Supporting Documents (Data and Analysis) - Satellite Beach

SR A1A and South Patrick Drive (SR513) are important elements in the City’s aesthetic
character for several reasons. Wide roadways in cities are inherently unattractive due to their
construction materials, engineering design requirements, noise and air pollution problems
and signage which, taken together, render them functionally incompatible with a safe,
healthful, and tranquil living environment. They are essential, however, to support the
transportation needs of urban populations.
Opportunities for achieving compatibility between arterial highways and the adjacent areas
they serve are limited once development has occurred. Public rights-of-way for SR A1A and
South Patrick Drive have an established width. Both have a mix of abutting land use types;
however, the commercial and high-density residential character of SR A1A, combined with
its greater traffic volumes, dictates favoring a maximum capacity policy. On the other hand,
proximity to residential neighborhoods and community-serving land uses along South Patrick
Drive, suggests giving more consideration to environmental and urban character issues along
that corridor. While a more intense urban treatment with four moving lanes, sidewalks
adjacent to the curb, and high-intensity lighting is appropriate for through traffic on SR A1A,
South Patrick Drive requires different treatment. As part of the FDOT corridor improvement
project, it is being improved to include landscaping within the right-of-way, pedestrian paths,
bike lanes, and more convenient access to neighborhood streets. In addition, screening of
abutting parking areas, and careful planning of driveway locations should be included. The
City’s Land Development Regulations include provisions regarding access and visibility
standards on City right-of-way.
2. Commercial Areas
The City of Satellite Beach’s commercial district is practically built-out and contains many
buildings which were constructed in the 1960's and 1970's. As a result, the majority of
existing commercial properties have been deemed nonconforming with the City’s Land
Development Regulations. In order to renovate, expand or enlarge these commercial
structures, the LDRs required that the building be brought into full conformity, with all code
provisions. This became a major disincentive for property owners to improve or develop
their commercial properties. A comprehensive review of the City’s LDRs resulted in a major
revision in 2004, in part to address this problem. That revision, and subsequent refinements,
provide means for those who want to upgrade these properties without needing to bring them
into full compliance with all code provisions. The LDRs were also revised to address the
type, size, and location of signs. These revisions appear to be having the desired affects
since their implementation.
3. Residential Areas
Issues that the City considers important, and that were addressed as part of the
comprehensive revision of the LDRs, include the following:
a. Outdoor parking in all residential areas of any vehicle displaying advertising in excess of
a specified maximum size.
b. Outdoor vehicular repairs in residential districts.
Community Appearance Element
Data and Analysis 9-3