This draft ordinance would revise height limitations in various zoning districts, to mirror similar regulations of the City of Fernandina Beach. Staff presented height limits as a discussion item at the PZB’s August 25, 2020 and December 1, 2020 meetings. At the December 7, 2020 meeting the BOCC directed Staff to bring back an ordinance to amend LDC height restrictions in unincorporated zoning districts on Amelia Island that are similar to the City of Fernandina Beach (“the City”).

It is the intent of these changes to protect the unique character of the barrier island and provide for sustainable shoreline development. The ecology and aesthetics of Amelia Island’s unique and fragile coastline would benefit from lower building heights, which would help to retain scenic views enjoyed by residents and visitors. Keeping building height more in line with tree canopy height will provide a long-term public benefit that will help retain the Island’s charm and unique character, a quality of life factor that will strengthen the Island’s economy and culture.

The ordinance has been reviewed by the County Attorney. The changes are generally in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. Policies call  for LDC standards to protect neighborhoods from incompatible development (which can include the visual impact of tall buildings) while also protecting property rights.

Consider LDC20-004, An Ordinance amending Article 6 Of The Land Development Code, General Regulations; to Add Section 6.04, Building And Structure Height Calculation; amending Article 9 Of The Land Development Code, Residential Single-Family (RS-1 And RS-2); specifically Section 9.07, Special Requirements (Building Heights In The Unincorporated Areas Of Amelia Island); amending Article 13 Of The Land Development Code, Residential General-2 (RG-2); specifically Section 13.06, Building Restrictions; amending Article 16 Of The Land Development Code, Commercial, General (CG); specifically Section 16.07, Building Restrictions; Article 17 Of The Land Development Code, Commercial Intensive (CI); specifically Section 17.07, Building Restrictions; amending Article 19 Of The Land Development Code, Commercial, Professional Office (CPO); specifically Section 19.06, Building Restrictions; amending Article 20 Of The Land Development Code, Industrial Warehouse (IW); specifically Section 20.07, Building Restrictions; amending Article 21 Of The Land Development Code, Industrial Heavy (IH); specifically Section 21.07, Building Restrictions; amending Article 22 Of The Land Development Code, Open Rural (OR); specifically Section 22.06, Building Restrictions; amending Article 23 Of The Land Development Code, Government/Public Use (GPU); specifically Section 23.06, Building Restrictions; amending Article 24 Of The Land Development Code, Recreation And Open Space (ROS); specifically Section 24.04, Development Restrictions; amending Article 32 Of The Land Development Code, Definitions; to revise The definitions For Building Height and Grade, and to add a definition For Natural Grade; providing For Findings; providing for Severability; and providing an Effective Date.

Consider LDC20-004, An Ordinance amending Article 6 Of The Land Development Code, General Regulations; to Add Section 6.04, Building And Structure Height Calculation; amending Article 9 Of The Land Development Code, Residential Single-Family (RS-1 And RS-2); specifically Section 9.07, Special Requirements (Building Heights In The Unincorporated Areas Of Amelia Island); amending Article 13 Of The Land Development Code, Residential General-2 (RG-2); specifically Section 13.06, Building Restrictions; amending Article 16 Of The Land Development Code, Commercial, General (CG); specifically Section 16.07, Building Restrictions; Article 17 Of The Land Development Code, Commercial Intensive (CI); specifically Section 17.07, Building Restrictions; amending Article 19 Of The Land Development Code, Commercial, Professional Office (CPO); specifically Section 19.06, Building Restrictions; amending Article 20 Of The Land Development Code, Industrial Warehouse (IW); specifically Section 20.07, Building Restrictions; amending Article 21 Of The Land Development Code, Industrial Heavy (IH); specifically Section 21.07, Building Restrictions; amending Article 22 Of The Land Development Code, Open Rural (OR); specifically Section 22.06, Building Restrictions; amending Article 23 Of The Land Development Code, Government/Public Use (GPU); specifically Section 23.06, Building Restrictions; amending Article 24 Of The Land Development Code, Recreation And Open Space (ROS); specifically Section 24.04, Development Restrictions; amending Article 32 Of The Land Development Code, Definitions; to revise The definitions For Building Height and Grade, and to add a definition For Natural Grade; providing For Findings; providing for Severability; and providing an Effective Date.