PROCESS FOR DESIGNATING NEW SCENIC ROAD CORRIDORS

ALACHUA COUNTYBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCTOBER 27 , 2009

Scenic Road Corridors

Scenic Road Corridors

On August 25, 2009, the Board requested:

1. Update on the process for designating a new scenic road corridor

2. The status of the proposed designation of CR 225 as a new scenic road corridor

Background

Scenic Road Committee was established to evaluate potential scenic road corridors and provide recommendations to the Board

The Committee also reviewed and offered recommendations for requests for variances to the restrictions for existing scenic roads

In February 2009, the Scenic Road Committee was dissolved and the ULDC was revised accordingly

Scenic Road Inventory

Scenic road corridor policies and regulations

Comprehensive Plan – Conservation and Open Space Element Policy 5.3.9.2.b. establishes standards for scenic corridors

ULDC – Chapter 405, Article 9 – Scenic Road Corridors Overlay Not a regulatory ordinance, Article 9 is a framework

for evaluating requests for new designations and for adopting a binding resolution unique to each scenic road corridor

General Restrictions for Scenic Road Corridors

Erecting of markers designating the corridorProhibition on the removal of regulated trees

within 100 feet of the edge of the ROWLimits on fencing and signage within the

corridorProhibition on commercial activitiesProhibition of overhead utilitiesSetting and posting of speed limitsGuidelines for maintenanceThe specific limitations are unique to each

corridor

Proposed New Designation Process

Citizen nominates a potential scenic road by completing an application:

The application is submitted to the GM Department and reviewed for completeness

GM initiates the staff review and distributes the packet to PW and EPD

Staff prepares a report that is submitted to the Board for consideration with a request to advertise

Staff prepares legal description, resolution, mails notice letters and places ad in newspaper

Staff presented the request to the Board at a Public Hearing

Proposed Application Requirements

Petition for Scenic Corridor designationProof that at least 60% of property owners

with frontage on the roadway support the designation

Evidence of a good faith effort to contact all affected property owners

Pictures of the corridorDescription of how the corridor meets

criteria for historical, environmental, scenic or cultural value per ULDC Section 405.36

Other concerns

Variances to the Scenic Road resolutions are approved by the Board. Have been handled as applications without fees Similar process fee calculated to be $$1200

Fiscal impacts of Scenic Road Corridors designation Report provides estimates of direct costs and staff time Direct cost for notice letters, legal ad and signage $1,080 Staff time 38.5 hours @$65/hour = $2,502.50

Does not include administration time

There is no specific fund for this purpose

Proposed process acceptance

With Board direction, staff will post the revised Scenic Road Corridor designation process on the County website

Proposal to Designate CR 225 as a Scenic Road Corridor

CR 225 Proposal

 Prepared by Ashley M. WoodCR 225 is 2.1 miles in length, from the

intersection with CR 346 south to the County line (at SE 185 way)

Application documents the Scenic significance of the corridor,

Describes Historical significance,Cultural Resource significance, and wasRecommended by the Scenic Road

Committee including staff

Evinston

Marion CountyAlachua County

Orange LakeTuscawilla Lake

SE 185 AV

COUNTY RD 346

COU

NTY RD

225

¨0 0.250.125Miles

Figure 13. This view is north toward the final two curves of the roadway. Sandhill cranes, eagles, hawks, osprey, and swallowtail kite, as well as many songbirds are regularly viewed along the roadway. Often deer, bears, otters, wildcats, foxes, racoons, opossums, alligators, snakes, amphibians, and other reptiles are also seen near or crossing the roadway.

Figure 3. This view is looking north, directly across from the community park and playground. The roadway follows an “S” curve, which at one time crossed the railroad tracks of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. The tracks were abandoned and removed in 1981.

Figure 6. This is looking north with the historic marker (right foreground) in the center of Evinston and east of the roadway. The marker is directly across the roadway from the Evinston Community Store and Post Office. The marker is frequently viewed, especially on weekends and holidays.

Figure 4. Built in 1882, the Evinston Community Store and Post Office, a National Historic Landmark, has been featured in movies, television shows, news articles and features, radio programs, photo essays, paintings, and in many personal photos. From the roadway looking west, this is an early morning scene prior to opening.

Staff Recommendation

Direct staff to:

Advertise and conduct the Public Hearing for adoption of a resolution designating CR 225 as a Scenic Road Corridor