Subject:
Title
Resolution amending Resolution 20-85 providing authority for expanding the area of authorized use of golf carts within unincorporated Palm Harbor.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adoption of the Resolution amending Resolution 20-85 providing authority for expanding the area of authorized use of golf carts within unincorporated Palm Harbor.
• Expands authorized golf cart area within unincorporated Palm Harbor.
• This initiative came from a resident request and is supported by a County Safety Study.
• 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 in order to expand the area for golf cart use in Unincorporated Palm Harbor. A second petition is not necessary to expand the area.
• Additional community notifications are scheduled for December 2021.
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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
Section 316.212 of Florida Statutes authorizes the BCC to permit the use of golf carts on County right-of-way within designated areas in any Unincorporated County area, considering factors such as speed, volume, and the character of other motor vehicle traffic using these roadways. The authorization requires approval from the BCC through a resolution to establish policy. Resolution 20-85 was previously approved by the BCC on September 10, 2020 authorizing golf cart use on portions of unincorporated Palm Harbor roads. This new Resolution expands the previously approved boundary area.
County staff determined that the neighborhood roadways in the expanded boundary area share the same characteristics as those in the previously adopted Resolution 20-85, and would be conducive to golf cart travel. Additional golf cart accessibility will be limited to local neighborhood roads which have low traffic volumes, minimal through traffic and primarily provide access to adjacent residential properties, so long as their operations are in compliance with Section 122-67 of the Code. This Section allows for (a) roadways to be designated for golf cart use by ordinance or resolution; (b) add appendices where the geographical limits of roadways designated for golf cart use may be codified. Additional neighborhood notifications and community updates will occur prior to the item being placed on the agenda.
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Background Information:
In 2019, 714 eligible property owners residing within the boundary detailed in the Downtown Palm Harbor Map, codified in Section 122-69 Appendix F as part of Resolution 20-85, were provided the ability to vote by petition, on permitting golf cart use in the unincorporated Palm Harbor community. Of the eligible owners who responded, eighty-six (86%) percent were in favor. Since that time, property owners in the areas adjacent to those in the original area expressed desire to have golf carts permitted for use in these adjacent areas as well. The Exhibit A - Revised Map will replace the Downtown Palm Harbor map and represents the expanded area where approximately 1,000 additional property owners will have access to golf cart use.
Furthermore, the County has developed a plan for the installation of additional regulatory signage to alert the public and law enforcement as to the boundaries where golf carts may operate in the expanded area.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
Unincorporated Palm Harbor
Attachments:
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit A-Revised Map
Resolution 20-85