Subject:
Title
Resolution providing authority for the use of golf carts within the Westlake Village subdivision in Palm Harbor.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Resolution to permit the use of golf carts on all community streets within the Westlake Village subdivision in Palm Harbor.
• Westlake Village Homeowners Association (HOA) request to allow golf cart use on all community streets within the subdivision.
• Petition received from HOA included a majority (65%) vote in favor of golf cart use in the community.
• In accordance with Section 122-67 of County Code, consideration of speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic, golf carts may safely travel on and cross these additional roadways, so long as appropriate signage is posted.
• Section 316.212 of Florida Statutes requires a resolution of support from the Board of County Commissioners to expand the area for golf cart use in Unincorporated Palm Harbor. A second petition is not necessary to expand the area.
Resolution is effective January 1, 2023.
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Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
5.4 Strive to exceed customer expectations
Summary:
Summary
This action requires approval by the Board per resolution to allow golf cart travel on public roads within the Westlake Village subdivision. The resolution also provides for codification of a map depicting where the roadways are located and provides for signage regarding golf cart use on these roadways. The Traffic Engineering Division received a request from the HOA president to allow use of golf carts on all community streets in the subdivision located between Nebraska Avenue and Alderman Road and west of Belcher Road. This request is based on a petition performed by County staff. The petition included a majority (65%) vote in favor of golf cart use in the community.
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Background Information:
Section 316.212 of Florida Statutes authorizes the Board to permit the use of golf carts on County rights-of-way within designated areas in any unincorporated area, considering factors such as speed, volume, and the character of other motor vehicle traffic using these roadways. In accordance with Section 122-67 of County Code, consideration of speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic, golf carts may safely travel on and cross these additional roadways, so long as appropriate signage is posted.
The HOA has approximately 680 residents. In addition to the HOA outreach via newsletter and meetings, the County petitioned the residents and did additional outreach via the County website and social media. Of the 228 petitions returned, 146 endorsed the proposal, 80 did not endorse, and two (2) returned their petition but did not vote. The majority (64.60%) of votes received were in favor of the HOA becoming a golf cart community.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer-Levy, Director of Public Works
Partners:
Westlake Village Subdivision in Palm Harbor
Attachments:
Resolution
Exhibit A - Map
Petition
Vote Analysis
Letter from Westlake Village