Committee discusses parking on Selva Marina Drive; staff says code change required to prohibit parking in right-of-way

The Environmental Stewardship Committee reviewed a recurring issue of vehicles parking on medians and tree roots along Selva Marina Drive during club events and construction, and discussed options ranging from education to a code change.

A committee member proposed contacting the Atlantic Beach Country Club to ask it to inform members and suggested city signage or outreach as an initial step. Amanda Askew, city staff, told the committee there is currently no specific code provision for that section of Selva Marina Drive and that, under state law, parking is permitted along the right-of-way unless the city adopts a local restriction for specific blocks.

Why it matters: Committee members said repetitive parking on tree roots can stress and damage the canopy and that solutions should weigh enforcement, safety and neighborhood impacts.

Staff described practical measures under consideration: targeted outreach to the country club and event organizers, temporary or permanent signage, striping or a multi-use path to discourage parking on roots, and, if necessary, proposing a code amendment so the commission could prohibit parking on specific blocks. The staff presentation noted operational constraints and examples elsewhere in the city where block-specific parking limits had been adopted.

Members also noted safety priorities around a blind lift station and a nearby school bus stop, and discussed whether landscape changes (low bushes on medians) or a valet requirement for large events might reduce damage without resorting to enforcement actions.

What's next: The committee asked staff to explore the education route first and to advise whether a targeted code amendment would be feasible. No formal motion was recorded; members said they would consider drafting a motion at a future meeting if outreach proved insufficient.