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Atlantic Beach adjusts permit and inspection fees, tightens special-event rules
Summary
Council approved updated inspection and permit fees and advanced amendments requiring special‑event permits for alcohol authorization, clarifying temporary structure reviews and vendor fees; Council tabled a separate life‑safety inspection ordinance to align fee schedules with the 2026 business calendar.
Atlantic Beach Town Council on Sept. 8 approved several changes to permitting and fee policies and advanced new rules for special events, while tabling separate life‑safety ordinance language for additional review.
Council voted to change construction and inspection fees to better cover consultant costs; staff said the prior ordinance listed a $75 inspection fee while the consultant charge is $150, and Council approved a motion to set selected inspection fees at $175 to avoid subsidizing consultant work. Council asked staff to post updated fee schedules on the Town website.
Council and town attorneys also approved first‑reading updates to special‑event permitting to require building‑official sign‑off on temporary structures and to prevent issuance of local police authorization for Department of Revenue alcohol permits unless event applicants first obtain a Town special‑event permit. Town attorney Booker said the change ensures safety reviews and coordinated oversight by the Town’s special events committee.
During discussion, Council recognized a distinction between one‑day vendor permits and being a vendor at a Town event. Booker said vendor participation in an event typically carries a $300 fee; Council asked that the vendor fee be referenced in the updated rules and gave the Town Manager discretion to adjust fees as needed.
Separately, Council considered Ordinance 13‑2025, an amendment to the Business License ordinance to require life‑safety inspections for short‑ and long‑term rentals (including short‑term rental platforms). After staff requested additional clarification and requested alignment with an updated 2026 business schedule, Councilwoman Carla Taylor moved to table that ordinance so the manager can provide updated 2026 rate information and additional context; the motion passed on a roll call vote.
Council and staff said the package of changes aims to standardize enforcement, ensure public safety at temporary structures and events, and reduce the Town’s net cost when external consultants perform inspections.
