Atlantic Beach adopts major revision to land‑use code after debate over pools, pavers and notice rules

The Atlantic Beach City Commission on Oct. 14 adopted a major rewrite of the city’s land‑development code, Ordinance 90‑24‑253, after two hours of presentations, public comment and debate over pools, permeable pavers and how the city notifies residents about code changes.

The ordinance replaces the existing Chapter 24 and incorporates four amendments approved by the commission: removal of the artificial‑turf definition, leaving pool permeability calculations at 50% pending a stormwater study, reverting proposed commercial‑corridor development changes back to the prior code for later review, and changing certain notice language from "may" to "shall" for city social media and digital newsletter postings.

Supporters said the revisions modernize site design rules while preserving neighborhood character. Lisa Goodrich, chair of the Arts & Recreation Committee, and staff described a long public process and technical review. Mayor Curtis Ford framed the decision as balancing technical rigor with practicality: "If we can do good things and provide relief to our citizens where it's warranted with permeable tab pavers, for example, then we should be satisfied with the fact that directionally we're good," he said.

Opponents and several residents warned that some of the new technologies — notably permeable pavers and certain artificial turf products — can lose their permeability over time if sealed or poorly maintained. Cindy Anderson told commissioners she has seen yards where pavers were sealed and "they were now a 100% yard impermeable," arguing the city has limited ability to enforce long‑term maintenance. City engineer Steve Swan agreed that post‑installation enforcement is limited: "we can't see over a 6 foot fence," he said, noting enforcement relies primarily on installation inspections and documented details at permitting.

Commissioners wrestled with enforcement practicality and whether to delay major code changes until completion of a stormwater master plan. Several members said they did not want to delay all changes; the commission ultimately approved targeted amendments and directed staff to follow up with the stormwater study's recommendations. Commissioner Kelly moved to adopt the ordinance as amended; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote. The ordinance took effect as adopted and staff will implement the changes and coordinate remaining technical work with forthcoming stormwater recommendations.

The adoption concludes the second reading of a 218‑page code revision produced after more than a year of meetings and public input. The commission approved the ordinance as amended by unanimous votes on the recorded roll call and closed the public hearing.