[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6093938,"mediaKeyId","2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe","parentId",2845207,"title","Staff propose zoning code updates on unrelated‑occupant limits, green incentives and outdoor seating","audioSeconds",1069,"startMs",6193380,"endMs",7263260,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe&start=6193&end=7263","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe/thumbnail_6193380.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6093938/Florida/Staff-propose-zoning-code-updates-on-unrelatedoccupant-limits-green-incentives-and-outdoor-seating","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6093938-8097f37924ef12c0707aed7b1e42670e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198306&Signature=CXUGncN1aAEwSxBuVdFyLFI7644saXnlZewbSuwwe980MMha-C1fDOgGtjTQEF9O1l3zrsTq0iE4Xz3qIiAcFSoM4w8~MXJilSM4y0z5okg3N5yjnVIySEruyaspIAvu0b9n4tfZ0fwMguBRXzb9osPK9etosTgntjLsjdzyixiBihp66Q4I5sKTAQ9~Fd0gusC6XHDMKESXULIter4Civa9GfS0UDmsioJsU2IvvmjZXXepWVlV5HOL5neB~tNGoZXff0~SuneXulq9Lg7doxZQIURBT2Tm7QxZ2NmLBv1b7NShzgbIWIM~AUhWwbmkaSBPSNbwLdZ67vuhIGIvPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Tequesta, FL","date","2025-04-01T12:24:39Z","article","Tequesta — At a March 31 workshop the Community Development director presented a set of proposed zoning code updates spanning occupancy limits, green‑building incentives, outdoor seating standards and waivers for planned residential developments.

Jay Hubbsch summarized the draft changes as largely housekeeping plus targeted policy additions: (1) a cap on the number of unrelated people who may live in a single‑family dwelling, (2) a voluntary green‑building incentive program (reduced permit fees or expedited review tied to certification), (3) standards for outdoor seating such as required screening or bollards to separate seating from drive aisles, and (4) adding waiver authority to the PRD code so planned developments can seek limited exceptions to dimensional or design standards.

Why it matters: The changes aim to clarify existing regulations, provide optional incentives for energy and water efficiency, improve pedestrian safety in commercial outdoor dining areas, and give designers flexibility in planned developments while protecting adjacent properties.

The occupancy item drew particular attention: staff noted several nearby municipalities limit unrelated occupants to three or fewer; council members discussed a two‑person cap (two unrelated adults) as an option and asked staff to draft precise language. On green building, staff proposed a tiered permit fee rebate tied to third‑party certification (LEED, Florida Green Building Coalition, National Green Building Standards, Energy Star) with higher rebates for higher certification levels and an escrow/refund approach so refunds would be issued only after certification is achieved.

Council supported clearer outdoor‑seating rules to require screening or protective elements for street‑level dining and the addition of PRD waiver language (excluding waivers for height, density and environmentally sensitive lands). Staff said most of the proposed edits are zoning‑code housekeeping and do not require comprehensive‑plan changes.

Ending: Staff will refine draft amendments (including specific occupancy limits and a draft fee‑rebate structure tied to certification tiers) and return with legislative language for council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Workshop - Mar 31 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Community Development presented a package of zoning code housekeeping and policy proposals including a cap on unrelated occupants in single‑family homes, voluntary green‑building permit incentives, clearer outdoor seating rules and planned‑residential‑development (PRD) waiver language.","taxTitle","Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach County, Florida","taxId",71873,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6093943,"Utilities officials urge a stepped plan to raise backflow preventer compliance",2777,3334660,6112500,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe&start=3334&end=6112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe/thumbnail_3334660.jpg","/articles/6093943/Florida/Utilities-officials-urge-a-stepped-plan-to-raise-backflow-preventer-compliance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6093943-c6da164dc638553b1a403af0ae218c51/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198306&Signature=j12SUdBUsWJ3RFWcctqFuEE97gmIDy-H~LpOpHh39WjhWpniq0pr9icmcru1m8A5D5Elg~M4eitcmXfxvuvBOLsZBS1weZ-syqtcaEXu8WPrag4dBMXW0F8knCKPjZqAcWrgkAHHp8jT1wQfG8QzqG97iPRHhH0zHKQPw7SVhtqyA20SsUOEeMMqVXGlpXG9J9Nr~U9Nim~ho1TGPD43GFhJY~QWuLWjFXvwR6wwRU1q80vbdQ2NsU~CU2LjhCXuyFWDALEiXygKZC-WTIV3aUcI1Nlrf~Zz2qjE0i9UW3IvloBAJ6VKujmYrJxkym3LjdnHm13VFuJJe3KR0zpf~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tequesta — Utilities staff told the Village Council at a March 31 workshop that about half of the town’s required backflow prevention assemblies lack current testing records, and presented a range of options to improve compliance, from education and targeted surveys to third‑party testing programs and possible ordinance changes.

Marjorie Cray, utilities director, said the village’s records show 792 testable backflow devices in the system; 564 are commercial and 228 are residential. Overall compliance has fluctuated around 50 percent, Cray said, and standard practice requires annual testing for most commercial devices and testing every two years for many residential devices.

Why it matters: Backflow prevention devices protect the public water supply from contamination by preventing a downstream pressure event from pushing nonpotable water back into the system. Noncompliance can risk water quality and can trigger water‑use restrictions or boil‑water notices in serious cases.

Cray described three broad options staff considered: (1) bring testing in‑house with village staff performing tests (not recommended due to liability and cost), (2) retain Aqua Backflow for notice and reporting and add fines via ordinance change to encourage compliance, and (3) contract with a testing firm (e.g., HydroCorp) to perform testing for customers and post tests to the village system, with costs passed through to the customer’s water bill. Cray said some municipalities use option 3 for higher compliance and that Pembroke Pines provided a model notification letter in the backup materials.

Council members raised logistical concerns — homeowner awareness of device location, permit fees, the local availability of certified testers and the potential cost impact on residents on fixed incomes. Staff recommended immediate steps to expand public awareness, begin targeted surveys to identify unregistered or untested assemblies, and return with a more detailed plan on contractor usage and any proposed ordinance changes. Utilities staff noted they had not previously turned off water service for noncompliance and that turning off a fire line or potable service is highly disruptive.

Ending: Council asked staff to return with a phased plan that begins with outreach and a property‑level survey before any new fines or automated billing pass‑throughs are implemented.","Utility staff said roughly half of required backflow prevention devices lack current test records and presented options — increased public outreach, contractor testing programs and ordinance changes — for raising compliance without immediately imposing fines.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":80,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6093946,"Council reviews Tequesta Park master plan, discusses pickleball courts, maintenance shed and security",1401,1932710,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe&start=1932&end=3334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe/thumbnail_1932710.jpg","/articles/6093946/Florida/Council-reviews-Tequesta-Park-master-plan-discusses-pickleball-courts-maintenance-shed-and-security","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6093946-a6cee3dd97a850d0630524e76ff3535e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198306&Signature=dcyPjawy4okjvMr-Mleb5v~IJJ2XB~9oSWlZc~-ntzLZZFDxbvUniX415sDUAWhS~QgzivbAHETfH2bxbyCVRQE3NyNkhPmqDACDRJ7~wChusaADmeEDOPQWWTJarYlGRa-NId82qNeQ2hy8Zyn3iakZpik0GRX8BxAJpHu5~0QUi7TQ-yng5e0XjV-klpvPjCDoSgIPVcvMg5YlVTDEtSKkY9jIPVTwmZTffG4Sq4hbeE2UT5BREVfnDROA0PVo16JIEYxNpp6in65t6PTO~yXDZs2Pj4io2nj9vkdZhlCv1wfPkEplk1gwGvP1ipPc7gyKG-mMkhm1m9xuUThdpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tequesta — Village staff presented a proposed master plan and an engineering work authorization to develop construction plans for Tequesta Park at a March 31 council workshop, and council discussed facility mix, trail improvements, removal of invasive species and security/camera needs.

Village Manager Jeremy told council the village secured a state appropriation tied to the project and that the capital budget includes local matching funds. He also said staff has engaged Kimley‑Horn to prepare design plans and that the next step is to return to council for formal consideration of the full proposal.

Why it matters: Tequesta Park is a regional facility used by residents and neighboring communities; a master plan will guide long‑term public improvements, construction plans and future maintenance responsibilities.

Staff described two design topics council asked be revisited: (1) recreation court layout — whether to keep both sand volleyball courts or replace one with more pickleball courts — and (2) the eventual removal of a trailer and placement of a maintenance shed. Parks staff and a consultant noted the plan reorients fields to create event‑friendly open space up front and places baseball fields toward the rear to improve circulation for large gatherings.

Staff said the project materials in council’s backup identify a state appropriation and matching funds in the village capital budget. As presented at the workshop, staff said the village had an appropriation “which is a $65.35 matching grant up to, I think, $680,000,” and that $250,000 is currently set aside in the capital surtax fund for local matching. (Staff noted these figures in the briefing materials; the council asked for staff to return with confirmed grant and match amounts for formal action.)

Council members praised the plan’s organization and public‑input process but asked staff to preserve sand volleyball if community preference supports it, to consider converting one tennis court into pickleball courts to increase local courts without expanding the park footprint, and to identify options for a large, temporary event footprint and parking. Parks Director Greg Corbett and other staff described ongoing grant applications to remove invasive plants and to improve trails with mulch, edge work and signage.

On buildings and utilities, staff said proposed maintenance and concession structures are expected to be prefabricated; Kimley‑Horn’s current scope will produce 90% construction plans, with geotechnical and survey work to be contracted separately. Council asked staff to confirm whether structural and MEP work for prefabricated buildings will be provided by the manufacturer or require additional engineering under separate contract. Staff also discussed low‑voltage and camera locations, noting power will be available at the entrance and field areas but that perimeter coverage could be costly.

Ending: Staff will bring a refined plan and the Kimley‑Horn work authorization back to council for formal consideration, with updated cost and grant details and options addressing pickleball/volleyball tradeoffs, trail improvements and security needs.","Staff presented a master plan for Tequesta Park and a work authorization proposal with Kimley‑Horn tied to a state matching appropriation; council discussed court layouts, trails, invasive plant removal and security needs but took no vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6093951,"Tequesta police report rise in e‑bike contacts, urge parental responsibility",1901,26850,1928790,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe&start=26&end=1928","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2845207-1f83799d1b7653b879e05b765e7686fe/thumbnail_26850.jpg","/articles/6093951/Florida/Tequesta-police-report-rise-in-ebike-contacts-urge-parental-responsibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6093951-4f80bd9a8a0c15d9470349d4095ea627/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198306&Signature=k5WgmPaG5SpAqNw5vtv2lALOspKidW05ntQfiGkZZsbKl0bzbCTFXywWCT3wXC4ecWYmSHmpmleVBNWeQx5KKcH7PiznXUCNAGyVk4DdBU56JQAHOtRPWd7irk~4AVlrA0brh1uXX9AShYZDzxTdoCZGlkg~gw0zE1h4~EwZbNM5XmYTGC3TWeHGj5wzoSsRRdLMl27G1vOsGTUJpkPgMRS7wGRRdBK4fgz7ET6eUcYJtsRagY~a54v9mV0I8IUkG7m6cgwp9AAT5ZVHZQ635dmX3Uq61c7Z6QLV~c~nD8RabuL8nerMzZC5tzUK2Hw7n1DESEtAwrR6MKcBJ47VyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tequesta — The Tequesta Police Department told the Village Council at a March 31 workshop that contacts and calls related to electric bicycles and similar electric motorized bikes have increased this year, and officers are responding with education, warnings, citations and parental outreach.

Police Chief Gus reported that in 2024 the department recorded 99 “e‑bike events,” including 39 contacts with groups or individuals, 10 education contacts, two warnings and three citations. Year‑to‑date in 2025 he said the department had recorded 29 events, 29 contacts, 14 education contacts, five warnings and three citations.

The briefing came after a recent fatal crash in the region that officers said has heightened local concern and public reports. “It’s not just the Tequesta issue, it’s state wide,” Chief Gus told council, and he said enforcement is constrained by state law that defines what devices may be used on roadways.

Why it matters: Council members said the topic affects pedestrian safety, school routes and local parks and asked staff to continue tracking incident data to support possible state‑level action.

Chief Gus told council that his office emphasizes education — flyers distributed to stores and at schools, social‑media videos and in‑person talks — and that officers contact parents when juveniles are stopped. He said some devices officers encounter are motorized models that can reach much higher speeds than typical e‑bikes and that some parents buy those devices without realizing they are illegal on roadways. Officers have at times towed e‑motos, issued citations (for items such as missing lights or helmets) and asked parents to retrieve bikes after stops.

Council members suggested practical steps including targeted social‑media boosts, distributing flyers at bike racks and bus stops, hosting group awareness rides escorted by police, and holding local education events timed before high‑use periods such as summer or after holidays. Vice Mayor Sartori and several council members praised the department’s helmet giveaways and outreach at schools.

Public comment backed the police approach. Resident Julie Beaumont asked when to call the police about unsafe riding; Chief Gus said residents should report negative or dangerous behavior so the department can document incidents and build enforcement data. Parks and Recreation Director Greg Corbett said he has observed a drop in incidents since officers increased outreach.

Council direction and next steps: Council asked staff to keep detailed, searchable data about stops and complaints (repeat callers, number of distinct callers, citations versus warnings), coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions on consistent messaging, and continue helmet distribution and school outreach. Staff said North Palm Beach County agencies are already using code‑tracking fields to tag e‑bike incidents.

Ending: Officials said they will continue the current mix of education and enforcement and will return with additional data and outreach proposals if the trend continues.","The Tequesta Police Department told council it recorded a rise in incidents involving electric bicycles and similar motorized bikes, and officials urged residents to report unsafe riding and for parents to monitor purchases for children.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff propose zoning code updates on unrelated‑occupant limits, green incentives and outdoor seating

Utilities officials urge a stepped plan to raise backflow preventer compliance

Council reviews Tequesta Park master plan, discusses pickleball courts, maintenance shed and security

Tequesta police report rise in e‑bike contacts, urge parental responsibility