the Board to consider designation of the property at
least fifteen (15) days prior to a public hearing held
pursuant to this section.
b. Notification of public hearing. For each historic
22
site and historic district proposed for designation,
a public hearing shall be held within sixty (60) days
from the date a designation report has been presented
to the board. Such notice shall be given by publishing
a copy thereof in a newspaper of general circulation
in the city and the county at least ten (10) days
prior to the hearing. Ail interested persons shall be
given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing
on the proposed designation.
c. Notification to Community Redevelopment Agency.
Upon initial receipt of a proposal for designation,
notification of such proposal shall be furnished to
the Coramunity Redevelopment Agency in the event the
proposal involves properties within the existing
Conununity Redevelopment Area. The Community
Redevelopment Agency may submit comments or make
recommendations to the Historic Preservation Board
concerning the designation of such property prior to
the date of the public hearing.
d. Notification shall also be given to the Building
and Code Department, City of Fort Pierce.
(5) Decision of the Board. Within seven (7) days of
a public hearing on a proposed individual site or
archaeological zone, the Board shall make a decision
to approve, deny or amend the proposed designation and
shall forward their recommendation to the City
Commission for final approval.
(6) For the designation of a district, or for the
designation of individual sites that require a
modification or variance in the zoning, the Board must
first send its recommendations to the Planning and
Zoning Board for their review. The Planning and Zoning
Board shall then send their recommendations along with
the Preservation Board's to the City Commission for
final approval.
(7) The City Coramission shall either approve, deny or
approve with conditions the designation, and shall
designate the property by resolution. The following
parties shall be notified of its actions with a copy
of the resolution:
1. The Building and Code Department;
23
2. The City Clerk, so that they may provide the
resolution to the Circuit Clerk of the Courts Office
for the purpose of recording such designation in the
public record;
3. Owner(s)
parties having an
and
of the affected property and other
interest in the property, if known;
4. Appropriate County and State Officials for
Certified Local Government requirements.
(8) Amendment or rescission. The City Commission may
amend or rescind'any designation provided it complies
with the same manners and procedures used in the
original designation.
(9) Appeal of Designation. A party aggrieved by a
designation decision may appeal such decision to the
City Commission in the manner provided for in this
Chapter.
Sec. 23-038. Nominations to the National Register of
Historic Places.
As part of the duties under the certified local
government program, the Historic Preservation Board
shall receive all nominations of local property to the
National Register of Historic Places following the
regulations of the State Historic Preservation Office.
(a) The Board shall give notice to the owner of the
property at least thirty (30) days but not more than
seventy-five (75) days prior to the Historic
Preservation Board meeting at which the nomination
will be considered. The Board shall also obtain a
written opinion from the mayor and the chairman of the
City Commission as to whether or not each property
should be nominated to the National Register, and
these recommendations shall be given to the Board
within thirty (30) days.
(b) The Board shall obtain comments from the public
that shall be included in the report making a
recommendation. Objections to being listed in the
National Register by property owners must be notarized
and filed with the Historic Preservation Office.
24
Within thirty (30) days after its meeting the Board
shall forward to the State Historic Preservation
Officer its action on the nomination and the
recommendations of the local officials. Appropriate
local officials, the owner and the applicant shall be
notified of the Board's action.
(c) The State Historic Preservation Officer will take
further steps on the nomination in accordance with
federal and state regulations. If either the Board or
the local officials or both support the nomination,
the State Historic Preservation Officer will schedule
the nomination for consideration by the state review
board for the National Register at its next regular
meeting. If both the Board and the local officials
recommend that a property not be nominated to the
National Register, the State Historic Preservation
Officer will take no further action on the nomination
unless an appeal is filed with the State Historic
Preservation Officer.
Sec. 23-039-040. Reserved.
ARTICLE V - CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Sec. 23-041. Required.
No building, structure, improvement, landscape
feature, or site within the City, which has been
designated a historic site or historic district, shall
be erected, altered, restored, rehabilitated,
excavated, moved or demolished until an application
for a certificate of appropriateness regarding any
features, landscape features, or site improvements has
been submitted and approved pursuant to the procedures
in this Chapter. Features shall include, but not be
limited to, the architectural style, scale, massing,
siting, general design and general arrangement of the
exterior of the building or structure, including the
type, style and color of roofs, windows, doors and
appurtenances. Architectural features shall include
when applicable, interior spaces where interior
designation has been given pursuant to this Chapter.
Landscape features and site improvement~ shall
include, but shall not be limited to, site re-grading,
subsurface alterations, fill, paving, landscaping,
25
walls, fences, courtyards, signs and exterior
lighting. No certificate of appropriateness shall be
approved unless architectural plans for such
construction, alterations, excavation, restoration,
rehabilitation, relocation or demolition are approved
by the Historic Preservation Board.
Sec. 23-042. Forms and Fees.
Applications for certificates of appropriateness must
be made on forms approved and provided by the Historic
Preservation Board and must be submitted with a $10
processing fee (payable to the City) to the Historic
Preservation Officer.
Sec. 23-043. Delegation of review authority.
The Historic Preservation Board may delegate to the
Historic Preservation Officer the authority to review
and grant certificates of appropriateness without
referral to the Board and without a public hearing in
the case of certain applications which the Board shall
determine in advance.
Sec. 23-044. Pre-application Conference.
Before submitting an application for a certificate of
appropriateness, an applicant may confer, at such
applicant's.election, with the Historic Preservation
Officer to obtain information and guidance before
entering into binding commitments or incurring
substantial expense in the preparation of plans,
surveys and historic data. The purpose of such
conference is to further discuss and clarify
preservation objectives and design guidelines. In no
case, however, shall any statement or representation
made prior to completion of official application
review be binding on the City.
Sec. 23-045. Guidelines For Review and Issuance.
The U.S. Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties are hereby adopted as
the standards by which applications for any
26
certificate of appropriateness are to be measured and
evaluated. In adopting these guidelines, it is the
intent of this Chapter to promote the proper
maintenance, restoration, preservation,
rehabilitation, or reconstruction appropriate to the
property, and compatible contemporary designs which
are harmonious with the exterior architectural and
landscape features of neighboring buildings, sites and
streetscapes. From time to time, the Board may adopt
additional standards to preserve and protect special
features unique to the City. Based on the Secretary of
the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties, the designation report, a complete
application, any additional plans, drawings,
photographs, and samples of materials to fully
describe the proposed project, the Historic
Preservation Board may approve or deny the application
for a certificate of appropriateness.
Sec. 23-046. Time Limit and Decision of Board.
The Historic Preservation Board shall act upon an
application within sixty (60) days of receipt of a
completed application, unless it is a certificate
which may be issued by the Historic Preservation
Officer, in which case the certificate may be issued
within ten (10) days. The Board shall approve, approve
in modified form, or deny an application. The Board
may suspend action on the application for a period not
to exceed thirty (30) days in order to seek technical
advice from outside its members or to meet further
with the applicant to revise or modify the
application. The findings of the Board shall be mailed
to the applicant within ten (10) days of the Board's
decision accompanied by a statement in full regarding
the Board's decision. In the event the Board denies
any completed application the applicant may appeal the
Board's decision to the City Commission in the manner
provided for in this Chapter.
Sec. 23-047. Records.
The decision of the Historic Preservation Board shall
be issued in writing. Evidence of approval of the
application shall be the issuing of a certificate of
appropriateness by the Board or the Board's
designated staff to the applicant. Notice in writing
27
of the Board's decision shall be given to the
applicant and the Director of the Department of
Development. When an application is denied, the
Board's notice shall provide an adequate written
explanation of its decision. The Board shall keep a
written record showing its action on each question
considered.
Sec. 23-048. Changes in approved work.
Any change in work proposed subsequent to the issuance
of a certificate of appropriateness shall be reviewed
by the Board's staff.
the proposed change
historic character,
accord with approved
certificate that was
If the Board's staff finds that
does not materially affect the
or the proposed change is in
guidelines, standards, and the
previously approved, staff may
approve the change and amend the current certificate
of appropriateness. If the proposed change is not in
accordance with guidelines, standards, or the
certificate of appropriateness previously approved by
the Board, a new certificate of appropriateness shall
be required.
Sec. 23-049. Demolition.
Review of any certificate of appropriateness for
demolition shall be in accordance with criteria set
forth in this Section. Denial of an application for
demolition shall be evidenced by written order
detailing the public interest which is sought to be
preserved.
(a) The Board may grant a certificate of
appropriateness to demolish with a deferred effective
date of up to eighteen (18) months from the date of
the Board's decision at a public hearing. The
effective date shall be determined by the Board based
upon the relative significance of the structure and
the probable time required to arrange a possible
alternative to demolition. During the demolition
deferral period, the Board may take such steps as it
deems necessary to preserve the structure in
accordance with the purposes of this Chapter. Such
steps may include, but shall not be limited to,
consultation with civic groups, public agencies and
28
interested persons, recommendations for acquisition of
property by public or private bodies or agencies, and
exploration of the possibility of moving one or more
structures or other features. After the specified
expiration date of the deferred certificate of
appropriateness a demolition permit shall be issued if
requested by the applicant.
(b) In connection with any certificate of
appropriateness for demolition of buildings or
improvements the Board may encourage the salvage and
preservation of building materials or architectural
details and ornaments, fixtures and the like for reuse
in restoration of other historic properties. The
Board may also require, at the owner's expense and
prior to demolition, the recording of the building for
archival purposes by photographs.
(c) In addition to all other provisions of this
Chapter, the Board shall consider the following
criteria in evaluating applications for a certificate
of appropriateness for demolition of designated sites
or buildings within a designated historic district.
(1) Is the structure of such interest or quality
that it would reasonably meet national, State or
local criteria for designation as a significant
historic or architectural site or structure?
(2) Is the structure of such design,
craftsmanship or material that it could be re-
produced only with great difficulty or expense?
(3) Is the structure one of the last remaining
examples of its kind in the City, County or
region?
(4) Does the structure contribute significantly
to the historic character of a designated
district?
(5) Would retention of the structure promote the
general welfare of the City by providing an
opportunity for study of local history,
architecture and design or by developing an
understanding of the importance and value of a
particular culture and heritage?
29
(d)
(6) Are there definite plans for re-use of the
property if the proposed demolition is carried
out,_ and what will be the effect of those plans
on the character of the surrounding area?
Affirmative Maintenance. A property owner shall
not permit a structure or a structure within a
historic district to fall into a state of
disrepair which may result in the deterioration
of exterior appurtenance or architectural
features so as to produce or tend to produce, in
the judgment of the Historic Preservation Board,
a detrimental effect upon the character of the
district as a whole or the life and character of
the structure in question. If the Historic
Preservation Board finds a designated historic
structure has been deliberately neglected, the
Board may refer the property to the Department of
Building and Code Enforcement for immediate
attention and may be subject to code violation
fines in addition to the penalties in accordance
with Section 23-067 of this Chapter.
Sec. 23-050. Moving Existing Structures.
A designated structure or one w~ich is located in a
historic district, may not be relocated except upon
approval of a certificate of appropriateness. In
considering such certificate the Board shall determine
whether any reasonable alternative is available for
preserving the improvement or structure on its
original site and whether the proposed relocation site
is compatible with the historic and architectural
integrity of the improvement or structure.
Sec. 23-051. Removal or Destruction of Existing
Landscape Features.
(a) No certificate of appropriateness shall be granted
for removal, relocation, concealment or effective
destruction by damage of any landscape features or
sites especially designated as significant within the
boundaries of a historic site or historic district
unless one or more of the following conditions exist:
(1) the designated landscape feature or site is
3O
located in the buildable area or yard area where
a structure may be placed and unreasonably
restricts the permitted use of the property;
(2) the designated vegetation is inappropriate in
a historical context or otherwise detracts from
the character of a district;
(3) the designated vegetation is diseased,
injured or in danger of falling and reasonably
interferes with utility service, creates unsafe
vision clearance or conflicts with other
applicable laws and regulations.
(b) As a condition for issuance of the certificate of
appropriateness, the applicant may be required to
relocate or replace designated vegetation.
Sec. 23-052. Certificate to Dig.
Within an archaeological zone, new construction,
filling, digging, the removal of trees, or any other
activity that may alter or reveal an interred
archaeological site shall be prohibited without a type
of certificate of appropriateness called a certificate
to dig. All applications to the City involving new
construction, large-scale digging, the removal of
trees or any other activity that may reveal or disturb
an interred archaeological site, in an archaeological
zone shall require a certificate to dig before
approval. The certificate to dig may be made subject
to specified conditions, including but not limited to
conditions regarding site excavation. In order to
comply with this requirement, the City may require the
applicant to conduct an archaeological excavation by
an archaeologist approved by the City. The excavation
shall take place during the time of the approval of
the certificate to dig until the effective date
thereof. The review and notification time limits for
these certificates shall be the same as for a regular
certificate of appropriateness.
(a) Approved certificates to dig shall contain an
effective date not to exceed sixty (60) days at which
time the proposed activity may begin, unless the Board
decides to designate the site in question as an
individual site or district pursuant to this Chapter
31
in which all the rules and regulations pertaining to
the designation process shall apply from the date the
designation report has been filed.
Sec. 23-053. Building Permits not to be issued.
No building permit shall be issued by the Building
Official which affects any designated property in the
City of Fort Pierce without a certificate of
appropriateness.
Sec. 23-054. Compliance of work with certificate
standards.
Ail work performed pursuant to the issuance of any
certificate of appropriateness shall conform to the
requirements of the certificate. The City Manager or
the Director of Building and Zoning shall designate an
appropriate official to assist the Board by making
necessary inspections in connection with enforcement
of this Chapter and the inspector shall be empowered
to issue a stop work order if performance is not in
accordance with the issued certificate. No work shall
proceed as long as a stop work order continues in
effect. Copies of inspection reports shall be
furnished to the Board and copies of any stop work
orders shall be furnished to both the Board and the
applicant. The Building Official and staff for the
Board shall be responsible for ensuring that any work
not in accordance with an issued certificate of
appropriateness shall be corrected to comply with the
certificate of appropriateness prior to withdrawing
the stop work order.
Sec. 23-055. Emergency, temporary measures.
For the purpose of remedying emergency conditions
determined to be dangerous to life, health or
property, nothing contained herein shall prevent the
making of any temporary construction, reconstruction
or other repairs to a building or site, pursuant to an
order of a government agency or a court of competent
jurisdiction. The owner of a building damaged by fire
or natural calamity shall be permitted to stabilize
the building immediately without Board approval, and
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to rehabilitate it later under the normal review
procedures in this Chapter.
Sec. 23-056. Power of Review.
The Board shall have the authority to review
applications for certificates of appropriateness for
all property in the City of Fort Pierce, however
owned, by either private or public parties. The
purpose of this Chapter shall apply equally to plans,
projects or work executed or assisted by any private
party, governmental body or agency, department,
authority or Board of the City, County, or State.
Sec. 23-057-060. Reserved.
ARTICLE VI - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 23-061. Variances.
The Historic Preservation Board shall have the power
to waive, with or without conditions, the set-back,
off-street parking, height, signage, density and
floor-area-ratio requirements of the underlying zoning
district of those properties designated by the City
Commission as historic sites, either individual sites
or buildings within districts, where it is deemed
appropriate for the continued preservation of the
historic site or historic district. The Board shall
only grant such variances when an application for a
certificate of appropriateness has been issued to
promote preservation, rehabilitation or restoration.
In carrying out this responsibility, the Historic
Preservation Board must follow the same procedures
specified for the Board of Adjustment in Article VIII
of Chapter 22 of this Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 23-062. Ordinary Maintenance and Repair.
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Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent
the ordinary maintenance or repair of any improvement
which does not involve a change of design, material,
appearance, any change in color, or to prevent
ordinary maintenance of landscape features.
Sec. 23-063. Enforcement of maintenance and repair
provisions.
Where the Historic Preservation Board or Board's staff
determines that any improvement within a designated
historic site or historic district is endangered by
lack of maintenance and repair, or that other
improvements in visual proximity to a historic site or
historic district lack maintenance and repair to such
an extent as to detract from the desirable character
of the historic site or historic district, such
determination shall be reported to the Department of
Building and Code Enforcement.
Sec. 23-064. Unsafe Structures.
In the event the building official determines that any
structure within a designated historic site or
historic district is unsafe pursuant to the Southern
Building Code, as adopted by the City, such official
shall immediately notify the Historic Preservation
Board with a copy of any findings. Where reasonably
feasible within applicable laws and regulations the
Department of Code Enforcement shall endeavor to
encourage repair of the structure rather than its
demolition and shall take into consideration any
cormments and recommendations by the Board. The Board
may take appropriate action to encourage preservation
of any such structure.
Sec. 23-065. Undue economic hardship.
Undue economic hardship may only be considered after
a property has been designated or after an application
for approval to alter or demolish a structure has been
denied by the Historic Preservation Board. In any
instance where there is a claim of undue economic
hardship, the owner may submit, by affidavit, to the
Board within (10) days after the public hearing where
an application was denied, the following information:
(1) for all property:
(a) the amount paid for the property, the date of
purchase and the party from whom purchased;
of the land and
to the two (2) most
two
(b) the assessed value
improvements thereon, according
recent assessmenss;
(c) real estate taxes for the previous two (2)
years;
(d) annual debt service, if any, for the previous
(2) years;
(e) all appraisals obtained within the previous
two (2) years by the owner or applicant in connection
with his purchase, financing or ownership of the
property;
(f) any listing of the property for sale or rent,
priced asked and offers received, if any;
(g) any consideration by the owner as to
profitable adaptive uses for the property;
(2) For income producing property:
(a) annual gross income from the property for the
previous two (2) years;
(b) the assessed value of the land and
improvements thereon, according to the two (2) most
recent assessments;
(c) annual cash flow, if any, for the
previous two (2) years; and
(d) Itemized operating and maintenance expenses
for the previous two (2) years.
(3) The Board may require that an applicant furnish
such additional information that they believe to be
relevant in the determination of undue economic
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hardship and may provide, in appropriate instances,
that such additional information be furnished under
seal.
Sec. 23-066. Appeals.
W~thin twenty (20) days of the written decision of the
Board, an aggrieved party may appeal the decision by
filing a written notice of appeal and an appeal fee of
twenty-five dollars ($25.00) with the City Clerk of
the City of Fort Pierce. The notice of appeal sha~l
state the decision which is being appealed, the
grounds for the appeal, and a brief summary of the
relief which is sought. Within sixty (60) days of the
filing of the appeal or the first regular City
Commission meeting which is scheduled, whichever is
later in time, the City Commission shall conduct a
public hearing at which time they may affirm, modify,
or reverse the Board's decision. The decision of the
City Commission shall constitute final administrative
review, and no petition for rehearing or
reconsideration shall be considered by the City.
Nothing contained herein shall preclude the City
Commission from seeking additional information prior
to rendering a final decision. The decision of the
City commission shall be in writing and a copy of the
decision shall be forwarded to the Board and the
appealing party.
Within the time prescribed by the appropriate Florida
Rules of Appellate Procedure, a party aggrieved by a
decision of the City commission may appeal an adverse
decision to the Circuit Court in and for St. Lucie
County, Florida. The party taking the appeal shall be
required to pay to the City Clerk the sum of two
hundred dollars ($200.00) to defray the cost of
preparing the record on appeal.
Sec. 23-067. Violations.
Failure by an owner of record or any individual or
private or public entity to comply with any provisions
of this chapter shall constitute a violation hereof
and shall be punishable by civil or criminal penalties
including a fine of not more than one hundred dollars
($100) per day for each day the violation continues.
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Any person who carries out or causes to be carried out
any work in violation of this Chapter shall also be
required to restore the subject improvement, landscape
feature or site, either to its appearance prior to the
violation or in accordance with a certificate of
appropriateness approved by the Historic Preservation
Board.
Sec. 23-068. Incentives.
Ail properties designated as individual sites or as
designated properties within a district shall be
eligible, upon application by the owner(s), for any
available financial assistance set aside for historic
preservation by the City of Fort Pierce contingent on
the availability of funds and the scope of the project
as described in the application.
Sec. 23-069. Notification to Division of Pending
Amendments.
The Florida Department of State, Division of
Historical Resources shall be provided with any
proposed amendment of this Chapter for review and
comment at least thirty (30) days prior to final
adoption.
SECTION 3:
or any portion thereof, any paragraph,
court of competent jurisdiction to be
That should any section or provision of this Ordinance
sentence or word be declared by a
invalid, such decision shall not
affect the validity of the remainder hereof as a whole or part thereof
other than the part declared to be invalid.
SECTION 4: The provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be
made a part of the Code of Laws and Ordinances of the City of Fort Pierce,
Florida. The Sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or relettered to
accomplish such; and the word "Ordinance" may be changed to "Section,"
37
"Article" or other appropriate word.
SECTION 5: Ail ordinances of the City of Fort Pierce in conflict
with any provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of
such conflict.
SECTION 6: Upon adoption and final passage of this Ordinance a
certified copy thereof shall be provided 5o the St. Lucie County Property
Appraiser, in accordance with Florida Statute ~193.503(1). This Ordinance
shall take effect immediately upon passage.
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