City forms recovery task force after major disaster
October 23, 2024 | St. Pete Beach, Pinellas County, Florida
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One of the primary discussions involved the possibility of creating new standards for staircase encroachments in residential properties. A board member proposed collaborating with the building official to develop guidelines that would allow homeowners to extend staircases into their yards under certain conditions, particularly in cases of demonstrated hardship. This initiative aims to ease the process for residents looking to enhance their homes while ensuring compliance with existing ordinances. The proposal suggests that rather than requiring a variance for such modifications, a code amendment could be introduced to streamline the process.
The second major topic addressed was the formation of a recovery task force as mandated by the city's comprehensive plan. Following recent disasters, the task force is intended to recommend hazard mitigation policies and evaluate the city's post-disaster response. The meeting highlighted the need for diverse representation on the task force, including members from various community boards and environmental advocacy groups. The city manager and building official were proposed as initial members, with further discussions on how to appoint additional representatives from the planning board, beach stewardship committee, and historic preservation board.
Commissioners expressed their support for the task force, with several members indicating their willingness to serve. The mayor reported positive feedback from the chairs of the involved boards, who are eager to contribute to the recovery efforts. The meeting concluded with a call for direction on how to proceed with the task force's formation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the recovery process.
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