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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
please complete the following form (MS
Word).
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Title: |
Palm Coast, FL Hazard Reduction Ordinance
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Type: |
Regulatory
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Jurisdiction: |
City/town
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State: |
Florida
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Program Description: |
Overview
The City of Palm Coast Ordinance No. 2001-11 provides for wildfire hazard mitigation through vegetation management. The ordinance targets hazardous vegetation on undeveloped lots located within 30 feet of adjacent structures where fuel build-up is considered excessive; the ordinance deems such properties a public nuisance. The City of Palm Coast and the Florida Division of Forestry identify areas of relatively severe risk of wildfire and prioritize areas for systemic mitigation planning and implementation. The City Manager also develops a plan for hazard mitigation for identified areas, including public education.
Implementation
To implement the ordinance, the Urban Forestry Department with the City of Palm Coast identifies undeveloped lots that present a fire hazard. Affected property owners are mailed a notice of violation where fire hazards are present. Hazard mitigation practices include prescribed burning, brush removal, and thinning trees.
Notification Procedure
Notice of violation to the property owner is first attempted by certified mail or hand delivery. If unsuccessful, the notice is physically posted on the property and at City Hall. The notification includes a description of the conditions to be remedied and the specific actions needed to correct the violation. A thirty day period is stipulated for the corrective actions to be conducted.
Penalties and Appeals
Failure to comply with the notice of violation results in misdemeanor charges. Property owners may protest the violation notice through the Fire Mitigation Review Board. If a property owner is unsuccessful in this appeal, he may bring his appeal before the City Council. If unsuccessful, the property owner has 10 days to take corrective action.
If a property owner does not take corrective actions specified in the notice, the City will do so and bill the property owner for the expenses plus a $100.00 administrative fee. Payment is required within 30 days, after which a lien will be placed on the property, payable with interest. The lien is enforceable in the same manner as a tax lien in favor of the City of Palm Coast.
Permits and Applicability With Other City Code
No permits are required to conduct operations to remedy the identified hazardous fire conditions. However, in the event of a conflict between this ordinance and other city or land development code pertaining to restrictions, limitations, or requirements, the other sections of code shall prevail.
You may view this document in it's entirety on the City of Palm Coast website. More information about the history of the fire problem in the area and community mitigation efforts can be visited at this website.
For more information, contact Carol Goewey, Palm Coast Director of Code Enforcement at [email protected].
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