St. Augustine commission approves lot-grading updates, designates Brownfield; parking fine increase moves to second reading

The St. Augustine City Commission on July 28 adopted a set of land-development code changes aimed at lot grading and flood-prone construction, unanimously approved a Brownfield designation for a Riberia Street property, advanced an ordinance to raise illegal parking fines to a second reading and tabled creation of a city environmental-impact award for additional refinement.

The lot-grading ordinance (Ordinance 2025-21) updates the zoning code and environmental protection chapters to clarify requirements for single-family and duplex lot grading, set grading standards tied to mapped elevation areas, emphasize erosion control and low-impact design, and create incentives for shoreline-compatible shoreline modifications and public access in commercial and multifamily projects. Amy Skinner, director of Planning and Building, presented the staff draft and said the changes respond to public input and Planning & Zoning Board recommendations. The motion to adopt the ordinance carried on second reading with unanimous roll-call approval.

Separately, the commission approved Resolution 2025-27 designating the 4044 Riberia Street parcel as a Brownfield site. City staff explained the designation is an applicant-driven, statutory process through which a developer seeking to purchase and rehabilitate contaminated property may access state Brownfield assistance to offset cleanup costs; the city itself does not fund the remediation. Christina Nelson, attorney for the applicant, confirmed community notices and a community meeting were held. Commissioners discussed environmental justice and the public‑benefit of removing pollutants; the resolution passed unanimously.

On first reading, the commission advanced Ordinance 2025-22, amending city code sections related to illegal parking to raise fines from $35 to $100 inside a defined downtown boundary (Old Mission Avenue to the north, South Street to the south, Matanzas River to the east and San Sebastian River to the west), and to add franchise stops, transportation network company stops and controlled residential parking areas to places where stopping/standing/parking is unlawful. Assistant City Manager Ruben Franklin said the change is intended as a deterrent, not a revenue measure; meter-expiration fines would remain $25. The motion to send the ordinance to second reading passed 4–1 (Cynthia Garris voted no).

The commission also considered Resolution 2025-29 to create an environmental-impact recognition award and to adopt an image for the award. Commissioners discussed eligibility language (clarifying that nominations should demonstrate benefit to the City of St. Augustine), the award's name and the material award image. The commission selected a photograph (the panel'preferred image) and voted to table the resolution for up to one month for finalization of the award name and eligibility language; the motion to table carried.

The consent agenda, including routine minutes, a release of lien, and the city attorney's quarterly report, was approved unanimously earlier in the meeting.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 2025-21 (lot grading; second reading/adoption): Passed (roll call unanimous). Action: ordinance adoption. - Resolution 2025-27 (Brownfield designation, 4044 Riberia Street): Passed (roll call unanimous). Action: resolution adopted. - Ordinance 2025-22 (increase illegal parking fines; first reading advanced): Advanced to second reading (vote 4–1: Yes — John DePrater, Barbara Blonder, Jim Springfield, Nancy Sykes Klein; No — Cynthia Garris). - Resolution 2025-29 (environmental-impact award): Motion to table carried; commission selected an image and directed staff to return with refined language and an award name for final action. - Consent agenda: approved unanimously.

Why it matters: The lot-grading changes aim to tighten development standards in flood-prone and infill areas and to encourage low-impact stormwater solutions; the Brownfield designation funnels state remediation mechanisms toward a parcel with a proposed redevelopment; the parking ordinance would significantly raise downtown fines to deter illegal parking inside a defined core; and the award would create a formal city recognition for environmental stewardship. Each decision affects land-use rules, redevelopment incentives and downtown mobility enforcement.

What comes next: Ordinance 2025-22 will return for a second reading and public hearing as scheduled. Staff will finalize language and the commission will revisit the environmental-award resolution with a proposed name and clarified eligibility.