News

By Rich Pollack

    Highland Beach town commissioners unanimously passed a package of five local ordinances at their March 1 meeting, with several designed to keep the town from looking unsightly during construction.
    “Most of these ordinances have the effect of making sure property is maintained according to the high standards of Highland Beach,” said Town Attorney Glen Torcivia.
    As pent-up demand for custom-built new homes led to an increase in construction, some residents asked commissioners to strengthen town codes and implement regulations to maintain the aesthetics and safety of neighborhoods where building is taking place.
    Residents of at least one neighborhood, Bel Lido Isles, which has seen an increase in construction over the last several years, say they appreciate the new ordinances.
    “The residents of our neighborhood want to be protected from the perils of construction and the town has responded,” said Peggy Gossett-Seidman, secretary of the Bel Lido Isle Home Owners Association.
    One revamped ordinance welcomed by residents adds a little more bite to codes requiring builders to place fences around construction sites.
    Under the ordinance, fences must be chain link, 6 feet tall and with a screen on the outside. The fence must be on all sides of a property where demolition or construction is taking place and include a gate that can be locked when construction is idle.
    Under the new regulations, crews are required to place all equipment as well as large metal trash bins and portable toilets inside the fence, and “No Trespassing” signs must be posted.
    Gossett-Seidman said a locked fence surrounding the construction site benefits both builders and area residents.
    “It keeps the builder’s valuable equipment and materials protected from vandals and trespassers and keeps sand and gravel and other demolition debris from falling onto neighboring properties and roadways,” she said.
    The ordinance also requires the fence be maintained in such a way as “to prevent nuisance conditions and to maintain the public health, safety and welfare.”
    Another new ordinance this month redefined the term “nuisance” in the town’s regulations. Under the new standard, the nuisance must have the potential to affect public health, safety and welfare rather than just be annoying.
    Gossett-Seidman and Bel Lido residents also supported this change.
    “The definition of safety is more specific than the definition of aesthetics,” she said. “We don’t care if you paint your house purple, but we do care if your house presents a safety hazard to the neighborhood.”
    Among other new ordinances is one that limits the number of temporary, on-site storage units to one per property and allows that unit to be in place for only 30 days. Also, a site permit is required before temporary storage units can be placed on a property.
    A separate ordinance passed this month also addresses temporary construction trailers and now says the town’s building official must approve them.
    Town commissioners also voted for a new ordinance requiring a placard be placed on any property that is undergoing rezoning or where the owner has requested a variance, special exception, comprehensive plan amendments or major modifications to the site plan.
    “This is intended to let residents know that there will be a hearing regarding the property,” Commissioner Lou Stern said.