FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Valerie Feinberg, AICP
Interim Director, PEO Department
(904) 530-6300
vfeinberg@nassaucountyfl.com
 
COUNTY SEEKS CITIZEN INPUT ON RECREATION MASTER PLAN

Nassau County, Florida, March 26, 2020 - Nassau County is embarking on a long-range Recreation Master Plan for the entire county, with the goal of completion in Fall 2020. The plan will evaluate recreation needs in the community as we grow, identify existing and future opportunities, and make recommendations regarding operations and maintenance into the future.

As part of the planning process, the County will be doing a variety of public outreach, including a statistically valid survey, one on one meetings with Commissioners and other officials, and stakeholder meetings with various groups related to recreation in Nassau County.

Feedback from you, the residents of Nassau County and others who use our recreation facilities is of prime importance.  Therefore, we invite you to participate in taking an online survey that will facilitate county staff in including the preferences of citizens in the county’s Recreation Master Plan.

Please follow this link to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NassauParks
It is available beginning today until April 30, 2020.

Your input is vital to improving the quality of life in Nassau County
More information is available at: www.nassaucountyfl.com/recplan.
 
The Nassau County Planning and Economic Opportunity Department is charged with leading long-range and current planning for the community, with a focus on technical planning, implementation and management of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, development and site plan review, and assistance to citizens, the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager and other staff, advisory boards, government agencies, and the private sector regarding growth and development in Nassau County. For more information on our Plan, Code, or current initiatives, visit www.nassaucountyfl.com/planning, call (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.
 


 

3/23/20 @ 3:40 p.m. - Earlier today, we provided a Press Release regarding changes in operations for all departments under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners. The Department Planning & Economic Opportunity has issued a Press Release that pertains specifically to changes in planning and development processes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Valerie Feinberg, AICP
Interim Director, Nassau County Planning + Economic Opportunity Department
(904) 530-6300
vfeinberg@nassaucountyfl.com
 
Nassau County, FL. March 23, 2020
 
Immediate Planning and Development Process Changes Due to Coronavirus COVID-19
 
As we follow the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please be assured that the well-being of our community, clients, and staff are of utmost importance to us.  We are following the guidelines and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health- Nassau to help limit exposure and mitigate transmission of the virus.
 
Effective TODAY, Monday, March 23, 2020, until further notice our offices will be closed to the public, vendors, contractors and consultants. All meetings with the public shall be virtual.
 
No new applications requiring a quasi or non-quasi-judicial public hearing shall be accepted until further notice. This includes, but is not limited to, applications for rezoning, Comprehensive Plan amendment, Future Land Use Map Amendment, conditional use permit, a variance requiring a public hearing, a new Detailed Specific Area Plan (DSAP), or any other development proposal requiring an Agreement approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
 
The Development Review Committee (DRC) will no longer accept paper submittals for new Development Review Applications until further notice. The sole exception being subdivision plat mylars for BOCC approval. Arrangements to deliver plat mylars must be scheduled by phone at (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com. New DRC submittals will be processed for pre-applications, site engineering plans, preliminary binding site plans, and plats. The DRC staff committee will continue to meet every Tuesday at 9:00 AM.  No member of the public or the applicant can attend the meetings; however, the public can view the meeting via Live Streaming at https://nassauclerk.com/watch-meetings/. Comments can be emailed to planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com. All applicants will be notified prior to the meetings and provided a call-in phone number during the presentation of their projects.
 
Any other unique situations will be reviewed by the Planning Director on a case-by-case basis.  We will update our response as additional information becomes available and new developments occur.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation to implement this new process.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Planning and Economic Opportunity Department at (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.
 
The Nassau County Planning and Economic Opportunity Department is charged with leading long-range and current planning for the community, with a focus on technical planning, implementation and management of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, development and site plan review, and assistance to citizens, the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager and other staff, advisory boards, government agencies, and the private sector regarding growth and development in Nassau County.
 
 
 

3/12/20 @ 4:40 p.m. - It's Flood Awareness Week. Each day, we will provide a tip on how to protect yourselves and your property.

Day Four Reminder:
Flooding can happen anywhere, in any season. Being prepared is imperative. Create a plan to ensure you can get to high ground; stock up on supplies and pack a go-bag; and review property and flood insurance.

3/11/20 @ 11:00 p.m. It's Flood Awareness Week. Each day, we will provide a tip on how to protect yourselves and your property.

Day Three Reminder:
Never attempt to drive through a flooded road. The water may be hiding a sinkhole, debris, or the road may be washed away. Vehicles may begin to float in just 30 cm of water, causing loss of control. Additionally, most regular vehicles risk extensive damage from water in the engine compartment.

3/10/20 @ 4:40 p.m. - It's Flood Awareness Week. Each day, we will provide a tip on how to protect yourselves and your property.

Day Two Reminder:
Flood insurance is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of flood damage. Check your coverage today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Administrative Manager, County Manager’s Office
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
Board Schedules Workshop Session Regarding Growth
 
Nassau County, Florida, March 5, 2020 – At the February 20, 2020 Board of County Commissioners meeting, County Attorney/County Manager, Mike Mullin, requested the Board to set a Workshop Session to discuss examples of how growth is addressed.
 
Mr. Mullin stated, “Everyone is aware that growth is an issue and staff has been developing ways to control and manage it”.
 
The County’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances established tools for properly managing growth.
 
Examples include the following:
 

• The Recreation and Public Space Element which encourages public-private partnerships for funding and construction of parks and recreational facilities for Nassau County residents.
  
• The Transportation Element which encourages the use of strategies to reduce traffic impacts and enhance traffic flow, accessibility and safety of the County transportation system. Examples include traffic signal upgrades, lighting improvements, signage and pavement striping, expanded turn lanes, etc. Development shall also include paved shoulders and sidewalks which connect to the County’s transportation system to encourage bicycle use and pedestrian movement to minimize utilization of the major roadways.  
  
• The Public School Facilities Element requires developers to provide off-site improvements, signalization, signage, sidewalks and bicycle paths to serve the schools and mandates that the development pays its share of capital costs to accommodate the increase to school capacity.

 
Mr. Mullin went on to say, “While we cannot legally stop growth, we can plan for it by ensuring that the property is reviewed for historical values before a development is approved, that the proposed structures are aesthetically pleasing, and that recreational facilities are in place before construction on a development begins.”
 
Mr. Mullin suggested a Workshop Session be held to provide the public with information on what the County is doing to manage growth and the challenges we have in controlling it. The Board will also discuss the new trend of public/private partnerships that are being utilized to ensure the County has facilities and infrastructure in place to accommodate the growth. Examples include the recently approved Tributary and Nassau Crossing Communities in which the Developers donated land and covered costs associated with constructing parks to be enjoyed by all Nassau County residents.
 
The Workshop will be held on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. The public is encouraged to attend and learn more about this very important issue. If you are unable to attend, you can watch the meeting live on our website at www.nassaucountyfl.com. The video will also be available to view at the conclusion of the meeting.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2/28/20 @ 9:30 a.m. - Nassau County's Director of Planning & Economic Opportunity, Adrienne Burke, has accepted a new position as a Principal Planner for Miami-Dade County where she will work in long-range planning and historic preservation.

Adrienne has worked for Nassau County since May 2018, first as the Assistant Director and finally as the Director of the PEO Department. During her tenure, she has been actively involved in the community, hosting public outreach sessions to encourage residents to be active in planning for Nassau County's future.

The Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Committee met monthly with westside residents to establish the Vision Book which will be used to guide future planning. She has held numerous community meetings with the residents of American Beach as they explore methods to provide public water and sewer to the community and implemented zoning regulations to maintain the historic integrity of the community. She has also been actively involved with the County's Essential Housing Advisory Committee (EHAC) and was successful in updating the County's Land Development Code to allow mother-in-law dwellings on residential properties containing a primary home.

Today is Adrienne's last day of employment with Nassau County and we wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Valerie Feinberg              
Assistant Director, PEO Department
(904) 530-6300
vfeinberg@nassaucountyfl.com
 
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE RESIDENTIAL GENERAL 2 (RG-2) ZONING DISTRICT
 
Nassau County, Florida, February 25, 2020 - On December 18, 2019, the County's planning staff was directed by the Board of County Commissioners to review the provisions of the Residential General 2 (RG-2) zoning district for the entire County. Among the matters to be reviewed were minimum lot requirements, minimum yard requirements, and building restrictions.
 
Properties currently zoned RG-2 are available to be viewed via the map search tool at the Nassau County Property Appraiser’s website by visiting www.nassauflpa.com and selecting the Map Search function. From there, select the Map Layers option at the top of the screen. Then select the “Planning and Growth Management” list and then select Unincorporated Nassau County Zoning.
 
Currently, the RG-2 District allows single-family dwellings, duplexes, townhomes and multi-family dwellings as permitted uses.

• Single family dwellings and duplexes require a minimum lot of 75 feet in width and 8,700 square feet in area.
• Townhomes require a minimum lot of 20 feet in width and 2,000 square feet for interior lots and 30 feet and 3,000 square feet for exterior (end) lots.
• Multi-family dwellings require a minimum lot width of 125 feet and 15,000 square feet, plus an additional 4305 square feet (0.1 acre) for each dwelling unit over four (4).
• Single family dwellings, duplexes and townhomes have a maximum building height of 35 feet and a maximum lot coverage of 35 %.
• Multi-family dwellings may exceed 35 feet, up to a maximum height of 85 feet or seven (7) stories. Depending on the height of the building, the lot coverage is reduced as follows:
• 35 feet— 26%
• 45 feet—25%
• 55 feet—23%
• 65 feet—21%
• 75 feet—19%
• 85 feet—17%
• In addition to the reduced lot coverage, structures exceeding 35 feet in height must increase the minimum side yard by one (1) foot for every two (2) feet of building height exceeding 35 feet. Any structures constructed along the Atlantic coastline (beachfront) must increase the minimum rear yard by one (1) foot for every two (2) feet of building height exceeding 35 feet, using the Coastal Construction Control setback line, as adopted.

 
The density of residential development is determined by the underlying Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation of the property, adopted as part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Typically, the High Density Residential (HDR) designation allows a maximum of ten (10) units per upland acre. A density bonus for qualifying affordable housing projects can allow on market rate unit for each affordable unit up to 150% of the maximum density permitted by the FLUM.
 
Staff is currently analyzing the appropriateness of the RG-2 zoning district in terms of its consistency with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and its compatibility the existing development patterns of the County. This includes potential revisions to lot requirements, yard requirements, and building restrictions, including maximum height and lot coverage.
 
Proposed revisions to the RG-2 zoning district will be discussed at the following Planning & Zoning Board meeting:

Date: March 3, 2020
Time: 6pm
Location: Commission Chambers at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place Yulee, FL 32097
 
The Nassau County Planning and Economic Opportunity Department is charged with leading long-range and current planning for the community, with a focus on technical planning, implementation and management of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, development and site plan review, and assistance to citizens, the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager and other staff, advisory boards, government agencies, and the private sector regarding growth and development in Nassau County. For more information on our Plan, Code, or current initiatives, or to provide input on the proposed changes to RG2 zoning, visit www.nassaucountyfl.com/planning, call (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.
 

 
 

2/21/20 @ 1:40 p.m. - Please see the below Press Release from GreenPointe Developers regarding the Groundbreaking Ceremony held on February 7th in celebration of the upcoming construction of Tributary Regional Park.

GREENPOINTE DEVELOPERS PRESS RELEASE 
CONTACT: Maxine McBride (904) 280-7960 or maxine@clockworkmarketing.com
COMPANY CONTACT: Gaynelle James (904) 996-2485 or gjames@GreenPointeLLC.com 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
GreenPointe Developers Break Ground on Tributary Park
New Nassau County Regional Park adjacent to new community
 
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2020) – GreenPointe Developers, LLC, in partnership with the Nassau County Board of Commissioners, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Tributary Park, a Nassau County Regional Park.

Tributary Park is located on Edwards Road, just west of Interstate 95. The new public park is adjacent to the community of Tributary, a master-planned, mixed-use community located in one of the area’s fastest growing corridors.“Tributary Park will be wonderful addition to the Nassau County community park system and a place where residents and visitors can gather, play and enjoy nature,” said Grady Miars, President, GreenPointe Communities. “In partnership with Nassau County, we have truly outstanding park designs and we are creating a place where the community can enjoy recreational pursuits and connect with Tributary’s exceptional natural surroundings.”

GreenPointe Developers donated more than 40 acres to Nassau County for conversion into a community park for use by residents and businesses. Tributary Park will be a new regional complex for sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The new park will feature baseball and multi-purpose fields, concessions, a multi-purpose trail, and a future dog park. Completion of the park’s first phase is anticipated in 2021.

Board of County Commissioners Chairman Danny Leeper stated, “We are excited to welcome another GreenPointe Community to Nassau County. Not only are their communities aesthetically pleasing with exceptional architectural styles and landscaping, their communities also offer an array of amenities. Tributary Regional Park will truly have something for everyone and we are excited to partner with them on this project.” 

The community of Tributary has been thoughtfully planned to highlight the community’s premier location and geographical features. Tributary will include residential neighborhoods offering resort-style amenities, dog park, a comprehensive trail system, neighborhood parks with riverfront access, commercial and office space, and approximately 3,200 home sites. In addition to building a park and preserving a significant portion of the community’s uplands and wetlands, GreenPointe will be donating a site for a Nassau County public school and building a fire station. 

District Five Commissioner Justin Taylor echoed Chairman Leeper’s comments adding, “I am thrilled to partner with GreenPointe Communities to construct much needed recreational space for current and future residents. Because of the thoughtful planning that took place, there is a clear and explicit phasing schedule for these improvements. It’s great to partner with developers who share our vision.”
Homes in Tributary will include single-family homes, townhomes and multi-family properties offering innovative floor plans and home designs ranging in size and style to meet the homebuyer’s lifestyle. Homes are anticipated to be priced from the $200s.

Nassau County’s Planning Director Adrienne Burke stated, “The development program includes homes, as well as office, commercial and industrial space. With this mix of uses, combined with the park and future school site, Tributary will be a part of the Nassau County community for years to come, and will provide opportunities for residents to live, play and work.”

The community will be served by top-rated schools in the Nassau County School District. Tributary will offer a premier location near shopping, dining, recreation, medical centers, business centers and more.
Community construction is underway. Sales are anticipated to open in Summer 2020. For more information, visit www.TributaryLiving.com.

Photography:
 
GreenPointe Developers, LLC, in partnership with the Nassau County Board of Commissioners, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Tributary Park.
Pictured in Photo #1
From left:
Liam O’Reilly, Senior Development Manager, GreenPointe Communities
Mike Taylor, North Florida Regional President, GreenPointe Communities
Thomas Ford, District 4 Commissioner, Nassau County
Adrienne Burke, Director of Planning and Economic Opportunity, Nassau County
Pat Edwards, District 3 Commissioner, Nassau County
Aaron Bell, District 2 Commissioner, Nassau County
Justin Taylor, District 5 Commissioner, Nassau County
Daniel Leeper, District 1 Commissioner and Vice Chair, Nassau County
Grady Miars, President, GreenPointe Communities
Gregg Kern, Project Manager, GreenPointe Communities

 
About GreenPointe Developers, LLC
 
GreenPointe Developers is the community and urban development division of GreenPointe Holdings with extensive real estate market data and analytical systems to rapidly assess real estate values and challenges.
 
The GreenPointe team has more than 140 years collective experience in developing some of the most sought-after master-planned and condominium communities in the Southeast. The team creates and transforms residential and mixed-use communities into neighborhoods for today’s homebuyer while providing lasting, sustainable value.
 
Having the utmost respect for the land, the GreenPointe team works diligently to protect and enhance nature’s best assets. This thoughtful practice allows GreenPointe Developers to create and reenergize communities that provide for an enduring lifestyle where people want to live, work and enjoy recreation. 
 
More information is available at www.GreenPointeLLC.com or (904) 996-2485.
 
                                                                  

2/19/20 @ 4:30 p.m. Please see the below information from the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity regarding continuance of the three applications related to the proposed development of 28 multi-family units on Parcel D-1 of the Summer Beach Planned Unit Development.

FROM PEO
Please be advised that Staff and the applicants for small-scale FLUM amendment application CPA20-002, notice of proposed change to an existing DRI NOPC20-001, and final development plan application FD20-001 (Applicants: JH Cobb Properties Inc./Artisan Homes LLC/Rogers Tower, P.A.), related to the proposed development of 28 multi-family units on Parcel D-1 of the consolidated Summer Beach PUD/DRI, located at 5456 First Coast Hwy, at the intersection of First Coast Highway and Julia Street, have requested a continuance of the Planning and Zoning Board hearings for these application from February 4, 2020 to March 24, 2020. As a result, the subsequent hearings with Board of County Commissioners are requested to be continued to April 13, 2020

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department directly at (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office