38-77 ORDINANCE NO. 38-77
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, REPEALING CHAPTER
23A "SUBDIVISIONS" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH AND SUBSTITUTING
IN ITS PLACE A NEW CHAPTER 23A ENTITLED
"SUBDIVISIONS" REGULATING THE SUBDIVISION AND
PLATTING OF PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF DELRAY
BEACH; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE; PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That Chapter 23A "Subdivisions" of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, is hereby repealed and a
new Chapter 23A is hereby substituted in its place to read as follows:
Section 23A-1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
(A) APPLICABILITY
(1) No subdivision of any lot, tract or parcel of land
shall be effected, no street, sanitary sewer, storm
sewer, water main or other facilities in connection
therewith shall be laid out, constructed, opened or
dedicated for public use and travel, or the common
use of occupants of buildings abutting thereon ex-
cept in strict accordance with the provision of
these regulations and pertinent Florida Statutes.
(2) All plans for subdivisions shall be submitted to the
Planning and Zoning Board for review and be approved
by the City Council.
(3) The provisions contained herein shall apply to all
land within the limits of the City of Delray Beach,
or proposed for annexation thereto.
(B) PURPOSE
(1) To protect and provide for the public health, safety
and general welfare of the City.
(2) To guide the future growth and development of the
City in accordance with its Comprehensive Plan.
(3) To provide for adequate light, air and privacy, to
secure safety from fire, flood, and other danger,
and to prevent overcrowding of the land and undue
congestion of population.
(4) To encourage the orderly and beneficial develop-
ment of all parts of the City.
(5) To protect and conserve the value of land, buildings
and improvements throughout the City.
(6) To guide public and private policy and action in
order to provide adequate and efficient transporta-
tion, water, sewerage, schools, parks, playgrounds,
recreation and other public requirements and facili-
ties.
(7) To establish reasonable standards of design and
procedures for subdivisions ~nd replats, in order
to further the orderly layout and use of land, and
to insure proper legal descriptions and monumenting
of subdivided land.
(8) To preserve the local natural features and resources
in order to protect the integrity, stability and
beauty of the community and the value of the land.
Section 23A-2 DEFINITIONS
(A) INCLUSIONS
As used in these regulations, words in the singular in-
clude the plural and those in the plural include the
singular. The word "person" includes a corporation, un-
incorporated association and a partnership, as well as
an individual. The word "building" includes a structure
and Shall be construed as if followed by the phrase "or
part thereof." The word "street" includes street, high-
way, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road, alley,
avenue, boulevard, lane, place or however otherwise
designated. The word "watercourSe" includes channel,
creek, ditch, drain, canal, dry run, spring and stream.
The word "may" is permissive, the words "shall" and "will"
are mandatory.
(B) DEFINITION OF TERMS
(1) Alley means a right-of-way providing a secondary
means of access and service to abutting property
and not intended for general traffic circulation.
(2) Block is a tract of land bounded by streets, or by
a combination of streets and public parks, ceme-
teries, railroad rights-of-way, shorelines of water-
ways, or boundary lines of municipalities.
(3) Board means the Planning and Zoning Board of the
City of Delray Beach.
(4) Bond is a form of security including a cash deposit,
surety bond or instrument of credit in an amount satis-
factory to the City~Engineerand form approved by the
City Attorney.
(5) City Council means the City Council of the City of
Delray Beach.
(6) Easement is a right-of-way granted for limited use
of private property for a public or quasi-public
purpose.
(7) Engineer means a person registered to practice engi-
neering by the Florida State Board of Engineer and Land
Surveyors Examiners.
(8) Land Surveyor means a land surveyor registered under
Chapter 472, Florida Statutes, who is in good stand-
ing with the Florida State Board of Engineers and Land
Surveyors.
(9) Lot is a tract, plot or portion of a subdivision
or other parcel of land intended as a unit for the
purpose, wh~ther immediate or future, of transfer
of ~wnership or for building development.
- 2 - Ord. No. 38-77.
(10) Plat means a map or delineated representation of the
subdivision of lands being a complete exact
representation of the subdivision and other information
in compliance with the requirements of all applicable
sections of these regulations and other ordinances.
(11) Re~lat of a subdivision is a change in a map of an
approved or recorded subdivision plat if such change
affects any street, block or lot layout.
(12) Ri~t-of-Way means land dedicated, or deeded, used
or intended to be used, for a street, alley, walk-
way, boulevard, drainage way or access for ingress
and certain other purposes by the public or certain
designated individuals or governing bodies.
(13) Street
(a) Access Roadway is a private roadway intended for
access from private residences or private parking
to a public or private street. Access roadway
shall not exceed 600 feet in length or projected
traffic count of 1,000 trips per day.
(b) Arterial Street is a street which conveys traffic
from collector streets to expressways and other
collector streets.
(c) Collector Street is a street which carries
traffic from local streets to arterial streets
and includes the principal entrance streets from
a subdivision or development where projected
traffic count on said collector exceeds 2,000
trips per day.
(d) Cul-de-Sac is a street with only one outlet and
having an appropriate terminal for the safe and
convenient reversal of traffic movement.
(e) Marginal Access Street is a street which is
parallel and adjacent to another street, the
principal purpose or marginal access streets
being the reduction or elimination of the number
of traffic conflicts caused by direct access
points to abutting property from the other
street, and the improvement of.capacity, safety
and reduction of accidents thereby.
(f) Private Street is any street which has not been
dedicated for public use and not accepted for
ownership or maintenance by the City of Delray
Beach. Setbacks for private streets shall be
measured from the access easement line.
(g) Public Street is any street which is dedicated
to the public use and accepted for ownership
and maintenance by the City of Delray Beach.
Setbacks for public streets shall be measured
from the right-of-way line.
(h) Residential Street is a street conveying traffic
from private residence to collector streets.
(14) Sketch Plan means a sketch prepared previous to
preparation of the preliminary plat to enable the
subdivider to save time and expense in reaching
general agreement with the Planning and Zoning Board
as to the form of the plat and the objectives'of
these regulations.
- 3 - Ord. No. 38-77.
(15) Subdivision means any land, vacant or improved,
which is divided or proposed to be divided into
two (2) or more lots, parcels, sites, units or
plots for the purpose of offer, sale, lease or
development either on the installment plan or upon
any and all other plans, terms and conditions
including resubdivision. Subdivision includes the
division or development of residential and
nonresidential zoned land, as well as the division
of units, whether by deed, metes'and bounds description
devise, intestacy, lease, map, plat or other recorded
instrument.
(a) Minor Subdivision means any subdivision containing
not more than three (3) lots fronting on an
existing street, not involving any new street or
road or the extension of municipal facilities or
the creation of any public improvements.
(b) Major Subdivision means all subdivisions not
classified as minor subdivisions.
(16) Zoning Ordinance means the zoning ordinance of the
City of Delr~y Beach, Florida and amendments thereto.
Section 23A-3 APPLICATION PROCEDURE
(A) GENERAL PROCEDURE
Whenever any subdivision of land is proposed, before
any contract is made for the sale of any part thereof,
and before any permit for the erection of a structure in
such proposed subdivision shall be granted, the subdividing
owner, or his authorized agent, shall apply for and secure
approval of such proposed subdivision in accordance with
the following procedure, which includes basically two (2)
steps for a'minor subdivision and three (3) steps for a
major subdivision:
(1) Minor Subdivision
Pre-submission Conference (Sketch Plan)
Final Subdivision Plat
(2) Major Subdivision
Pre-submission ConferenCe (Sketch Plan)
Preliminary Plat
Final Subdivision Plat
(B) PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE
Prior to the preparation of the final plat in the case
of a minor subdivision and prior to the preparation of
the preliminary plat in the case of a major subdivision,
the subdivider will have a pre-submission conference
with the Planning and Zoning Board to review the sketch
plan and to discuss different aspects of the Subdivision
Regulations.
(1) If a minor subdivision as defined in these regulations,
the sketch plan shall consist of the deed description
and a land surveyor's map of the area being subdivided.
Once the sketch plan has been reviewed at the pre-
submission conference the sub-divider may proceed to
prepare the final Plat in accordance with the
requirements hereinafter contained.
- 4 - Ord. No. 38-77.
(2) If a major subdivision as defined in these
regulations, the sketch plan shall include the
following information.
(a) A scaled map with subdivision name, North
point, graphic scale and date, showing, a
survey of the property to be subdivided.
Map should be at least as large as 200'
to the inch.
(b) The name of the owner and all adjoining
property owners as indicated by current tax
records.
(c) The boundaries of the area which is to be sub-
divided and the distance to the nearest exist-
ing street intersection.
(d) All roads platted or built, utilities available
and watercourses in and within 500 feet of the
proposed subdivision.
(e) All existing structures, wooded areas and other
significant land features.
(f) Low, swampy areas and areas subject to fldoding
within the proposed subdivision.
(g) All existing restrictions on the use of the land
including deed restrictions, easements and zoning
lines.
(h) Proposed pattern of streets, blocks, and lots.
(i) Number of lots proposed, typical lot width and
depth, building type contemplated, general
indication of utilities to be provided, and any
proposed zoning changes, easements or deed
restrictions.
(j) Areas to be used for parks, playgrounds or other
common use.
Following the pre-submission conference the subdivider
will submit to the Planning Department three copies of
the sketch plan for review of streets, drainage and
utilities considerations. The Planning Department will
coordinate the review process with other City department:
as applicable, and check the proposed street names.
After the aforementioned reviews the subdivider may
proceed to prepare a Preliminary Plat in accordance
with the requirements hereinafter contained.
(C) PRELIMINARY PLAT
(1) General Procedure
(a) Seven (7) copies of the Preliminary Plat shall be
filed with the Planning Department, which will
distribute copies to the City Engineer, Public
Utilities Department and other City departments
~hen~applicable, at least twenty (20) days
prior, to the Planning and Zoning Boar~-meeting
at which it is to be considered. Plat and
supporting data shall comply with the provisions
.of Section 23A-3(C) (2) of these regulations.
- 5 - Ord. No. 38-77.
(b) The City Engineer, the Public Utilities Department
and other departments when applicable, shall review
the Preliminary Plat for general engineering and
for conformance with pertinent provisions of these
regulations. The Planning Department shall review
the Preliminary Plat for all land planning
related considerations including open space,
recreation and educational requirements, as well
as street numbering and naming. The reviews shall
be completed and a print with approval and
comments from each review sent to the Planning and
Zoning Board, within ten (10) days of receipt of
the Preliminary Plat.
(c) Within ten (10) days of receipt of the above-
mentioned reviews the Planning and Zoning Board
will meet to consider the Preliminary Plat. The
subdivider or his representative should attend
this meeting. As a result of this meeting the
Planning and Zoning Board will recommend approval
or rejection of the Preliminary Plat, with
pertinent comments, if any, to the City Council.
Failure of the Board to recommend approval or
rejection of the Preliminary Plat within thirty (30
days after the above-mentioned meeting shall be
deemed a recommendation for approval as determined
by the staff reviews.
(d) If the City Council approves the Preliminary Plat,
without changes, it shall be signed in the spaces
provided thereon by:
The subdivider
The Mayor (attested by City Clerk)
Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board
City Engineer
Director of Planning Department
Public Utilities Department
Parks and Recreation Department(when.~applicable
Fire Department (when applicable)
If the City Council approved the Plat with changes
acceptable to the subdivider, the Plat shall be
altered by the developer to conform with the said
changes before being signed by the aforementioned
parties. In either case the subdivider shall
furnish one print of the signed Preliminary Plat
to each of the signing parties.
(2) Preliminary Plat Requirements
The Preliminary Plat shall be drawn to the scale of not
more than 100 feet to the inch provided, however, that
a scale-of 200 feet to the inch may be used for large
areas. Size of sheets shall be 24" x 36", plainly
titled "Preliminary Plat" and shall show the following:
(a) Date, northpoint and scale.
(b) Name of proposed subdivision. Name shall not
duplicate or closely approximate the name of any
other subdivision in the County.
(c) Location sketch related to City limits.
(d) Name of subdivider and address.
(e) Name, address and Seal of registered engineer and
6 Ord. No. 38-77.
surveyor responsible for the plat.
(f) Location and name of adjacent subdivisions.
(g) Boundary line of the tract to be subdivided drawn
accurately to scale and with accurate linear and
angular dimensions.
(h) All existing water courses, drainage ditches, canals
and bodies of water on or adjacent to proposed
subdivision.
(i) All existing buildings on the proposed subdivision
and all existing sewers, water mains, culverts, fire
hydrants, underground or above ground utilities on
or adjacent to the proposed subdivision.
(j) All existing streets and alleys on or adjacent to the
tract including name, classification,~right-of-way
width and pavement width. Existing streets shall be
dimensioned to tract boundaries.
(k) All existing property lines, easements and rights-
of-way and the purpose for which the easements or
rights-of-way have been established.
(1) Location, width of all proposed streets, alleys,
rights-of-way and easements, purpose of easements,
proposed lot.lines for each street. Indicate
vacation of existing right-of-way within the
subdivision if vacation is necessary for recording
of new plat.
(m) Sites, if any, to be reserved or dedicated for
parks, playgrounds or other public uses.
(n) Sites, if any, for multiple family dwellings, shop-
ping centers, churches, industry or other non-public
uses exclusive of. single-family residential uses.
(o) Locations and size of proposed water, sewer, drain-
age facilities, fire hydrants and other utilities on
the land to be subdivided and on land within one
hundred (100) feet thereof. This information to be
prepared by a registered engineer and surveyor.
(p) Site data, in tabular form, including total area,
number of residential lots, typical lot sizes, areas
in parks and other uses.
(q) Complete solution to drainage problems including
positive and final outfall prepared by a registered
engineer. Accompanying the Preliminary Plat there
shall be a letter of approval from the agency
controlling the body of water receiving the effluent
from the subdivision storm drainage outfalls.
(r) Planting plan for public right-of-way showing types,
sizes and spacing of trees.
(s) Space and forms for the following signatures
indicating approval: Subdivider, Mayor (attested by
City Clerk), Chairman of the Planning and Zoning
Board, City Engineer, Director of Planning Department
Public Utilities Department, Parks and Recreation
Department (when applicable), Fire Department (when
applicable).
- 7 - Ord. NO. 38-77
(t) Existing and proposed contour lines with one foot
intervals.
(u) Where the proposed plat covers only a portion of the
subdivider's entire holding, sketch shall be sub-
mitted showing the contemplated street layout and
proposed use for the balance of the property.
(D) FINAL PLAT
(1) General Procedure
(a) Receipt of the signed copy of the approved
Preliminary Plat constitutes authorization for the
subdivider to proceed with the preparation of plans
and specifications for the Final Plat. Prior to
the construction of any improvements required or
to the Submission of a bond in lieu thereof, the
subdivider shall furnish the City Engineer all
plans, information and data necessary to determine
the character and adequateness of site improvements.
These plans shall be examined by the City Engineer
and Staff and will be approved if in accordance
with all regulation requirements.
(b) The subdivider shall, within six (6) months after
approval of the Preliminary Plat, file five (5)
copies of the Final Plat in final form with the
Planning Department or the approval of the
Preliminary Plat will lapse. Copies shall be
transmitted to the City Engineer, to the Public
Utilities Department and other departments when
applicable for their examination and comments.
(c) The Final Plat shall conform in all important
respects with the Preliminary Plat as previously
approved and shall incorporate all modifications
and revisions specified in the approval of the
Preliminary Plat. The subdivider may submit a
Final Plat which constitutes ~nly a portion of
the approved Preliminary Plat and which he proposes
to record and develop at the time, as long as such
portion conforms to all the requirements of these
regulations. Requirements include conformance of
partial plat and balance of property with contem-
plated street lay-out and proposed uses for the
entire land holding as shown and approved in the
Preliminary Plat. See Section 23A-3(C) (2) (u).
(d) Within ten (10) days of the receipt of the
application for final approval the City Engineer,
Public Utilities Department, Planning Department
and other departments when applicable shall notify
the Planning and Zoning Board in writing of their
findings and recommendations. The Planning and
Zoning Board will review the Final Plat and staff
findings, and submit its compliance certification,
together with those of the City staff to Council
at least twenty (20) days prior to the Council
meeting at which the Final Plat is to be considered.
(e) After receiving the required Final Plat certifica-
tions from the Planning and Zoning Board and City
staff, the City Council may give approval to the
Final Plat with the provision that such approval
is contingent on receipt by the City of a surety
deposit covering the cost of all improvements
required by the Subdivision Regulations, or certifi-
cation by the City Manager that all required improve.
- 8 - Ord. No. 38-77.
ments have been properly installed.
(f) In lieu of the immediate installation of the
required improvements the subdivider shall either:
(1) File with the City Clerk a surety bond, or
other equivalent security instrument, con-
ditioned to secure the construction of the
required improvements in a satisfactory manner
and within a time period not to exceed one (1)
year. Said bond shall be executed by a surety
company authorized to do business in the State
of Florida and having a resident agent in Palm
Beach County. No such bond shall be accepted
unless it is enforceable by/or payable to the
City in a sum at least equal to the cost of
constructing the improvements as estimated by
the City Engineer and in form with surety and
conditions approved by the City Attorney, or;
(2) Deposit with the City or place in escrow cash,
cashier's check or a certified check in an
amount equal to the cost of constructing the
improvements as estimated by the City Engineer.
The City Manager may release portions of this
security deposit as the work progresses to
his satisfaction.
(g) The certifica~i~ns~of_the_Planning~and Zoning Board,·
City staff and the final approval of the City
Council shall be each stamped or imprinted on the
Final Plat. One (1) copy shall be returned to the
subdivider, one (1) copy to the Planning and Zoning
Board, one (1) copy to the City Engineer, and (1)
one copy to the Planning Department and one (1)
copy to be retained in the files of the City
Council.
(h) Within sixty (60) days following receipt and accept-
ance by the City of the surety deposit or notifica-
tion by the City Manager that all required improve-
ments have been properly installed, the subdivider
shall file a true copy of the plat as approved, with
the Clerk of the Circus% Court of Palm Beach County,
Florida.
{i) When the plat has been recorded, four (4) copies
thereof shall be filed with the City Clerk of Delray:
Beach, who shall distribute one each to the Planning
and Zoning Board, City Engineer~., Planning Department
and City Council.
(j) No building permit shall be issued ~ntil the Final
Plat has been recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit
Court of Palm Beach County. No temporary or final
Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued until all
required improvements have been installed.
(k) The subdivider's engineer and/or surveyor shall
provide all layout and field inspection work.
He shall also certify all improvements as having
been completed in accordance to approved plans and
specifications and to provide "as-built" plans.
(2) Final Plat Requirements
The Final Plat shall be clearly and legibly drawn in ink
on tracing paper~ or milar, to a scale of not more than
one hundred (100) feet to one (1) inch. Individual sheets,
- 9 - Ord. No. 38-77.
their size, marginal lines and other drafting con-
siderations shall comply with the Palm Beach County
requirements for the recording of plats. Where the
final plat of a proposed subdivision requires more
than one sheet, each sheet shall be keyed to a master
map with appropriate marks of identification. The
final plat shall include the following information.
(a) Location sketch showing location of subdivision
with respect to section or government lot lines.
(b) Boundary lines drawn in compliance with Chapter
177 Maps and Plats, State of Florida Statute
as amended.
(c) The exact names, locations and widths along the
property lines of all existing or recorded streets
intersecting or paralleling the boundaries of
the tract.
(d) The accurate location and material of all permanent
reference monuments.
(e) The exact layout including street and alley lines,
street names, bearings angles of intersection and
widths (including widths along the lines of any
obliquely intersecting street), lengths~ of arcs
and radii, points of curvature and tangent bear-
ings; all easements or rights-of-way where
provided; all lot lines with dimensions in ~feet
and hundredths and with bearings or angles of
other than right angles to the street or alley
lines.
(f) Lots numbered in numerical order beginning with
number one in each block, and blocks numbered in
numerical order or lettered in alphabetical order.
(g) The accurate outline of all property which is to
be dedicated or reserved for public use including
open drainage courses and suitable easements, and
all property that may be reserved by covenants in
deeds for the common use of the property owners
in the subdivision, with the purposes indicated
thereon.
(h) Names and locations of adjoining subdivisions, if
any, the adjacent portions of which shall be
shown in outline form.
(i) Acknowledgement of the owner or owners and all
lien holders to the plat and restrictions,
including dedication to public use of all streets,
alleys, parks or other open spaces shown thereon
and the granting of the required easements.
(j) Private restrictions and/or trusteeships and their
period of existence. Should these restrictions be of
such length as to make their lettering on the plat
impracticable and thus necessitate the preparation
of a separate instrument, reference to such instru-
ment shall be made on the plat.
- 10 - Ord. No. 38-77
(k) The certificate of the registered land surveyor
attesting to the accuracy of the survey and that
the permanent reference monuments to such instrument
shall be made on the plat.
(1) Space and forms for the following necessary signatures
indicating approval:
(1) Planning and Zoning Board
(2) Mayor (Attested by City Clerk)
(3) City Engineer
(4) County Commission
(5) County Engineer
(m) Subdivision name or identifying title.
(n) North point, scale and date.
(o) Name of record owner and subdivider.
(3) Replattin~
Any change in an approved or recorded subdivision plat, if
such change affects any street layout shown on such map,
or area reserved or dedicated thereon for public use, or
any lot line, or if it affects any map or plan legally
reached prior to the adoption of any regulations con-
trolling subdivisions, will constitute a replat and shall
comply with the same procedure, rules and regulations as
for.a subdivision.
(4) Vacation of Plats
(a) Any plat or any part of_any plat m~y be~Vacated by the
owner of the premises at any time before the sale of
any lot therein provided that vacating is approved by
the City Council after receiving pertinent certifi-
cations from the Planning and Zoning Board, City
Ehgineer and Planning Director with respect to
adequateness of the proposed action and its implica-
tions on public rights in any of its public uses, _
improvements, streets and alleys.
(b) The written instrument by which the vacation is to be
accomplished shall have a copy of the plat or part
thereof to be vacated attached declaring the same to
be vacated. The form of the written instrument shall
be subject to the approval of City Council.
(c) Such an instrument shall be submitted, approved and
recorded in like manner as ~lats of subdivisions;
and being duly recorded shall operate to destroy
the force and effect of the recording of the plat
so vacated, and to divest all public rights in the
streets, alleys, and Dublic grounds, and all
dedications laid out or described in such plat.
(d) When lots have been sold, the plat may be vacated in
the mahner her~in described provided that all the
owners of lots in such plat join in the execution
of such writing.
Section ~3A-4 DESIGN STANDARDS
(A) GENERAL CONFORMANCE STANDARDS
(1) Whenever a tract of land to be subdivided embraces
any part of a designated plan element such part of
the plan shall be included in the proposed subdivi-
-11- Ord. No. 38-77.
sion. Said plan elements may include public thor-
oughfares, parks, institutional sites, drainage
courses or other such elements.
(2) All proposed subdivisions shall be designed to con-
form with the minimum City zoning and building re-
gulations for the area in which the proposed.sub-
division will be located.
(3) Land which is found to be unsuited for subdivision
due to pogr soil qualities, flooding, poor drainage,
or other features likely to be harmful to the health,
safety and general welfare of future residents shall
not be subdivided, unless adequate methods of cor-
rection are formulated by the subdivider and approved
by the City Engineer.
(S) STREETS
(1) The arrangement, character, extent, width, grade and
location, of all streets shall conform to tke streets
and highway plans of the state, county and city res-
pectively, and shall be considered in their relation
to existing and planned streets, to topographical
conditions, to public convenience and safety, in
their appropriate relation to the proposed uses of the
land to be served by such streets and the most advan-
tageous development of the surrounding neighborhood.
(2) The location of all arterial streets in the proposed
subdivision shall conform in general alignment to th~
Comprehensive Plan of Delray Beach.
(3) The proposed street layout shall provide for the con-
tinuation or projection of existing streets in the
surrounding areas unless the Planning and Zoning Board
deems such extension undesirable for specific reasons
of topography or design. Any new street that is an
extension of an existing street shall have the same
width of right-of-way and be paved to the same width
as the existing street provided that it must meet the
minimum construction standards of these regulations.
(4) Proposed streets shall be extended to provide access
to adjoining property where necessary.
(5) Residential streets and access roadways shall be laid
out to discourage through traffic, but provision for
street connections into and from adjacent areas will
generally be required.
(6) Where a subdivision abuts or contains an existing or
proposed arterial street, the Planning and Zoning Board
may require marginal access streets, reverse frontage
with screen planting contained in a non-access
reservation along the rear property line, deep lots
with rear service alleys, or such other treatment as
may be necessary for adequate protection of residential
properties and to afford separation of through and local
traffic.
(7) Where a subdivision borders on or contains a railroad
right-of-way, expressway, drainage canal or water way,
the Planning and Zoning Board may require a street
approximately parallel to and on each side of such
right-of-way, at a distance suitable for the appropriate
use of the intervening land. Such distance shall also
be determined with due regard for the requirements of
approach grades for future bridges or grade separations.
-12- Ord. No. 38-77.
(8) Reserve strips controlling.access to streets shall
be prohibited except where their control is definitely
placed in the City under conditions approved by the
Planning and Zoning Board.
(9) Every subdivided lot or property shall be served from
a publicly dedicated street or a private street
designed and built in accordance with these regulations.
(10) Unless contiguous to an existing subdivision with a
half street, half streets shall not be permitted.
(11) Dead end streets are prohibited except those designed
to be so permanently. Permanent dead end streets
shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) feet in length,
and shall be provided at the closed end (cul-de-sac)
with a turn-around having an outside roadway diameter
of at least eighty (80) feet, and a street property
line diameter of at least one hundred (100) feet.
The Planning and Zoning Board may recommend to City
Council, that permanent dead end streets be longer than
one thousand (1,000) feet, when they would help to:
(1) preserve natural features and resources; (2)
eliminate unnecessary traffic in the general area; and
(3) preserve and/or increase open space.
The final decision to allow longer dead end streets
shall be made by the City Council.
(12) Street jogs with center line off-sets less than one
hundred twenty-five feet shall be avoided.
(13) Curvelinear streets are recommended for residential,
minor and collector streets in order to discourage
excessive vehicular speeds and to provide attractive
vistas.
(a) Whenever a street changes direction, or connection
street lines deflect from each other, by more than
ten degrees, there shall be a horizontal curve.
(b) To ensure adequate sight distance, minimum center
line radii for horizontal curves shall be as
follows:
Minor streets ..... 150 feet
Collector streets .300 feet
Secondary arterial streets and
section line roads ...... 500 feet
Major arterial streets .......... 750 feet
(c) A tangent at least one hundred feet long shall
be provided between reverse curves on collector
streets, and at least two hundred and fifty feet
long on major and arterial streets and section
line roads.
(14) Streets Intersections:
(a) Streets shall be laid out to intersect as nearly
as possible at right angles. No street shall in-
tersect another at an angle of less than sixty
degrees, except at a "Y" intersection of two
minor streets.
(b) Multiple intersections involving junction of more
than two streets shall be prohibited except where
found to be unavoidable by the Planning and Zoning
Board.
(c) "T" intersections of minor and collector streets
are to be encouraged.
- 13 - Ord. No. 38-77
(d) As far as possible, intersections on arterial
streets shall be located not less than eight hun-
dred feet apart, measured from center line to
center line.
(e) Property line radii at street intersections shall
be twenty-five feet from minor streets and where
the angle of intersection is less than sixty de-
grees a greater radii may be required by the
Planning and Zoning Board. On all new and rebuilt
streets, whether public or private, intersections
of the edge of paving shall be on a minimum radii
of 40 feet excepting in cases where the width of
existing right-of-way will not permit.
(15) Cul-de-sac Street:
(a) Cul-de-sac streets, penmanently designed as such,
shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) feet in
length, (except as provided in Section 23A-4(B) (11)
above).
(b) Cul-de-sac streets shall be provided at the closed
end with a paved turnaround having a minimum dia-
meter to the outer pavement edge or curb line of
eighty (80) feet and a property line diameter of
at least one hundred (100) feet.
(c) Unless future extension is clearly impractical
or undesirable, a turnaround ~ight-of-way 6f
the same width as the street shall be carried to
the property line in such a way as to permit future
extension of the street into the adjoining street.
(d) Each lot fronting on a cul-de-sac shall have at
least twenty-five (25) feet frontage.
(16) Minimum right-of-way width for streets shall be as
follows:
Street Type Ri~ht-of-Wa~ (feet)
Arterial Street 120
Collector Street 80
Residential Street 50
Marginal Access Street 40
Access Roadway 24
Alleys 20
Additional right-of-way width may be required by the
City Traffic Engineer to promote public safety and
welfare, and to assure adequate access, circulation,
and parking in high density residential areas, commercial
areas and industrial areas. To determine the necessity
for additional right-of-way, the City Engineer may
require the applicant to furnish a traffic impact
analysis and, passing upon said analysis, the City
Traffic Engineer shall determine the extent to which
any additional right-of-way will be needed. Where a
subdivision abuts or contains an existing street of
inadequate right-of-way width, additional right-of-way
in conformance with the above standards may be required.
(17) A proposed new street which is in alignment with or a
continuation of an existing street shall have %he same
name as the existing street. In no case shall new
streets have names or numbers which duplicate or which
are phonetically similar to existing street names,
-14- Ord. No. 38-77.
regardless of the prefix or suffix used as "Avenue",
"Boulevard", or "Court", "Cresent", "Drive", "Place",
"Street", or "Terrace". All street names shall be
suSject to approval of the Planning and Zoning Board.
(C) -S IDEWALK$
(1) Sidewalks are required on both sides of all streets
within a subdivision. A strip of grass, or land-
scaped area at least two (2) feet in width shall
separate all sidewalks from adjacent pavement.
Width of sidewalks will be as follows:
Single-family areas: five (5) feet
Multi-family areas: six (6) feet
Non-residential areas:
Industrial: six (6) feet
Commercial: ten (10) feet
The Planning and Zoning Board may recommend to
City Council waiving the sidewalk requirements on one
or both sides of streets when the proposed develop-
ment is Of a unique design or type that sidewalks
would not be necessary for safe pedestrian travel.
The final decision as to whether sidewalks are to
be waived or not shall be made by the City Council.
The City Council may waive the sidewalk requirement
even if no recommendation to do so is made by the
Planning and Zoning Board.
(2) Bicycle and riding pathways and trails, if contem-
plated within the subdivision shall be separated and
buffered from vehicular traffic. Crossing points
between streets and bike or riding pathways shall be
minimized and designed as to ensure proper control
and safety. Bike pathways shall have a minimum width
of six (6) feet. Riding trails shall have a minimum
width of fifteen (15) feet.
(D) ALLEYS AND EASEMENTS
(1) Alleys
(a) Alleys shall be provided to serve multiple
dwelling, business, commercial and industrial
areas, except that the Planning and Zoning Board
may waive this requirement where other definite
and assured provision is made for service access,
off-street loading, unloading and parking con-
sistent with and adequate for the uses permiss-
ible on the property.
(b) The width of an alley shall be twenty feet or
more.
(c) ehanges in alignment of allDys shall be made on
a center line radius of not less than fifty feet.
(d) Dead end alleys shall be avoided w~ere possible,
but if unavoidable, shall be provided with
adequate turnaround facilities for service
trucks at dead end, with a minimum external
diameter of one hundred feet, or as determined
to be adequate by the Planning and Zoning Board.
-15- Ord. No. 38-77.
(2) Easements
(a) Easements across lots or centered or rear or side
lot lines shall be provided for public utilities
where necessary and shall be at least twelve feet
in width.
(b) Where a subdivision is traversed by a water
course, drainage way, canal or stream, there
shall be provided a storm water easement or
drainage right-of-way conforming substantially
with the lines of such water courses, and such
further width or construction, or both, as will
be adequate for the.purpose. Parallel streets
or parkways may be required in connection
therewith where necessary for service or
maintenance.
(c) Easements may be required for drainage purposes
of such size and location as may be determined
by the City Engineer.
(E) DRAINAGE
(1) Lots shall be laid out and graded to provide positive
drainage away from all existing or proposed buildings
(2) The drainage system shall be designed using accepted
engineering principles for rainstorms of maximum in-
tensity based on a ten year interval for the South
Florida area. The system shall provide for drainage
of lots, streets, roads, and other public areas as
well as handling any run-off from adjacent areas that
naturally flows into the subject area. Run-off co-
efficients shall be based on completed projects. The
following standards-shall apply to all drainage
projects.
(3) Storm sewers, culverts and related installations shall
be provided, where necessary, according to the City
Engineer:
(a) To permit unimpeded flow of natural watercourses.
(b) To insure adequate drainage of all low points
along the line of streets.
(c) To intercept storm water run-off along streets
at intervals reasonably related to the extent
and grade of the area drained.
(4) In the design of storm sewerage installations,
special consideration shall be given to avoidance
of problems which may arise from concentration of
storm water run-off over adjacent properties.
(5) The subdivider may be required to carzy away by
pipe or open ditch any spring or surface water that
may exist either previous to, or as a result of the
subdivision. Such drainage facilities shall be
located in the street right-of-way where feasible,
or in perpetual unobstructed easements of appropriate
width.
-16- Ord. No. 38-77.
(6) A culvert or other drainage facility shall, in each
case, be large enough to accommodate potential run-
off from its entire upstream drainage area, whether
inside or outside the subdivision. The City Engineer
shall approve the design and size of facility based
on anticipated run-off from a ten-year storm under
conditions of'total potential development permitted
by the Zoning Ordinance ih the watershed.
(7) The subdivider'.s engineer shall also study the effect
of such subdivision on the existing downstream drain-
age facilities outside the area of the subdivision;
this study shall be reviewed by the City Engineer~
Where it is anticipated that the additional run-off
incident to the development of the subdivision will
overload an existing downstream drainage facility
during a ten-year storm, the subdivision shall not
be approved until provision has been made for the
improvement of said condition.
(F) ~ATER AND SEWER
The subdivider shall co~ply with all pertinent regula-
tions, controls and standards as stipulated by the City,
Palm Beach County and the State of Florida. Such com-
pliance shall ensure subdivision users with an adequate
water supply, sanitary sewerage system and fire protec-
tion.
(G) BLOCK AND LOT STANDARDS
(1) Block
(a) Blocks shall have sufficient width to provide
for two (2) tiers of lots of appropriate depths.
Exceptions to this prescribed block width shall
be permitted in blocks adjacent to major streets,
railroads or waterways.
(b) The lengths, widths and shapes of blocks shall be
determined with due regard to:
(1) Provision of adequate building sites,
suitable to the needs of the types of
uses contemplated.
(2) Zoning requirements as to lot sizes and
dimensions.
(3) Needs for the convenient and safe access,
circulation, and control of pedestrian
and vehicular traffic.
(4) Limitations and opportunities of topographic
features.
(c) Block lengths shall not exceed one thousand
eight hundred feet nor be less than five hundred
feet, unless found unavoidable by the Planning
and Zoning Board.
(d) Pedestrian through walks may be required by the
Planning and Zoning Board where necessary to
assist circulation or provide access to
community facilities. Such crosswalks shall
have a width of not less than ten (10) feet
and a paved walk of not less than five (5)
feet.
-17- Ord. No. 38-77.
(2) Lot
(a) The lot arrangement shall be such that there will
be no foreseeable difficulties for reasons of grad-
ing, topography or other conditions, in securing
building permits to build on all lots in compliance
~with the Zoning Ordinance and other controls and
regulations.
(b) Each lot shall abut and have access to a street
which shall conform to the design requirements of
these regulations. In cases other than conventional
subdivisions, such as lay-outs of duplexes, tri-
plexes, fourplexes and townhouses, with individual
lots for each dwelling unit, lots shall not be re-
quired to abut a street. All such lots shall have
convenient, indirect access to a street through
lay-out devices such as parking areas, or direct
access when abutting a street.
(c) Consideration shall be given to lot orientation
with respect to the separation of incompatible land
uses. Residential lots which face commercial or
industrial areas shall be avoided.
(d) Lot width, area, building site area and yard
restrictions shall be governed by the requirements
of the Zoning Ordinance of Delray Beach and amend-
ments thereto.
(e) Corner lots for residential use shall have extra
width to permit appropriate building setbacks from
and orientation to both streets.
(f) Side lot lines shall be at right angles to straight
street center lines, and radial to curved street
center lines, where possible. Rear lot lines shall
consist of straight lines, where possible.
(g) DOuble frontage and reverse frontage lots, shall be
avoided except where desirable to provide separation
of residential developments from major streets or to
overcome specific disadvantages of orientation.
A planting screen easement of at least ten (10)
feet and across which there shall be no right of
access, shall be provided along the line of lots
abutting such a major street or other disadvanta-
geous situation.
(H) PUBLIC SITES
(1) Parks and Recreation
(a) Land shall be dedicated for park and recreation
purposes, as a percentage of the total single
family subdivision area:
Lot size 12,500 sq. ft. or less 8%
Lot size 12,501 sq. ft. to 5%
25,000 sq. ft.
Lot size over 25,000 sq. ft. 3%
- 18 - Ord. No. 38-77.
(b) In the event the subdivision is too small or for
some other valid reason it is not feasible or
advisable to dedicate land for recreational
purposes, as determined by the Planning and
Zoning Board, the subdivider may be required
to pay to the City a sum of money equal to the
value of the vacant land area resulting from
the above-mentioned standards.
(c) Land dedicated for park and recreation purposes
shall be well drained, have good access and have
adequate area and dimensions for the indicated
purpose.
(2) School Sites
(a) When a subdivision covers an area within which
the School Board of Palm Beach County requires
a school site, provision should be made in the
subdivision plat for such a site. Such land is
to be reserved for the indicated purpose and
the subdivision plans shall take into con-
sideration the access and locational require-
ments of such a community facility which usually
will extend beyond the subdivision boundaries.
(b) Site size and dimensions shall comply with
County School Board requirements.
(c) When a school site has been designated in a plat
the site shall be reserved for a period of two
years from the date of recording. If the County
School Board fails to purchase the site within
the two year period, the subdivider may replat
the reserved school site.
(I) NONRESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS
(1) If a proposed subdivision includes land that is
zoned for commercial or industrial purposes, the
layout and plans of the subdivision, with respect
to such land, shall make such provisions as the
Planning and Zoning Board may require, including
zoning and comprehensive plan requirements.
(2) The following principles and standards shall be
observed:
(a) Proposed parcels shall be suitable in area and
dimensions to the types of industrial and/or
commercial development anticipated.
(b) Street ri~hts-of-way and pavement shall be
adequate to accommodate the type and volume
of traffic anticipated to be generated
thereupon.
(c) Special requirements may be imposed by the Plan-
ning and Zoning Board and City Engineer with
respect to street, curb, gutter and sidewalk
design and construction.
(d) Special requirements may be imposed by appropriat.
public agencies with respect to the install&tion
of public utilities.
-19- Ord. No. 38-77.
(e) Ever~ effort shall be made to protect adjacent
residential areas from potential nuisance from
a proposed commercial or industrial subdivision,
including the provision of extra depth in parcels
backing up on existing or potential residential
development and provisions for a permanently land-
scaped buffer strip when necessary.
(f) Streets carrying nonresidential traffic,
especially'truck traffic, shall not normally be
extended to the boundaries of adjacent existing
or potential residential areas.
SECTION 23A-5 REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS
(A) SCOPE
The following tangible improvements, in accordance with
the plans and specifications submitted to and approved
by the City Engineer, are required before Final Plat
approval in order to assure the physical reality of a
subdivision which approval and recordation will
establish legally. Construction shall be subject to
the supervision of the City Engineer. The subdivider
shall comply with the standard procedures of building
permit, inspection and final approval for each of the
required improvements.
(B) M~NUMENTS ~NnMARKERS
(1) At intersection of center line of all streets
install a one inch~pipe, three feet ~ong
embedded in concrete with the top flush with
the finished pavement.
(2) All other lot corners shall be marked with an iron
pipe not less than one-half inch in diameter and
twenty-four inches long and set so as to be flush
with the finished grade.
(3) Permanent reference monuments shall be as required
by Florida Plat Law.
(C) DRAINAGE
(1) The drainage system shall be designed and con-
structed for long life, low maintenance cost
and ease of maintenance.
(2) An adequate drainage system including necessary
open. diVe,es, pipes, culverts, interse~tional
drains, inlets, bridges, etc., shall be provided
for the proper drainage of all surface water.
Cross drains shall be provided to accommodate
all natural water flow and shall be of sufficient
length to permit full width roadway and required
slopes.
(3) Developers of subdivisions whose storm drainage
system discharges into the Lake Worth Drainage
District shall contract with the Lake Worth
Drainage District for maintenance of drainage
facilities prior to annexation to the City.
-20- Ord. No. 38-77.
ID ) STREETS
To conform with the requirements of this Chapter
and Article II, Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances
of the City.
(E) SIDEWALKS
(1) Concrete sidewalks shall have a minimum depth of four
(4) inches and a 6" X 6" by %10 X %10 wire mesh shall
be placed in the sidewalk and shall be constructed
of Class I concrete with a minimum strength of 3,000
p.s.i, as directed by the City Engineer.
(2) Bicycle pathways may have asphalt or concrete as
their finished surface. Riding trails are to be
finished with appropriate soft, loose materials.
(F) WATER
Water mains, with a minimum diameter of six (6) inches,
properly connected with the City water supply system
shall be provided as to adequately serve all lots and
sites shown on the subdivision plat, for both domestic
use and fire protection. Pertinent specifications from
the City and other regulatory agencies must be followed.
To eliminate future street openings, all underground
utilities shall be installed before any final paving of
a street shown in the subdivision plat.
(G) SANITARY SEWERS
All plans shall be designed and all facilities built in
the manner prescribed by pertinent regulatory agencies
including City, County and State levels. Sanitary sewer
mains shall be no less than 8" in diameter, properly
connected with the City sewerage system, shall be pro-
vided. In addition to the mains, laterals shall be
installed to each platted lot and stubbed off at the
property line for future connection. Where sanitary
sewerage systems are not reasonably accessible, individual
septic tanks may be used following County Health Departmen
requirements. It such cases, sewer lines shall be laid
and capped until connection to a public system becomes
feasible and mandatory.
(H) STREET FURNITURE AND LANDSC~PIN~
Street name signs shall be installed at the intersection
of all streets carrying the street names approved on the
subdivision plat, unless a different name is approved by
Council. Location and design of signs shall be subject
to the approval of the city Engineer and the Planning and
Zoning Board. Same procedure will apply with all other
street furniture such as benches, shelters and waste
baskets. Grassing and mulching shall be done in the strip
between curbs and sidewalks. Planting of shade trees and
street lighting are required, in conformance with pertinen'
plans approved by the city Engineer and the Planning and
Zoning Board.
-21- Ord. No. 38-77
(I) PRIVATE UTILITIES
Utilities facilities serving the neighborhood including
but not limited to gas, electric power, telephone and
CATV cables, shall be located underground throughout the
subdivision.
(J) INSTAT.T~%TION PROCEDURES
The conditional approval granted by the City Council
cannot become effective until provision has been made for
the proper installation of all required improvements in
the following ways:
(1) Acceptance by City of a surety bond or similar
guarantee, as outlined in Section 23A-3 (D) (1) (f) of
these regulations, in an amount equal to the cost
of all required improvements.
(2) In lieu of posting the required guarantee, the sub-
divider shall install all the required improvements
in accordance with the provisions of these regulations
(3) The City Council shall enter into an agreement with
the subdivider whereby the subdivider agrees to de-
fray all expenses incurred by the City because of
defects in materials and/or workmanship used in the
required subdivision improvements, within one year
after acceptance of such improvements by the City.
A bond, or similar quarantee acceptable to the City,
and covering reasonable anticipated costs and
expenses, to be determined by the City Engineer,
shall be required.
Section 2. That should any section or provision of this ordinance
or any portion thereof, any paragraph, sentence, or word be declared by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not affect
the validity of the remainder hereof as a whole or part thereof other than
the part declared to be invalid.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall become effective ten days
after passage on second and final reading.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final reading
on this the 12th day of December , 1977.
AT. ST: M ¥ 0 /
/ CITY CLERK
First Reading November 28, 1977
Second Reading December 12. 1977
-22- Ord. No. 38-77