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HomeMy Public PortalAbout21-01RESOLUTION NO . 21-1 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOW N OF G ULF STREAM, PALM BEAC H COUNTY, FLORIDA, OPPOSING HOUSE BILL 55 AND SEN ATE BILL 284 FOR THE 2021 L EGISL ATIVE SESSI ON AND ANY BILLS THAT INFRINGE ON HOME RULE A UTHORITY TO REGU ALTE BUILDING DESIGN; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WH EREAS, Architectural character is an ingredient th at binds our neighborhoods a nd communities together; and WHEREAS, House Bill 55 and Senate Bill 284 will preempt local governments from applying zoning and development regulations th at require specific building design elements for single- and two-family dwellings, unless certain conditions are met; and WHEREAS, House Bill 55 a nd Senate Bill 284 define the term "building design elements" to mean exterior color, type or style of exterior cladding; style or m ateri al of roof structures or porches; exterior nonstructur al architectural ornamentation; location or architectural styling of windows or doors; and number, type and layout of rooms; and WH EREA S, the Gulf Strea m Design Manual, Codified as Chapter 70 of the Town Code, was given the Merit Awa rd for Planning and Urban Design by the American Society of Landsca pe A rchitects, as further described in "Exhibit A"; and WHEREAS, ma ny of these "building design elements" are regulated by the Town's award -winning Gulf Stream Design Manual and enhance the Town's natural beauty; and WHEREA S, this legislation is intende d to control housing costs, but an unintend ed consequence would be to eradicate the existence of the ma ny "specialty cities" located throughout Florida , such as Gulf Stream, known for their a rchite ctural design; and WHEREAS, building designs protect and enha nce neighborhood cha ra cter, which improves the compa tibility of new infill homes and enhances property v alues. Many municipalities use design review teams to ensure tha t develo pment is compatible with the architectural elements of the surrounding area. Such a spects as roofs, windows, doors, and the color of buildings help maintain neighborhood integrity. Elements such as window size, building materia ls, a nd lighting promote consistency in community cha ra cter, promote safety and security, and help integrate public and private spaces; a nd WHEREA S, the deregulation of architectural cha ra cter will have a nega tiv e impact on loca l communities. Neighborhood integrity impa cts bo th property v alues and the a bility to attract local businesses a nd residents. Even if House Bill 55 and Senate Bill 284 reduce construction costs, the consequences for neighborhood integrity could result in decrea sed property values; and WHEREA S, the Town Commission of the Town of Gulf Strea m believ e loca l governing bo dies should be allowed to work with loca l developers, builders, and homeowners to serve the best interest of o ur communities. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF GULF STREA M, PALM BEACH COUNTY , FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Se ction 1. The fo regoing recitals are acknowledged and incorporated into the body of this Resolution. Section 2. The Town Commission opposes legislation that abr og ates home rule authority for local governments to regulate building design elements. Section 3. The Town of Gulf Stre am urges the Florida Legislature to find other ways to control housing costs in Florida without destroying the unique character of some of its most beautiful cities, many of which have c ome to define Florida for its m any sea sona l and year-round residents. Section 4. The Town Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Gulf Stream's local legislative deleg ates. Section 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and a doption. PASSED A ND ADOPTED in a regular session assembled this !Z44‘ d ay of M'v G. IN , 2021. TOWN OF G ULF STREAM A TTEST: Zlam TOWN CLERK COMMISR ISSI • NER 2 Resolution 21-1 Exhibit A G ULF STREAM DESIGN MANUAL G ULF STREAM, FLORIDA The GULF STREAM DESIGN MANUAL is a simple -to -use, comprehensive set of design criteria for single family homes in the Town of Gulf Stream. The need for the Design Manual arose from com munity concerns regarding the impact of "Mansionization", which was occurring when newer, larger, and vastly different homes were being built in and around the town. Working closely with the Town Manager and Citizens Task Force, Urban Design Studio developed detailed design standards that focused on maintaining the town's unique character. Extensive surveys of the town's architecture, lot sizes, building massing and streetscape characteristics helped the Task Force understand the distinctions between residential areas and the need to customize design standards by neighborhood. The Gulf Stream Design Manual, in effect, establishes a master plan for five distinct neighborhoods, while linking all residents through a commitment to protecting their quality of life. This process is highly transferable to other comm unities struggling to m aintain or establish their own identities. Both the format of the Design Manual and range of issues covered give other communities an excellent beginning point, even if their ultimate solutions are radically different. Client: Town of Gulf Stream Reference: E. Scott Harrington, Town Manager 561-276-5116 Award: National ASLAAward of Merit LCC 1C 35 R. GULF STREAM SINGLE FAMILY ZONIN G DISTRICTS GULF STREAM CORE e, DISTRICT PLACE AU DISTRICT FRING E DISTRICT /m. o7 . in. Iws N. FRINGE DISTRICT OCEA N WEST DIST RICT BEACH FRO NT DISTRICT OCEAN WEST DISTRICT G4Saaa w D esign Ma nes S y* Fowl), D awn a,i Copyright © 2008 Urban Design Studio, LLC. www.UDSonline .com u �bann s