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Anastasia Island Fire Station Replacement Project

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1. Why move the fire station?

FDOT needs the land where Fire Station #2 sits for critical intersection improvements at A1A/Red Cox Rd. This intersection is the site of multiple pedestrian and vehicular fatalities and accidents.

The service area for the new station encompasses Anastasia Island between the Bridge of Lions and the SR 312 corridor and responds to nearly 1,300 calls annually.

The proposed site centrally positions the station for that service area and is only a half mile from the original location.

2. Will the new station only serve the City of St. Augustine?

No. The St. Augustine Fire Department (SAFD) and St Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) utilize “closest unit dispatch” practices and respond outside of their individual jurisdictional boundaries multiple times a day. 

Since the existing station cannot accommodate a rescue unit ambulance, we rely on SJCFR to provide that service, using the one singular ambulance shared by the two agencies.

That one ambulance covers all service calls on Anastasia Island from the Bridge of Lions to Marineland. A new station would provide space for an additional ambulance, greatly reducing response times especially during peak seasons.

3. How long with this take?

The proposed timeframe for completion would be early 2026.

4. Is there opportunity for community input?

Yes, all community input is valuable. City staff are available to speak directly with individuals, neighborhoods, and community groups. To schedule a meeting or provide input, send an email to CityFire@CityStAug.com. 

5. What other properties were considered?

The city looked at a site on Plantation Island Drive, but it was not centrally located.

Two locations on Anastasia Blvd. near the Surf Station were also evaluated; however, the sites were too small to accommodate the proposed needs.

6. Are there other safety concerns that should be considered?

The proposed new fire station property design would include a fully signalized traffic light that would be inline with the exit to the St. Augustine Amphitheater. This light would reduce the demand for Public Service Assistants and law enforcement deputies while also improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

7. Are there environmental and/or quality of life concerns that are being addressed?

The City was required to complete a feasibility study and the State of Florida also completed a cultural resources assessment.  Both found no cultural materials on the property. 

When the site is developed, every effort will be made to preserve  the natural tree canopy on the property and maintain the natural buffer to the adjacent neighborhood on the northwest end of the property as much as possible in order to reduce noise and light pollution.

8. Where can I find a printable version of this information?

You may find a printable PDF version of these FAQs HERE.

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Archaeology

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1. How do I know if my construction project requires archaeological review and investigation?

If a project occurs within an archaeological zone and ground-penetrating activities exceed more than 100 square feet in area and go more than 3 inches deep, an archaeological review is required. You will be informed when you apply for a building permit with the City’s Planning and Building Department whether these two criteria have been met. If a property recently has been annexed into the city, then the Planning and Building Director and City Archaeologist will make a determination whether the property requires further investigation.

2. Is the investigation going to hold up my construction?

The Archaeology Program strives to work with the homeowner/contractor’s schedule. Depending on current staffing levels and active projects, a minimum of two to four weeks is necessary to investigate a single-family residence. An additional eight weeks have been allotted in the Archaeology Ordinance for commercial developments, which generally are more destructive to archaeological deposits because of their size. 

Ideally, this can occur while the construction plans are going through the City's permitting process. We always recommended that property owners submit their A-14 permit application and a site plan with the location of new construction as early as possible, especially for projects within Zone I. This is usually several months prior to ground-breaking activities, thereby minimizing delay.

3. How much does the archaeological review fee cost?

For projects located in Zone I, the fee is 1.5% of the estimated construction cost. In Zone II, the rate is 1.25% and in Zone III, it is 1%. The minimum archaeology fee is $50 and the maximum is $25,000.

4. Why does archaeology take so long?

Archaeology is meticulous work–often requiring the soil to be shaved away by shovels and trowels a few inches at a time to understand differences in soil composition and to define archaeological features. Currently, the program has two staff members and depends on volunteers to help with the work, but weather conditions, volunteer availability, the number and complexity of archaeological features unearthed, and information to be recorded are all difficult variables to control.

5. How do you know where to dig?

We use historical and previous archaeological data to guide where to test. Usually, the archaeological investigation focuses on areas that will be adversely impacted by the project such as:

• Foundations
• Grease Traps
• Swimming Pool Footprints
• Utility Lines
• Water Retention Ponds

6. What kinds of things are found at an archaeological site?

No project ever uncovers the same material. Each site in St. Augustine is unique, which is why it is so important to document and preserve our archaeological heritage prior to construction. However, Native American sites predating 1565 generally consist of scattered shell debris, with some artifacts and animal bone. In some cases, soil stains representing the remains of houses and trash deposits have been documented. 

Remnants

Sites associated with the historical occupation of St. Augustine, often contain remnants of:

• Building Foundations
• Historic Street Surfaces
• Privies
• Trash Pits
• Wells

Artifacts

Artifacts usually included:

• Animal Bone
• Broken Pottery
• Construction Materials Such as Nails and Bricks
• Glass

7. Who owns the artifacts?

According to the City's Archaeological Preservation Ordinance, artifacts are property of the landowner. The City reserves the right to hold the artifacts until they have been analyzed. We highly encourage landowners to donate the artifacts to the City’s collection for permanent curation. This way future generations of researchers and residents can continue to learn from and appreciate St. Augustine's unique past.

8. What is a feature?

Archaeological features are distinct soil stains or deposits, within a defined space, that represent human activity in the past. Features are distinguishable from the surrounding soil based on color and texture, as well as artifact type and quantity. Features can be pits used for the disposal of garbage and human waste or related to the construction of buildings made up of posts, footers, and trenches dug into the ground.

9. What is an artifact?

Artifacts are those objects produced, used, and/or modified by humans. Artifacts can include:

• Butchered Animal Bone
• Ceramics
• Glass
• Modified Shell Tools
• Stone Projectile Points

10. Are the artifacts valuable?

Almost all artifacts have little monetary value. However, when artifacts are recovered through the archaeological process, they provide valuable information about the daily lives of people in the past.

11. Do you ever find gold?

Archaeology is essentially the study of trash left by humans. Although many folktales mention caches of hidden treasure in St. Augustine, decades of archaeology has never uncovered any evidence of buried treasure.

12. Can I dig or metal detect on City-owned property?

The City of St. Augustine does not issue permits or allow metal detecting or excavation for artifacts on City-owned property. Except in cases of recent loss, artifacts and items on the surface or buried on City property are in public ownership.

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Avenida Menendez Seawall

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1. How is the Seawall project being funded?

The Avenida Menendez Seawall Project is being funded by a $4.73 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant program, which covers 75% of the total project cost. The remaining 25% of project costs is funded through a $1.97 million matching grant from the City of St. Augustine from its General Fund, which is being offset by revenues from the City’s Historic Parking Facility. Rates were raised to $10 per day.

2. How much will be Seawall project cost?

The Seawall project costs a total of $6.7 million, with a $4.73 million grant coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant program and a $1.97 million matching grant from the City of St. Augustine.

3. How long will it take to complete?

The Seawall Project is expected to take 12 months beginning in April 2012. It is scheduled for completion in April 2013.

4. Why is the seawall project needed?

The original seawall was built more than 175 years ago and is made out of aging coquina—a soft limestone of sand and broken shells—which has lost its ability to hold back high waters and is extremely vulnerable to coastal and storm surges. Over time, heavy rains and storms have cause frequent flooding because the wall can no longer protect from this and is crumbling.

5. Why is another wall being built out in the water?

Building a new seawall 12 feet out into the bay from the current seawall will ensure the preservation and rehabilitation of the existing 19th century seawall so that it continues to function as a flood prevention device and that its historical significance is preserved. The new wall encapsulates the historic sea wall, protecting it. While the old wall was built out of now-crumbling coquina, the new seawall uses concrete and reinforced steel. When the gap between the two walls is filled in and paved, the seawall will once again serve as a waterfront promenade with a paved walking path, new streetlights and landscaping.

6. Is the current construction taking place the only option that was considered?

The City of St. Augustine explored multiple options for the restoration or new construction of the seawall south of the Bridge of Lions since 2002 and narrowed it down to four alternatives after much public comment and expert consultation:

• Do nothing: This would have left the historic seawall as is, but the wall was not structurally sound and could collapse during a hurricane or other major storm. It also is not high enough to prevent flooding during Category 1 storms; the top of the seawall is at 6.4 feet while water elevation during such a storm, is 7.4 feet.
• Rehabilitate the existing seawall: Structural rehabilitation of the historic seawall would have included drilling vertically into the wall, inserting stainless steel rods along the length of the wall, and tying the back of the seawall with stainless steel rods secured to a concrete anchor or “dead-man” on land. However, coquina is brittle and drilling could have damaged the original wall, and the wall is not high enough to prevent flooding during a Category 1 storm.
• Construct a new seawall four feet seaward: The new seawall would have been built four feet seaward from the existing wall with a 7.7-foot elevation to prevent flooding during Category 1 storms. It would help preserve the historic seawall by shielding it from storm damage, but it would have had a negative effect on the wall’s pavers and foundation.
• Construct a new seawall 10 feet seaward: Construct the new seawall ten feet east of the existing wall with a 7.7-foot elevation to preserve the wall’s structure.

Decision to Construct the New Seawall

The decision to construct the new seawall 12 feet from the original seawall was made after City Archaeologist Carl Halbirt found coquina pavers at the base of the original seawall extending ten feet from the base. The pavers had been covered by silt and oyster beds and had disappeared into shoreline muck over the course of a century. Constructing the wall a dozen feet onward means that the pavers, which are an integral part of the historic wall, could be preserved.

7. Who is involved in the Seawall project?

Visit the Team page on our website for a list of participants in this project.

8. Where can I find information on the various studies completed before the project began?

For more information on the studies conducted before the project began, visit our Resources page.

9. How old is the original seawall?

The seawall’s 140-year history begins north of the current section being improved, the year after the completion of the Castillo de San Marcos—1696—when the Spanish began construction of a masonry seawall south from the fort to the Plaza de la Constitucion. The section of the seawall currently under construction and rehabilitation was built in the 1830s and 1840s by graduates from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to what is today the Florida National Guard headquarters.

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FEMA 13 + Arricola Ave. Force Main

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1. What is this project?

This is a City Capital Improvement Project to improve the ability of the City’s wastewater collection system to withstand flooding and storm surge. Visibly, the project will upgrade 13 lift stations by elevating control panels above flood levels in watertight containers.  Less visible will be improvements to ensure wet wells remain in place during flooding events. Finally, the City will replace the force main running between lift stations 51 and 52 underneath Arricola Avenue.

2. Why is the City doing this project?

After Hurricane Matthew, the City saw the need to address flood events that could shut down nearly one-fifth of the City’s wastewater infrastructure.  In addition, the City sees an opportunity to complete necessary improvement to the force main under Arricola Avenue.  The City is seeking reimbursement under FEMA’s standard procedures based on actual construction costs. 

3. Where is the project?

The project occurs at 13 lift stations and one force main.  The locations are as follows:

• Lift stations 4, 5, and 6 are along southbound Philips Highway (US-1) near the intersections with Garnett Avenue (LS 4) in the north, Hope Street (LS 5) in the center, and Orange Street (LS 6) in the south.
• Lift station 7 is at the east end of Helen Street.
• Lift stations 10, 11, and 12 are along Riberia Street.  Beginning at the Police Station parking lot (LS 12) and continuing south at Bridge Street (LS 10) to South Street (LS 11).
• Lift station 21 is at the east end of Ocean Avenue north of the Mission de Nombre de Dios.    
• Lift station 22 is at the east end of Joiner Street. 
• Lift stations 23 and 24 are in the Historic District.  Lift station 23 is at the east end of the Plaza de la Constitutión underneath Charlotte Street.  Lift station 24 is at the intersection of the sea wall, Avenida Menendez, and Saint Francis Street. 
• Lift stations 50 and 52 are on Anastasia Island.  Lift station 50 is at the intersections of Arredondo, Minorca, and Montano Avenues.  Lift station 52 is along Coquina Avenue between Arricola Avenue and South Matanzas Boulevard. 
• The force main starts at lift station 51 at the intersection of Arredondo and Arricola Avenues; follows Arricola Avenue south to Coquina Avenue; and turns north along Coquina Avenue to lift station 52. 

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Fish Island

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1. Where is Fish Island Preserve located?

Fish Island Preserve is located at 1429 Plantation Island Drive South, Saint Augustine, FL 32080. It is on the east side of the State Road 312 bridge. 

If coming East over the bridge, turn right at the traffic light onto Plantation Island Drive South. Then, turn right at the first stop sign.  

If coming West from State Road A1A on 312, turn left at the traffic light onto Plantation Island Drive South. Then, turn right at the first stop sign.  

2. Why is it named 'Fish Island Preserve'?

The island is named after Jesse Fish. In the mid-1700’s, Fish owned the land, and established a large citrus grove named El Vergel. For more information, please visit the Cultural Resources section on this website.

3. Who owns Fish Island Preserve?

Fish Island Preserve is owned by the state of Florida. 

4. Who manages Fish Island Preserve?

Fish Island Preserve is managed and maintained by the City of St. Augustine. 

5. How big is Fish Island Preserve?

Fish Island Preserve is approximately 59 acres, which includes uplands and salt marsh. 

6. Are pets allowed on Fish Island Preserve?

Pets are allowed on Fish Island Preserve, but must be on a leash.

7. Can I ride my bike on Fish Island Preserve?

Yes, bicycles are allowed on Fish Island Preserve, but must stay on designated trails.

8. Is Fish Island Preserve open to the public?

At this time Fish Island Preserve is not open to the general public. In early 2021 there will likely be a soft opening. To be updated on the happenings at Fish Island Preserve, including the opening date, please sign up for the Fish Island e-newsletter.

9. What is there to do at Fish Island Preserve?

The recreational uses and amenities on Fish Island Preserve will be established in the management plan, which requires approval by the state of Florida (the owner) and the City of St. Augustine (the manager). The City anticipates plan approval by mid-2021.

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Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program

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1. Who do I have to have insurance through?

Any Flood insurance backed by the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP) program will be eligible for to apply for the FMA program.

For more information about what’s covered and to find a policy visit FloodSmart.gov.

2. How high do I need to elevate my structure?

The grant will cover elevation of structure to 2 feet above the BFE (Base Flood Elevation). Be sure that when contractor’s quote your elevation, that they are raising the house at least 2 feet above BFE.

3. Are contractor quotes only elevate the house, or should they also cover other construction tasks?

Quotes should be reflective of a turnkey process. This means the quote should include the cost to elevate the structure and to finish the job as well (disconnect reconnect utilities, wood landings at entrances, finalization of piers, pilings, or block wall, etc.).

4. I had NFIP insurance but then switched to a private carrier, does the program care if I switched to a private carrier?

Yes, the grant is funded by those with The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance. So, you will need NFIP insurance. If you do not currently have flood insurance (NFIP), you won’t be able to participate this year, but the next year you can participate with an NFIP flood insurance policy on the structure. 

5. Explain the flood insurance 2.0

Flood Insurance 2.0 is a new way of rating insurance rates and FEMA has info on web about it. It will be determined by your property location specifically. 

Please visit: https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/risk-rating for more information. 

6. How long do you have to switch to NFIP insurance?

To apply for the 2022 FMA Grant program, you would have to currently be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. If you currently do not have insurance through NFIP you would not be able to apply until switching. Once you have insurance through NFIP, you would be eligible for the next FMA program cycle.

7. Will I be obligated to follow through with the grant once I submit my homeowner packet and other documents?

No, you are not obligated to follow through with the grant and can back out anytime. This program is voluntary. However, once your application is approved by FEMA, certain costs start to incur. There could be an out-of-pocket expense if preliminary work begins and you back out. 

8. Is this mitigation grant specifically for raising the property?

The grant will cover raising structures above base flood elevation or demolition/reconstruction of properties 

9. Would the city or council have documentation like the EC (elevation certificate) of the property?

If it’s a new house after 2018 the city will have it. You can reach out to the City's Building Official, Richard “Buddy” Schauland:

Email: rschauland@citystaug.com 
Phone: 904-495-6701 

10. Where can I find the FMA Program Homeowner Presentation?

The presentation can be found at:

www.CityStAug.com/FMA

And at the link below:

11. What historic zones need approval by historic preservation before elevation?

• Zones 1-5
• Houses older than 48 years old o Quotes from Contractors should include an cost for EHP approval in their quote. 
• Contractors will need do have an EHP approval letter for properties within historic zones before they begin construction. 
• If you plan for demolition/ reconstruction in historic zone you need approval letter, and you should consider 30 days for approval time. 
• You can contact Julie or Kelley with the Historic Preservation group. There are documents specific to certain types of properties with Historic Preservation. 
• Julie Courtney: jcourtney@citystaug.com 904-209-4283 (office)
• If you plan to have property lifted or demolished, you need to have approval of archaeology in an archaeology zone. Application needs to be in 1 month prior before trying to apply for the grant. 

12. If we want to be in the grant program, must we have flood insurance?

Yes, with NFIP flood insurance. If you can’t make the time, we will offer the grant every year, and you may apply then. 

13. To apply what do I need to send in?

• Send in the whole homeowner packet with signatures 
• 3 contractor quotes 
• 4 pictures of all sides of the property I Jpeg format 
• Updated flood insurance declaration page 
• Elevation Certificate - contact Planning & Building for more information.
  • FMA@citystaug.com
• Total NFIP flood claim history 

14. Requirements for mitigation reconstruction

• $150,00 max for construction costs 
• No more than 10% greater than the original footprint of the structure 
• Conceptual Design 

15. To whom can I communicate documentation towards my application?

Quality Engineering and Surveying will be developing the application. All call and emails can be directed to: 

• Andy Daray: Adaray@qesla.com: 225-271-4032 (main point of contact to direct to project manager) 
• Zachary Gibbons: zgibbons@qesla.com: 225-698-1600 (Project Manager) 

16. What homes need historic preservation review before elevation, demolition, or reconstruction?

1. All buildings in Historic Preservation Zoning Districts 1-5

AND/OR

Structures requiring demolition within the city limits 48 years of age or older 

• Quotes from Contractors should include a cost for Environmental Historic Property (EHP) approval in their quote. 
• Contractors will need to have an EHP approval letter for properties within historic zoning districts before they begin demolition, elevation, or construction.
• If you plan for demolition/reconstruction in Historic Preservation (HP) Zoning Districts 1-5 or for buildings 48 years or older, an EHP approval letter and a Certificate of Demolition will be required and a Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction in HP zones. A minimum of 45 days should be allotted to obtain these approvals and documents.
• Historic Preservation related applications need to be submitted at least 1 month prior to the meeting date for Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) or other review.  Approval is needed before demolition or building permits can be applied for.  
• (Please see https://www.citystaug.com/195/Historic-Architectural-Review-Board-Appl for more information on how to submit an application for historic preservation related review.)
• If you plan to have a structure lifted or demolished in an archaeology zone, archaeological review is required. Visit https://www.citystaug.com/169/Archaeology-Review-Process for more information on archaeological review.

Contact the Historic Preservation Division by emailing harb@citystaug.com for more information regarding historic property requirements or call:

• Julie Courtney, Historic Preservation Officer
  • Phone: 904-209-4283
• Candice Seymour, Historic Preservation Planner
  • Phone: 904-209-4326 

17. Should I get the grant money to elevate my home, then does the government have a lien on my home?

The government will not have a lien on the home under normal circumstances. The only requirement is NFIP Flood Insurance is kept on the home moving forward.

 If the Homeowner did not keep the Insurance on the home, FEMA would want to be reimbursed for the elevation, and if ignored FEMA could in theory put a lien on the home at that point.

 But accepting the grant does not add an liens to your home or property.

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Historic Preservation Updates

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1. Will my property be affected?

Affected properties are those within the city limits that are listed as a local landmark, contributing to a National Register district, or individually listed in the National Register (about 1,659 buildings). The largest concentration of these buildings are in the following National Register Historic Districts: Abbott Tract, Lincolnville, Nelmar Terrace, Fullerwood Park, St. Augustine Town Plan, Model Land, and North City.  There are only 3 local landmarks and there are over 20 individual buildings listed in the National Register (ex: Cathedral Basilica).  Click here to view an interactive map where you can zoom in to see addresses or even type in your own address.

Buildings in the local historic preservation zoning districts (HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, HP-4, and HP-5) as well as those along Anastasia Boulevard, King Street, and San Marco Avenue are subject to distinct regulations within the Architectural Guidelines for Historic Preservation and Design Standards for Entry Corridors.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

2. Will the changes affect new construction?

The proposed ordinance does not affect new construction outside the local HP zoning districts unless the new construction is directly associated with the demolition of historic architectural features.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

3. What is partial demolition?

"Demolition means the act or process of demolishing; to tear down, destroy, raze or remove all or a significant portion of a building or structure, and including partial demolition." Sec. 28-2 of the City Code of ordinances. In the Architectural Guidelines, "demolition refers not only to the complete razing of a structure but to the permanent removal of significant architectural features.  This includes the removal of porches, balconies, steps, dormers, chimneys, walls, additions and similar major features."

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

4. What is the current demolition review process?

Any building that is 50 years old or older located ANYWHERE in the city must have approval by the Historic Architectural Review Board for a Certificate of Demolition before a building permit for demolition can be issued.  In the existing ordinance, this includes partial demolition.  Also, there is a 30-day delay on demolition approvals.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

5. What are the benefits to changing the demolition ordinance?

The proposed ordinance removes restrictions for partial demolition on the buildings that are 50 years old and older that are not in a historic district, local landmark, or National Register district which would otherwise have to go to HARB. For example, right now if the owner of a building built before 1972 in Davis Shores or West Augustine wanted to demolish their porch, chimney, addition, balcony, etc. the owner would have to apply to HARB. 

 The change would also remove the 30-day delay on partial demolitions. Incentives to enocourage compatible redesign and restoration are also being proposed.  The bottom line is that the current ordinance is ambiguous as to what constitutes partial demolition which can be interpereted differently by property owners, the HARB and city staff. The goal is to improve the language for consistency and to focus on those limited historic buildings that contribute to the authentic heritage of the city.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

6. When is design review required for a property not in a local HP zoning district?

For historically designated properties, when construction activity includes work that is considered partial demolition the city preservation staff or HARB (depending on the scope) will review the replacement design to ensure that the historic structure will continue to be historic.  This will only apply to those limited structures that are considered historic which is less than 25% of the city's building stock.  

Design review is already required for all buildings in the local HP zoning districts and properties along Anastasia Boulevard, King Street, and San Marco Avenue.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

7. What kinds of construction activities would constitute partial demolition?

The removal of 50% or more of historic, individual elements of the historic building envelope (roof, walls, porches, windows, foundations) when they are not going to be replaced at all or when they are replaced in a way that is out of character with the historic property.  It will also include the removal of these historic features regardless of the percentage when they are on visible sides of the building.  When this occurs, the building can lose historic integrity, access to incentives, and add up to the degradation of a historic district.  These affect the whole city and not just the current property owner but also future property owners.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

8. Does this mean approval is required for any type of change?

No. The following types of activities are either exempted or not applicable to the proposed new partial demolition and design review policy:

• Landscaping materials or other yard elements 
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Fences
• Pools
• Paint color
• Adding screening or other porch enclosures when the historic porch will remain intact
• Alterations to detached accessory structures (garage, mechanical, or storage structures)
• Installation or removal of any utility or mechanical systems
• Repair of damaged building elements with the same character of design even if using the same material is not available or feasible 
• Removal of porches, foundations, and chimneys required for a flood mitigation project if they will be replaced in similar character
• Removal of non-historic elements (ex: a building feature that is not 50-years old or older)
• Any new construction not associated with demolition work on a historic building
• Constructing any accessibility features when not associated with the full demolition of a historic building
• Construction or partial demolition on properties in undesignated areas such as West Augustine, Lighthouse Park, and Davis Shores unless locally landmarked or listed individually in the National Register

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

9. Can a property be designated as historic if it is not currently designated?

Yes.  For a local landmark designation the application needs to be submitted to the HARB and evaluated for local significance.  The property owner is given legal notice with the right to appeal (at no charge) the decision to the City Commission.  For individual National Register nominations the property owner must concur with the nomination and it is handled by the Florida Division of Historical Resources, not the City.  For National Register Historic Districts, legal notice is also given to property owners and it is handled by the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

10. Does this mean the historic windows cannot be replaced?

No. The City encourages the preservation of old-growth, wood windows and when maintained will last longer than any replacement window so in the long-term it is economically viable to restore and repair original wood windows if they are not too deteriorated.  However, if they are beyond repair, there are acceptable replacement windows which include windows with the same configuration and some type of exterior muntin.  They do not have to be wood windows, however. In these cases if the windows match the design the city preservation staff can approve the change through the normal review process of a building permit.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

11. Where did this all come from, why is the city addressing this now?

The Historic Preservation Master Plan was adopted in 2018 by the City Commission through a lengthy public process and subsequently adopted in part to the Historic Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan which was also a lengthy public process.  The community commented on the significance of the historic neighborhoods and wanted to see them preserved.  This proposed change is one piece of that list of specific tasks related to the minimizing demolition of historic buildings and providing clear guidance to applicants of the review process.  Designated historic properties and contributing properties to a district are eligible for tax benefits.  If the building or district is no longer historic this incentive would not be available to current and future property owners across the city.  Also, a 2020 economic study in Resilient Heritage in the Nation’s Oldest City found that heritage tourism is driven largely by the volume of historic resources.  A reduction of 10% of historic buildings in the city results in a 2% loss of visitor parties, and a reduction of 50% of historic buildings in the city results in 34% loss of visitor parties.  The quality of life for residents and visitors alike would be negatively impacted without the community’s commitment to historic preservation.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

12. Is there really a threat that the city could lose historic districts?

Yes.  In order to maintain a viable status as a National Register Historic District the rule of thumb is at least 51% of buildings in the district need to be historic.  In Lincolnville, the percentage has gone from 81% historic to 67% historic based on the number of demolitions alone.  This number does not count the buildings that have been so altered they are no longer count as historic which is what the proposed ordinance will improve.  The de-listing of a district will not happen automatically but the question can be called at any time to the Florida National Register Review Board.

For more information, visit the Historic Preservation Updates page.

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Hurricane Ian

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1. My house flooded – where do I begin?

Start by calling your insurance provider immediately regarding homeowners and flood insurance policies, as well as auto insurance policies if vehicles were damaged.

Depending on the recommendations of your insurance you should photograph, measure, and document all damage to personal belongings and property.

Confirm with your insurance provider before removing damaged household goods and setting them curbside for disposal.  When you do remove damaged goods to the street, be sure to separate them into piles, one for construction debris, one for household good, and another for yard debris.  Refer to this illustration for proper disposal.

2. Do I contact the city to report damage to my home?

No.  Contact your insurance provider regarding damage to personal property and flooding.

3. How and when can I get assistance for damages?

Homeowners, renters, and business owners in St. Johns County may apply for federal disaster assistance for damages and losses resulting from Hurricane Ian through FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program.

You can start the application process immediately by visiting https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4673.  Additional resources can be found at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

4. Will I be able to speak to someone in person?

St. Johns County will be offering disaster recovery customer services once a location and schedule can be determined.  Any information will be posted on the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as the city’s website: www.CityStAug.com. 

5. Is there assistance available if I’m not insured?

Since St. Johns County has been included in the FEMA disaster declaration for Hurricane Ian, those who are uninsured and can provide proof of suffering substantial damage, may be eligible for Individual Assistance.  Visit the FEMA website for more information at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4673.

6. When will the city begin collecting debris?

Solid waste trash pickup will resume its regular schedule, starting the week of October 3.   Recycling collection remains suspended until otherwise notified.

Storm yard debris collection has already started in residential areas most heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian.   Place yard debris curbside to allow easy access for pickup by city crews.  Debris should be placed no more than 10 feet away from the curb.  Do not place debris under low hanging limbs, guide wires, and electrical and communication lines, or in the street where it can obstruct vehicular traffic, fire hydrants, mailboxes, and utility boxes. 

To expedite the recovery process, it is imperative to keep the roadway and access to the debris piles clear. If possible, avoid parking on the street, so debris removal trucks will have direct access.

Storm debris is only vegetative and not mixed with any other types of debris or garbage. Vegetative debris consists of tree stumps, branches, trunks, and other leafy material.

To speed up the collection process, it is recommended to bag debris and not place it the public right-of-way.  Do not mix lumber, such as debris from docks or structures with vegetative debris since mixed trash will not be picked up.

7. How do I dispose of sandbags?

Hurricane season isn't over, so hold onto your sandbags, just in case they are needed again!  We recommend storing sandbags in the shade to avoid sun damage to the bags.  

If they're not in a condition to be kept, proper disposal is to empty the bags before putting in trash.  One suggestion is to empty the sand into your lawn or garden.

Filled sandbags will not be collected by solid waste if they are set curbside.

8. What can I do in the future to protect my home from flood damage?

The City of St. Augustine is actively participating in flood mitigation and assistance programs through FEMA for City of St. Augustine homeowners.  If you are not already participating in any of our flood mitigation programs, send an email with your name, address, and phone number to fma@citystaug.com.  City staff will contact you directly to discuss available programs.

On Monday, October 10, at 3:00pm, in coordination with its consultant Quality Engineering and Surveying, the city will offer a follow-up workshop for those currently participating in the 2022 Flood Mitigation Assistance funding application submittal.  The workshop will be held at the Galimore Community Center, located at 399 Riberia Street in Lincolnville.

At 6:00pm, on Monday, October 10, in coordination with its consultant Quality Engineering and Surveying, the city will offer an introductory workshop for any homeowners who flooded in Hurricane Ian, or who have previously flooded but are not currently participating in the 2022 Flood Mitigation Assistance funding application submittal.  The workshop will be held at the Galimore Community Center, located at 399 Riberia Street in Lincolnville.

On Tuesday, October 11, at 6:00pm, Quality Engineering and Surveying, the city’s flood mitigation assistance consultant, will be available to answer questions during a complementary home-cooked Jambalaya community dinner for current FMA participants and homeowners interested in the 2023 FMA application.

Additional flood mitigation information and resources can be found on the city’s website at http://www.citystaug.com/ResiliencyResources.

9. Can I use water for laundry and showering?

Yes.  Utilities are fully operational.  In the initial days following the storm, reducing water use citywide minimizes overstressing the water and sewer systems when they are not fully operational.

10. What can be done to stop people from driving fast through high water which creates a wake that pushes into my house?

Unfortunately, with limited resources, the City of St. Augustine cannot provide personnel to monitor all areas of the city that experience extended periods of standing water after hurricanes and extreme weather.

We will continue to remind everyone about the effects of driving fast through high water.

11. What can be done to control scavenging?

To minimize people from scavenging through your personal property you can remove lids and doors to appliances and cabinets, and mark white goods such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc. with a large spray-painted “X”.  This will help devalue the property so that it cannot be resold as-is or refurbished and sold as new.

It is important to note that trash or recyclables placed in containers belongs to the City and cannot be removed by bystanders.   Traditionally loose items left by the curb are deemed abandoned by the owner and there is no local regulation prohibiting others from scavenging or repurposing them. 

12. Can I get this list in print format?

Download the FAQs here

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Lake Maria Sanchez

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1. What is this project?

This is a City Capital Improvement Project to address current drainage issues in the historic downtown. The project will improve both storm event flooding and nuisance flooding from tides. This will be accomplished through upgrades of the existing stormwater infrastructure, installation of a new stormwater pump station, and construction of a flood wall.

2. Where is this project?

The project construction will be limited to Granada, Cordova and Bridge streets, south of King Street (for the stormwater infrastructure upgrades). There will also be construction on South Street where Lake Maria Sanchez drains into the existing marsh for the stormwater pump station. Finally, the flood wall will be located on the south side of South Street, between the upland (higher ground) and wetlands/marsh. However, the project area benefiting from the stormwater improvements is approximately 200 acres. This is bordered by Martin Luther King Avenue on the West, Avenida Menendez on the East, South Street on the south and Saragossa Street to the north. Please refer to the Basis of Design Report for the project scope and location details.

3. Why is the City doing this project?

This project was originally identified in the City’s Stormwater Master Plan Update from 2013. After Hurricane Matthew, the City saw an opportunity to expand the project scope to address the primary flooding issues in the historic downtown, such as certain storm events and also nuisance tidal flooding events. The City applied to FEMA under their Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) in 2017 and was awarded the funding in 2018. This was the #1 ranked project in St. Johns County by the Local Mitigation Strategy Task Force.

4. What is FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program?

Per FEMA’s website: FEMA’s vision is to serve as a catalyst that drives increased understanding and proactive action to help people in communities reduce their losses from natural hazards. To support this vision, FEMA funds three Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs. Hazard mitigation measures are any sustainable action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from future disasters. The HMGP supports cost-effective post-disaster projects and is the longest-running mitigation program among FEMA’s three grant programs. Studies have shown that every $1 spent equals $6 of future damages mitigated. The purpose of HMGP is to help communities implement hazard mitigation measures following a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in the areas of the state, tribe, or territory requested by the Governor or Tribal Executive. The key purpose of this grant program is to enact mitigation measures that reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters.

5. What is the Local Mitigation Strategy Task Force?

Per the St. Johns County website: In the spring of 1998, the Florida Department of Community Affairs initiated a program to assist local government in developing plans to reduce or eliminate risks to people and property from natural and man-made hazards known as the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS). The primary objective of the Local Mitigation Strategy is to remove, if possible, or otherwise to limit the losses of life and property due to a disaster. In August of 1998 a St. Johns County LMS Taskforce was organized from a broad cross-section of the County including elected officials, County Staff, representatives from the cities of St. Augustine, Hastings, and St. Augustine Beach, Flagler Estates Road and Water District, Florida Department of Health – St. Johns, Florida Forest Service and Flagler Hospital alongside local businesses and residents. The LMS Taskforce, led by the St. Johns County Division of Emergency Management, has been responsible for developing all work products for the Local Mitigation Strategy including the development of a set of guiding principles, identification of potential hazards affecting the community; identification of people and infrastructure which are vulnerable to hazards; identification of critical facilities which are necessary for maintaining health, safety and welfare of residents before, during, and after a catastrophic event; and the development of a prioritized list of pre and post hazard mitigation initiatives (projects) eligible for funding. The Local Mitigation Strategy is intended to provide one unified program for St. Johns County and its incorporated municipalities.

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May Street

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1. What was the issue?

The Nelmar Neighborhood approached the city administration stating there was a large volume of traffic along its streets unrelated to the residents. Non-residents were using neighborhood streets as if they were feeder roads, moving large numbers of cars from by-passing through a residential area.

2. How was it confirmed that there was a problem?

Data confirmed the problem. A traffic team that included city staff worked with traffic engineers for a five-month period counting cars at different times of the day and different days of the week. Their work documented the inordinate volume of traffic and confirmed the neighborhood’s concerns. Rather than the average traffic load, the streets were designed for up to 700 cars per day, the volume was greater than 1,000 cars a day.

3. Was any action taken prior to the delineator posts?

Traffic calming was put in place but wasn’t effective. Four-way stop intersections, speed humps and increased law enforcement all of which reduced speeding in the neighborhood, were put in place more than ten years ago but did not affect volume. (Constant law enforcement is not affordable or practical.) In addition, the accident rate when compared to a similar neighborhood (Davis Shores) was significantly higher.

4. Is there a problem with emergency vehicle access?

St. Augustine Fire Department and the St. Johns County Rescue agree that residential streets, like the ones in Nelmar, are not used to bypass traffic. And they have well-tested procedures for emergencies when there is traffic congestion on the bridge itself, including medical evacuation. In the event access were needed to the neighborhood, emergency vehicles will simply drive over the posts, a feature their design allows.

5. Is it legal to limit access to City streets?

The city code gives the city manager the right and the responsibility to control traffic on streets in any manner that facilitates traffic movement and safety. One way streets are another example.

6. How much time did cutting through Nelmar save?

Probably the most astonishing information determined by data collection was the very little amount of time that may be saved under the best of circumstances by those who had used Nelmar’s residential streets to avoid the May Street/San Marco Avenue intersection. Travel time from the May Street/Magnolia Avenue intersection to San Marco Avenue, a distance of two-tenths of a mile or 1,500 feet, was determined to be three minutes under normal conditions. It takes at least two minutes to cut-through the residential area and then one still has to wait for an opening in the San Marco traffic, delaying travel time even more. So the time saved was a minute at best.

7. But didn't the cars cutting through help those in line move faster?

Yes, but not by much. Here’s how it worked. A majority of the traffic and May/San Marco turns south to reach U.S.1 based on Florida Department of Transport (FDOT) analyses. Of the cars headed north those using the cut-through represented about 10% of the total traffic volume. Those cars that cut through did make the line shorter but reduced travel time by only 1 to 2 minutes in moderate traffic. 

Heavy Traffic

In heavy traffic - weekend evenings or “Nights of Lights”- when traffic lined up to the far end of the bridge the reduction was just 3 to 5 minutes. In peak season it’s easy to think that eliminating the cut-through opportunity is to blame for backed up traffic, but the data tells a different story.

Current Estimated Travel Times

Traffic Conditions	From Magnolia to San Marco	From Vilano to Magnolia	Total Travel Time
Light	2.5 to 3 Minutes	2 to 2.5 Minutes	4.5 to 5.5 Minutes
Moderate	2.5 to 3 Minutes	6 to 10 Minutes	8.5 to 12 Minutes
Heavy	2.5 to 3 Minutes	20 to 25 Minutes	22.5 to 28 Minutes

Continuing Traffic Challenges

There will continue to be traffic challenges in our community and we all will need to adapt our schedules to avoid our own version of rush hour or those weekend days when we know visitation is heavy. There is also a much greater use of WAZE or the traffic feature on Google Maps to check traffic conditions before departing on errands, a very simple way to avoid the shock of gridlock.

8. Why not wait until the San Marco / May Street project is completed?

It’s no secret that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will launch work on the reconfiguration of the San Marco Avenue/San Carlos Avenue/May Street intersection this fall, a project estimated to last two to three years. Postponing the installation of the delineator posts until after the intersection work would only increase the volume of vehicles moving through Nelmar. 

Good News

The city’s traffic team is working with FDOT to limit most construction work to the night hours and to maintain two-way traffic, continuing with the level of service that is in place currently. The good news is that the new intersection design is planned to make backups a rare occurrence in the shorter term. Growth will, of course, continue to be a challenge for all roadways.

9. What about the illegal left turns at Magnolia?

The truth is that we have traffic violations throughout our City, and when our police staff sees them, tickets are issued and in this case, the fine is $165. Left turns have been made for many years at that street, so while a hazard exists as it does with many traffic violations, there is no especial increased danger.

10. Did the limited access solve the problem for Nelmar?

Yes. The goal of maintaining the livability, character, and safety of the Nelmar neighborhood was achieved as evidenced by the number of reports of a much greater sense of community in recent weeks as residential characteristics are returning with children playing outside and neighbors more inclined to walk and bike safely. It’s also worth noting that many trips for the residents now take a minute or two longer as well.

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Mobility Plan and Mobility Fee

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1. What is a Mobility Plan?

The City of St. Augustine’s 2040 Mobility Plan is a vision, over the next 20 years, for how the City’s transportation system will continue to transition from moving and parking vehicles, towards a multimodal system focused on safely and conveniently moving people, whether they choose to continue driving their cars, or decide to walk, bicycle, ride transit, or use a new mobility technology, and deploying dynamic parking management strategies to address future demand.

2. Why does the City need a Mobility Plan?

St. Johns County continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. and the City continues to experience strong growth in visitors to its Historic Districts. Long term residents of the City have experienced first-hand the effects of growth and the associated increase in traffic on residential streets in search of on-street parking and seeking to avoid congestion. The City is also experiencing increasing in-fill and redevelopment activity. This activity, combined with growth in County residents and visitors to the City, creates a need for mobility solutions.

3. How can the Mobility Plan address congestion?

The Mobility Plan proactively plans for multimodal infrastructure improvements, programs, and services needed to further enhance the walkability of the Historic Districts. The Plan also emphasizes creating a park-once environment that promotes using dynamic parking management strategies to encourage visitors to park their car in future multimodal parking garages on the periphery of the Historic Districts and using electric bikes, trolley circulators, and other forms of mobility, other than driving a car, to explore the City.

4. What type of projects are included in the Mobility Plan?

The Mobility Plan consist of four (4) distinct plans that include projects for sidewalks, paths, trails, protected bike lanes, low speed shared streets, complete streets, and multimodal ways. The Plans also address both citywide and regional mobility through microtransit circulators, multimodal parking structures, water taxis, an aerial tramway, regional rail that will connect St. Augustine with Jacksonville, and several regional road projects to direct cut-through traffic around the City.

The Mobility Plan also includes policies for dynamic parking management strategies such as: (1) variable rates for parking meters, (2) programs that can provide City residents parking discounts or priority parking in certain areas, and (3) real time message boards at gateways to the City that direct visitors to either existing garages or future multimodal parking garages. These projects are intended to enhance mobility and safety, while also seeking to reduce congestion and traffic in residential neighborhoods.

5. How will the City fund Mobility Plan projects?

The projects identified in the Mobility Plan will be funded through a variety of sources. Federal and State appropriations, funds, grants, and programs, allocated through the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), are some of the primary sources for funding mobility plan projects. Gas taxes, special assessments, property taxes, infrastructure sales taxes, and mobility fees are all other potential funding sources for funding mobility plan projects.

6. How will the City prioritize Mobility Plan projects?

The projects identified in the Mobility Plan are prioritized in five-year increments between 2020 and 2040. Each year, as part of the City’s annual budget process, City staff will identify potential revenue sources over a five-year period and make recommendations to further prioritize the design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of Mobility Plan projects. The City Commission will prioritize projects through the City’s annual Capital Improvements Program (CIP) update.

7. What is a Mobility Fee?

A mobility fee is a one-time fee paid by a developer to the City to mitigate the developments traffic impact to the City’s transportation system. Mobility fees are based on the multimodal projects adopted as part of the Mobility Plan and will be used to fund the identified multimodal projects in the Plan. Mobility fees were established by the Legislature to provide developers a simplified alternative to transportation concurrency, proportionate share, and road impact fees.

8. What is Transportation Concurrency?

In 1985, the Florida Legislature established the “Growth Management Act” to regulate new growth in Florida and required local governments to ensure that adequate road capacity would be available “concurrent” with new development to offset its traffic impact. Transportation concurrency, while well intended, had the unintended consequence of limiting or stopping development in urban areas, where it was cost prohibitive to add road capacity, and resulted in suburban sprawl where road capacity was either available or cheaper to construct.

In 2011, the Legislature replaced the “Growth Management Act” with the “Community Planning Act” that repealed statewide transportation concurrency and made it optional for local governments. The Legislature amended the “Community Planning Act” in 2013 to encourage local governments to adopt alternative mobility funding systems, such as mobility plans and fees, as a repeal and replacement of transportation concurrency systems, proportionate share, and road impact fees.

9. Is the City repealing Transportation Concurrency?

The proposed mobility fee is intended to repeal and replace transportation concurrency, along with associated proportionate share regulations. The City does not have a road impact fee and St. Johns County does not impose its road impact fees on development in the City.

10. How was the Mobility Fee developed?

The mobility fee is based on the multimodal projects in the Mobility Plan and is developed based on detailed methodologies designed to meet what are known as the dual relational nexus test and rough proportionately test established by case law and Florida Statute. A detailed Mobility Plan and Mobility Fee Technical Report has been prepared to document how the mobility fee was developed and to demonstrate that the fee is legally and statutorily compliant.

11. When is the City going to adopt Mobility Fees?

The City intends to hold two (2) public hearings in February 2022. The first hearing is scheduled for February 14, and the second hearing is scheduled for February 28. The mobility fee, if adopted, would become effective May 17, 2022. This time frame complies with Florida Statute, which requires a 90-day period between the notice by a local government to impose a mobility fee and the effective date of the mobility fee.

12. Who pays a Mobility Fee?

Any new residential or non-residential development activity within the City that requires the issuance of a building permit and result in an increase in person travel demand (impact) above the existing use of property will be assessed a mobility fee. Mobility fees are not a tax, and they are not charged to existing homes, businesses, or property; unless there is an addition, change of use, expansion, modification, or redevelopment that requires issuance of a building permit and generates additional person travel demand above the existing use of property. Florida Statute exempts State of Florida governmental uses, and public and charter schools from paying mobility fees. The City is also proposing to exempt City and County governmental uses from mobility fees as these uses are funded by existing and future taxpayers.

13. When does new development activity pay its Mobility Fees?

If adopted, mobility fees will be assessed at the time of a building permit application, after the effective date of May 17, 2022. Any valid building permit submitted prior to 12:00 AM May 17, 2022, will not be assessed a mobility fee. The mobility fees would be required to be paid no later than issuance of a building permit, unless otherwise specified in an approved development order or agreement.

14. How is a Mobility Fee determined for new development?

The Mobility Plan and Mobility Fee Technical Report and the implementing ordinance include a simplified table, known as a mobility fee schedule, that provides the mobility fee rates for various uses of property, such as residential, retail, industrial, and office. The mobility fee assessed is calculated based on the mobility fee rate and a specific unit of measure, such as heated and cooled square feet for a residential use, and number of rooms for a hotel.

15. Are offsets or credits available for Mobility Fees?

Offsets of mobility fees may be available where redevelopment is replacing an existing structure. Credits maybe available for previous proportionate share payments, for dedication of right-of- way, and/or the construction of multimodal projects identified in the mobility plan. The mobility fee ordinance contains details for off-sets and credits and administrative procedures would provide examples and additional details for determining off-sets and credits.

16. What happens to Mobility Fees paid to the City?

Mobility fees are required by Florida Statue to be separated into a specific fund that tracks both payments and expenditures. The fund is subject to yearly audit by the State of Florida Department of Revenue. The requirement for a special fund is to ensure that: (1) mobility fees are not included in general revenues, (2) that the collection and expenditure of fees is transparent, and (3) the fees are being used for the purpose for which they were collected.

17. Where can Mobility Fees be spent?

Due to the compact nature of the City and its overall size, the entire City is a single Mobility Fee Benefit District. The collected mobility fees can be spent on multimodal projects anywhere within City limits and on multimodal projects outside City limits so long as they are identified in the Mobility Plan or the Capital Improvements Program.

18. What can Mobility Fees be spent on?

Mobility fees can be spent on multimodal projects included in the Mobility Plan or the Capital Improvements Program. The adopted Mobility Plan serves as the guiding vision for multimodal projects and is to be updated every five (5) years. During that time, there may be a need to fund multimodal projects that were not contemplated in the Mobility Plan. To expend mobility fee funds on multimodal projects not included in the Mobility Plan, the City would be required to amend its Capital Improvements Program to formally add the multimodal project.

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Municipal Marina

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1. Do I need a reservation to stay at the marina?

No, walk ups, or in this case "float ups" are always welcome. However a reservation will ensure that we have a slip or mooring available for your vessel. A reservations will also make your arrival and check in quicker. For these reasons we always recommend that you make a reservation in advance, even if its on the day of arrival.

2. Do you have slips for a short stay to have breakfast/lunch/dinner?

Yes, the marina has an hourly rate of $5.00 per hour for a four hour maximum stay. Hourly slips are first come first served. On busy weekends and during busy periods the marina may run out of hourly spaces. If we are out of space when you first check, take a short cruise and check back.

3. Can I reserve an hourly slip?

The marina does not make reservations for hourly slips. If you need a guaranteed space on a certain day you will need to make an overnight reservation.

4. Do you have moorings for a short stay to have breakfast/lunch/dinner?

There are no hourly rates for moorings. You are welcome to pay the overnight rate that applies and leave whenever you would like, or check out our hourly slip rates.

5. What time is check out/check in? Can I get a late check out?

Check out is 11:00 am. If you arrive before 11:00 your slip or mooring may not be vacant yet. 

If your slip is available, late check out is Noon. If your slip is available and you would like to stay longer, you can pay the hourly rate for a maximum of four hours. If you need to stay later than 4:00 pm you will have to rent the slip for another night.

If your mooring is available late check out is Noon. There are no hourly rates for moorings, so if you need a later departure you will need to rent the mooring for another night.

6. Does the marina have parking for my car?

There are several options for parking in the area.

Most of the area around the marina is metered street parking. For registered guests the marina sells a pass for $20.00 for three days or $50.00 for a month. This pass does not reserve a space but allows you to park in the spaces along the bay front, south of the marina, without paying the meter.

The city operates a parking garage. The entrance is at 1565 Cordova St. This is approximately three quarters of a mile from the marina. Information on the garage and other parking options in St. Augustine is available here

There is non-metered street parking across the Bridge of Lions from the marina.

These are the three most common solutions used by our customers, usually in some combination.

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Parking

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1. What is a parking pay station?

A pay-station is an automated kiosk that accepts:

• Bills
• Coins
• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• ParkNow cards

2. What happens if a pay station doesn't work?

If an individual unit malfunctions a report is immediately sent to city staff (via computer) notifying them of a problem. In the meantime, customers can still park by purchasing a receipt from another nearby pay-station.

3. Can you receive a parking ticket while you are paying at a pay station?

There is no need to worry about being at a pay station and receiving a parking ticket since stations are within a reasonable, visible distance of the parking spaces. Before issuing a ticket, the Parking Enforcement Officers will check to see if anyone is using a nearby pay station.

4. What is a ParkNow card?

A ParkNow card is a card offered to St. Johns County residents for discounted parking of $0.50 an hour instead of the $2.50 an hour rate at meters and pay-stations, and $3 per entry at the Historical Parking Facility. These cards are available for purchase at the city's Financial Services Center at 50 Bridge Street. ParkNow cards may be recharged at 50 Bridge Street.

5. How can a ticket be paid?

Payment can be made by mail, online, and in-person. If mailing in the payment, please send check or money order made payable to the "City of St. Augustine" for the correct amount, with the ticket number (do not enclose cash). If paying in person, the city’s Financial Services Center is located at 50 Bridge Street. When paying online you can use ParkStAug.rmcpay.com .

6. How will I know how to use the pay stations?

Each pay station provides user-friendly instructions.

7. When using a pay-station or mobile app, what happens if I purchase one hour of parking and then realize I need two hours? Can I buy another hour?

Yes, you can add time to your current session up to the maximum time allowed which is listed on the paystation or in the mobile app by entering your license plate and selecting the amount of time your looking to add. 

8. How do I contest/appeal a parking ticket?

In the event you receive a parking ticket and would like to contest it, please call the Parking Supervisor at 904-825-1090 or Customer Service at 904-825-1034, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Or, appear in person at 50 Bridge Street during the same business hours. This must be done within 15 days of receiving the ticket. No appeals will be accepted after the 15th day. Visit the webpage to learn more or download the appeal form (PDF).

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Police Department

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1. How do I get a copy of a police report or a traffic crash report?

Unless you are a party to the crash or an insurance company representative, crash reports are only available as public record after 60 days. You may request a copy of the report by contacting the St. Augustine Police Department at 151 King Street Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Under certain circumstances reports can be faxed or emailed; call for details at 904-825-1074.

2. How do I file a police report?

Call 904-825-1070 and speak to a dispatcher or come into the station at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it is an emergency, call 911.

3. Where do I find information about employment with the St. Augustine Police Department?

Vacancies are posted only when there are openings. A civil service application can be obtained from Human Resources only and cannot be obtained online.

4. Where do I pay a parking citation?

Financial Services at 50 Bridge Street has a drive-through window and free parking in the front of the building. Cash, debit or credit cards can be processed.

5. How can I report traffic complaints in my neighborhood?

Call 904-825-1070 (dispatch) to report a complaint.

6. How can I get a crime prevention program or other related police presentation for my group, school, or organization?

Call Community Resource Officer Dee Brown at 904-209-3465.

7. What should I do if I call 911 by mistake?

Do not hang up. If you hang up dispatch will call you back and send an officer to respond to your address. Explain to the operator that you misdialed the phone.

8. If I need the police, but it is not an emergency, what number do I call?

Call 904-825-1070 for non-emergencies.

9. What are the hours of operation for the St. Augustine Police Department Records Section?

Most public records can be obtained at the Police Department Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

10. How much does it cost to obtain a copy of a St. Augustine Police report?

Report Copy Fees

• Under 10 pages: Free
• 10 or more pages: $2
• Traffic Homicide: $25
• Any other voluminous reports: $15 for every 15 minutes used by the clerk to copy the report

11. Who can obtain a copy of a traffic crash report?

Before 90 days, a copy of a traffic crash report can be obtained by:

• The insurance companies of those involved
• The owners of the vehicles involved
• The parties involved

After 90 days, anyone can get a crash report.

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Police Department - Traffic Stop

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1. Why were you stopped?

You may have been stopped because:

• Your driving behavior has drawn attention and raised concern for your own safety or the safety of others.
• We may have noticed faulty equipment on the vehicle that you may not be aware of.
• You may have committed a traffic violation.
• You may have witnessed a crime or may have just left the area of where a crime was committed and the officer may need your help in the investigation of a crime.
• You may fit the description of a suspect.
• They may have probable cause to make an arrest or reasonable suspicion of criminal activity based on personal observations, other officers, the police radio information given or a witness.

Whatever the case may be, we ask that you cooperate and be patient with us.

2. What should you do if you get pulled over?

• With caution, immediately pull over to the nearest right-hand edge or curb.
• Remain in your vehicle, keep hands visible, and do not fumble around for your wallet.
• Wait for the officer to approach your vehicle and gives you instructions.
• Cooperate and provide the information you are asked for.
• Ask for an explanation if it is unclear.
• Do not be nervous nor angry; overreacting may make the situation worse.
• Accepting a citation is not an admission of guilt and you will have the option to contest the citation in court after the fact.

3. What will the police officer do?

The police officer will ask for basic information, which may include:

• Do you know why you were stopped?
• What is your name?
• Where do you live?
• Ask for your driver's license and registration.
• Ask questions related to the stop.
• Verify your identity.
• Check your driver's license status.
• Give you a warning or issue a traffic citation
• Make an arrest if he/she has probable cause to do so

An officer only needs to have probable cause to make an arrest if he/she believes a crime has occurred, is occurring or is about to occur.

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Resilience

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1. What is flood resilience?

Resilience is the ability of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and system within St. Augustine to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what kinds of acute shocks (a sudden, sharp event that can threaten the city) and chronic stresses (stresses weaken the fabric of the city on a day-to-day basis) they experience. 

The City of St. Augustine faces many challenges when it comes to both coastal and rain driven flooding, as a majority of the city is located in a flood plain. The City of St. Augustine is proactively identifying areas of risks as it relates to the inevitable effects of sea level rise. 

Residents are encouraged to join in the city's efforts for flood resilience for their own property by researching flood mitigation strategies and providing feedback to the city on resilience based capital improvement projects. See links below to familiarize with the city's resilience efforts:

• Flood Mitigation Design Guidance for Historic Residences booklet PDF
• Resilient Heritage in the Nation’s Oldest City – a grant funded study
• Flooding and Historic Properties: Resilient Heritage in the Nation's Oldest City with links to story maps
• Resilient Heritage in the Nation’s Oldest City Story Map

2. What is the city doing about the flooding?

Projects

To try and mitigate the city-wide flooding that occurs yearly, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP's) must be planned, designed and constructed. A Capital Improvement Project is any major improvement to City facilities and infrastructure. Capital Improvement Projects are varied, so some may require years of planning and construction while others may be completed in a shorter timeframe. The majority of resilience-based CIP's are years-long efforts that utilize grant funding and from both the state and federal level along with a cost share out of the city's yearly budget. 

Resident's can see the breakdown of the city's annual budget here.

Residents can visit the links below to learn more about current CIP's to mitigate flooding and past CIP's that have been completed:

• Current projects
• Completed Projects

Maintenance

Other efforts to attempt to mitigate flooding include regular maintenance on the city's storm drains and basins done by the city's Transmission and Distribution department. If you would like to request a storm drain be maintained or report flooding in your area, please fill out the form: 

https://www.citystaug.com/FormCenter/Public-Works-7/Report-Flooding-70

Updates

Every quarter a presentation is given to the city's commission regarding Public Works and Utilities Updates, which includes a breakdown of Capital Improvement Projects. 

To view the quarterly update presentations, select the link here.

To watch the latest update given to commission regarding Capital Improvement Projects, click here.

3. What can I do to protect my home from flooding?

Be Prepared

Before a flood event occurs, residents can take these property protection measures to try and mitigate the damage to their property from flooding. Residents can also request a meeting with the city's Building Official or Chief Resilience Officer to determine the best flood mitigation strategies for their private property. Please email stormwater@citystaug.com or call 904-825-1065 to request a site visit.

Additionally, on the City's weekly radio show The Breakroom, Chief Resilient Officer Jessica Beach has been interviewed about storm preparation, where to get information about storms, understanding what happens with flooding throughout the city, and how to be a good neighbor. Listen to the most recent interview here.

Be Proactive

There are a variety of flood mitigation strategies residents can use to protect their homes and property from flooding. A good place for residents to start with flood protection is first to determine the elevation of their property. Residents of the City of St. Augustine can contact the Planning and Building department at 904-825-1065 to request a Flood Elevation Certificate for an official report on their property's elevation. 

Residents can also access these tools below to determine property elevation estimates and to see if their home is in a flood zone:

• Search for any property within the United States to look at potential flood risk indicators and ways to protect your property: www.floodfactor.com
• Provides outreach and education and a number of flood proofing type products for commercial and residential properties: www.floodproofing.com 
• St. Johns County Flood Viewer to search for any properties and determine which flood zone they are located in. You can access the link here: https://www.gis.sjcfl.us/floodviewer

Residents also should study the Flood Mitigation Design Guidance for Historic Residences booklet. This guidance document was prepared in response to flood damage by Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 in the city’s Abbott Tract, Lincolnville, and Model Land Company Historic Districts. However, the information presented in this document can be applied to all of the city's historic properties.

Residents are also encouraged to view the Resilient Heritage in the Nation’s Oldest City, a grant funded study that captured the need for flooding resilience in the City of St. Augustine.

Be present

The City of St. Augustine holds commission meetings twice a month. Residents can come and voice their concerns and also learn about what the city is doing regarding flood mitigation projects, among many other topics ongoing in the city. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend and be present for these conversations, and to let their voices be heard.

There is an upcoming Resilience Workshop scheduled for March 28, 2022 at 3:30 P.M. that will be dedicated to discussing the city's efforts for flood mitigation and ongoing Capital Improvement Projects to address the flooding. Watch the previous Resilience Workshop here and feel free to send in your feedback via email to stormwater@citystaug.com

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Right-of-Way (ROW) Permits

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1. What is required to pull a ROW Permit?

To pull a ROW Permit, submit a City ROW application form and a site plan sketch with dimensions. If pavers or other non-standard materials are proposed within the right-of-way area, include a picture or image. Email the completed form and site plan to Public Works Permits, fax to 904-209-4286, or hand deliver to City Hall:
75 King Street
Lobby B Elevator, 4th Floor, Public Works Department
St. Augustine, FL 32084

2. What are the fees for Right-of-Way Permits?

View the Permit Fee Schedule (PDF) (see page 2 of the schedule). The appropriate permit fee will be applied based on scope of work. Email Public Works Permits with permit fee questions.

3. How long does it take to get a ROW Permit?

Once the application is received at Public Works, please allow up to 3 business days for the application to be reviewed and processed. The Permit Technician will contact the applicant to notify that the permit has been approved and is ready for pickup, or, ask for additional information if necessary. Email Public Works Permits with any questions.

4. Can I get a ROW Permit the same day?

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Permits may be approved on a case-by-case basis under the following conditions:

• Maximum one lane closure, with ample space left for emergency vehicles to pass by. Full road closures require a regular permit with a longer review time.
• Sidewalk closures must allow access to adjoining businesses and/or residences at all times.
• The work duration must be maximum 8 hours during in a single working day.

5. How long are ROW Permits good for? Can extensions be made?

Right-of-Way Permits are good for up to 6 months. If an extension is needed, the application and orange placard must be brought into Public Works to request an extension for up to 6 additional months.

6. Are there time or day restrictions for ROW Permits?

Permits are assigned date and time restrictions by City staff based on the location and nature of the work. Work is generally not permitted during Saturdays, Sundays and City observed Holidays. Weekend, holiday and night work may be approved, or required, on a case-by-case basis. The City’s focus first and foremost is public safety, and second, minimizing impacts to neighboring properties and maintaining public use of the right-of-way to the extent possible.

7. Does my residential driveway have to be concrete pavement?

The driveway apron within the right-of-way, from the road up to your property line, should be concrete or coquina concrete, in accordance with standard City details. If you desire to have a non-standard, solid surface (such as paver stones) within the right-of-way, then a Right-of-Way License Agreement and liability insurance requirements will be necessary. View the “Why do I need a Right-of-Way License Agreement” question to view more. The remaining portion of the driveway on your property can be pavers, concrete, asphalt, Number 57 stone granite gravel, any combination thereof, or similar approved surfaces.

8. Why do I need a Right-of-Way License Agreement?

The City requires a license agreement for all non-standard materials placed in City rights-of-way, such as:

• Brick
• Irrigation and hardscape features such as decorative walls
• Landscaping
• Paver stones

Materials That Do Not Require License Agreements

Standard materials that do not require a license agreement are: asphalt, concrete, coquina concrete, sod/grass. Customers are encouraged to consider revising their plan to use a standard material in the right-of-way, and non-standard materials of their choice on their own property. This option would remove the license agreement requirement. Email Public Works Permits for an example of the Right-of-Way License Agreement with liability insurance requirements.

9. How long does it take to get a Right-of-Way License Agreement?

After you apply for the Right-of-Way Permit (with License Agreement for non-standard materials in the right-of-way), the City will route for staff review, then create the license document specific to your property and project, and send to you with instructions. The application fee is $145 for the Right-of-Way Permit plus $250 for the License Agreement, for a total of $395. (The City covers recording fees for the agreement.)

Review

The Public Works Director reviews these applications. Allow minimum one week for this process and to receive the license agreement document. Once we receive the original signed agreement back from you, it will be placed on the next available City Commission meeting agenda at that time (the deadline is 13 days prior to a Commission meeting). 

Items needed for review are:

• $395 payment
• Completed application form
• Photos or images of the non-standard materials
• Sketch with dimensions clearly depicting the proposed improvements

10. If I need a Right-of-Way License Agreement, can I begin work in the right-of-way before the Agreement is completed?

No. The Right-of-Way License Agreement must be approved by the City Commission at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting prior to any work taking place within or affecting the right-of-way.

11. What is the required width and length of a residential driveway?

The driveway apron in the right-of-way must match standard City details. The maximum width of a residential driveway is 20 feet. There is no minimum driveway width or maximum driveway length. See “Where can I find the City’s driveway details?".

12. Can I have a circular driveway, or two driveways on my residential property?

For a single-family home, the Public Works Director will review applications for double driveway connections. The ROW Permit form and a to-scale site plan with dimensions will be required for review. The Director may approve or reject these applications on a case-by-case basis, taking into account public safety, location, spacing between adjoining driveways, etc.

Commercial driveways are handled through a separate permitting process. View Commercial Development and Site Construction for more information.

13. Distances required between driveways/intersections?

Although City Code does not have specific distance requirements between roadway connections, it is the City Engineer’s responsibility to apply best management practices on a case-by-case basis in accordance with various industry standard traffic control handbooks. Driveways in close proximity to other driveways and/or intersections create a situation where the driver must negotiate multiple conflicts. This situation can lead to poor safety and operational conditions. Proper driveway design can help minimize these concerns.

Driveway Design

Objectives of best practices for driveway design are:

• Minimize the difference in speed between turning vehicles and through traffic.
• Minimize the drainage impacts to the curb and gutter system.
• Minimize encroachment of turning vehicles on adjacent lanes.
• Provide adequate sight distance for drivers using the driveway (entering, exiting and approaching traffic). Sight distance considerations may include other roadway connections, on-street parking, landscaping and vegetation, physical features such as retaining walls and signage.
• Provide sufficient operational area for traffic entering the site to prevent a “spillback” queue onto the public street.
• To provide a clear and safe environment for all road users (vehicles of all kinds, cyclists, pedestrians, etc.).

14. How close can my driveway be located to the side lot line?

You will need to plan enough space between the driveway and side lot line for proper grading on your property to ensure that drainage will not affect the adjoining property. Stormwater must not run off onto other properties. In addition to this, plan for enough room so that the driveway apron in the right-of-way will not affect neighboring driveways or other features such as fire hydrants, drainage inlets, etc.

15. Where can I find the City's driveway details?

View the Paving and Drainage Details document (PDF) 

AutoCAD drawing files (ZIP) of the Paving and Drainage Details can be downloaded here.

16. Who applies for a Tree Removal Permit when the tree is located in City right-of-way?

The property owner (or the property developer, or their contractor) is responsible for applying for the Tree Removal Permit (at the City Planning and Building Department). Following City approval of that permit, the customer’s tree company must apply for a separate Right-of-Way Permit at Public Works in order to perform the tree removal work in the City’s right-of-way. The property owner (or the property developer, or their contractor) is responsible for removing the tree at their cost. The City is not responsible for permitting or costs to remove the tree.

17. Who is responsible for sidewalk repairs in City right-of-way?

Per City Code, Section 22-33, the property owner has the authority and responsibility to repair the sidewalk fronting their property, by securing a licensed and insured contractor and obtaining a City Right-of-Way Permit prior to commencing the work. This is not to say that the City does not replace sidewalks; the City replaces sidewalks in those areas of high priority and where funds have been budgeted for specific streets.

18. Who creates a Maintenance-Of-Traffic (MOT) plan?

In many cases, contractors hire MOT companies (such as Bob's Barricades, ACME, etc.) to create the MOT Plan. The City does not (and will not) supply examples or guide applicants through MOT design, to limit inadvertent exposure to liability and risk. The applicant submits the MOT plan and the City reviews the plan for compliance with codes, policies, rules and regulations.

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Short Term Rentals

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1. Do Short Term Rentals need to be registered with the City?

Yes.

Here is a link to the Registration Portal

2. How is the weekly minimum in RS-1 and RS-2 applied?

Within RS-1 and RS-2 Parcels, the weekly minimum means that short term rentals can only host one stay per week, this would include between a one night stay and a 6 night stay during a weeks time. 

3. What does the Life Safety Inspection include?

The City of St. Augustine Short-Term Vacation Rental ordinance (2019- 50) requires a Life Safety Inspection, performed by the St. Augustine Fire Department, at the time of registration and annually thereafter. Listed below are the fire-safety requirements for all short-term rental properties:

• Address plainly visible and legible from the street with minimum 4" numbers.
• Smoke alarms installed and operational in each sleeping room, areas giving access to sleeping rooms, and on each level.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors installed and operational in sleeping areas of dwellings which have gas appliances and/or an attached garage.
• Portable fire extinguishers (2A10BC multi-purpose) are required on each level of the house.  They must be accessibly mounted and less than one year old or serviced and tagged by a licensed company annually.
• Any installed fire alarm system or fire sprinkler system shall be inspected and tagged by a licensed company annually.
• Emergency lighting required in areas between bedrooms and exit doors.  Lighting must be connected to power with battery backup.
• Exit signs over exit doors and throughout residence where the location of exits may be questionable.
• Each sleeping room shall have, in addition to the exit door, one other means of emergency escape, which may be a second door that leads directly to the outside of the structure, or an openable window that is operational from within the area in which it serves.
• Egress windows and exit doors are operable and exit paths are clear and unobstructed.
• Emergency evacuation information shall be posted in central location of rental.
• Extension cords shall not be utilized as permanent wiring.-

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an inspection, contact Fire Safety Inspector Dustin Hamilton at 904-808-3369.

Download the Life Safety List (PDF)

4. What are the parking requirements for a Short Term Rental in the City?

Each rental unit provides a at least one (1) parking space per bedroom on-site. This parking may be provided off-site with special approval from the City’s Planning & Zoning Board.

Each parking space shall be stabilized with concrete, asphalt, pavers or gravel. Grass, mulch or sand are not acceptable areas for parking. 

5. What is the maximum occupancy of a Short Term rental in The City?

The total maximum is twelve (12) occupants. This is computed at two (2)  person per bedroom plus an additional two (2) children under the age of 18.

6. Are Short Term Rentals Inspected in the City?

Yes.

At the time of registration, and annually, each short term rental is inspected for life safety, zoning and property maintenance compliance. 

7. What is the registration or renewal fee for a Short Term Rental in the City?

Tiered Rate Schedule - $73.81 per rental bedroom + Base Rate of $294.48 and $100 Late Renewal Fee and $50 Re-Inspection Fee

• Studio Rental- $294.48

• One Bedroom- ($294.48 + $73.81) = $368.29

• Two Bedrooms- ($294.48 + $147.62) = $442.10

• Three Bedrooms- ($294.48 + $221.43) = $515.92

• Four Bedrooms- ($294.48 + $295.24) = $589.73

• Five Bedrooms- ($294.48 + 369.05) = $663.54

Application fees are non-refundable if your application is denied or if your property does not pass the final inspection.

8. Is there a way to file complaints against a Short Term Rental in the City?

Yes.

You can File A Complaint Online OR you can Call 904-569-7077 

9. Is a Vacation Rental the same as a Short Term Rental?

Yes! A short term rental is synonymous with a vacation rental. Vacation Rentals are define in Section 509.242, Florida Statues.

10. Where are Short Term Rentals allowed in the City?

The City Commission adopted rules for Short-Term Rentals in 2019. These regulations deal specifically with short-term vacation rentals. The basic requirements per zoning district are listed below:

RS-1 & RS-2 Zoning -  may be rented for periods of one week or longer with approved registration. Nightly rentals are not allowed in RS-1 and RS-2 zoning.

HP-1 Zoning - may be rented on a monthly or greater period of time with approved registration.

All other Zoning Districts: may be rented on a nightly basis with approved registration.

11. Do I need to register all of the units in my Multi-Unit Building?

You will need to register each individual short term rental listing on your Property (if you have two Short Term Rentals listed on a rentals site (ex. AirBnB), you will need two registrations.

12. Registration is required annually. What is the registration period?

The registration period follows our fiscal year, October 1 - September 30. Renewals are to be submitted by October 1st each year, or a late renewal fee of $100 will be assessed. If a new registration is submitted outside of the October 1st deadline for renewals, registration fees will not be prorated. 

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Site Design & Construction

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1. How can I get construction water from a hydrant meter?

Construction water can be provided through rental of a hydrant meter. Apply for a hydrant meter in person at the Customer Service Department located at 50 Bridge Street. Email Customer Service or call at or 904-825-1037 for more information.

2. What are the sizes of the water tap and meter and what services are offered by domestic and fire services?

The City will not be responsible for proper sizing of utility services for specific buildings and/or uses. This should be determined by the architect, engineer, plumber or builder. Hydraulic calculations may be required to prove correct sizing of service. The Availability Request form should be used to inquire about relocation of existing services or upgrade of a smaller water service to a larger one.

Water Tap & Meter Sizes

• 1 inch tap with 3/4 inch water meter (typical single-family residential service)
• 1 inch tap with 1 inch water meter
• 2 inch tap with 2 inch water meter (typical commercial service)
• 4 inch tap with 3 inch water meter
• 4 inch tap with 4 inch water meter
• 6 inch tap with 6 inch water meter
• 8 inch tap with 8 inch water meter
• 10 inch tap with 10 inch water meter

3 Inch Taps

3 inch taps on City water mains are prohibited. However, 3 inch water meters are allowed. - Customer may install a 4 inch tap, then reduce down to a 3 inch meter. No half-size or odd-size water meters or taps are permitted. All 2 inch and larger water services require an above-ground backflow device regardless of use.

Fire Sprinkler Service

Fire protection water services may not be shared with any other type of service line - domestic, landscape irrigation, etc. Services are required to be separate, dedicated taps from the City water main, in accordance with City Code section 26-34(a). 

Fire Sprinkler Size

Minimum size for fire sprinkler service is a 2 inch tap and service line with a 2 1/2 inch backflow device with bypass meter. The City's "point-of-service" will be the valve installed at the right-of-way line before the backflow device. Customer's contractor is responsible for all pipe and fittings to connect and install the 2 1/2 inch backflow. Note, a 2 1/2 inch backflow is the smallest device available with a bypass meter. This eliminates the significant cost and space requirements for a large in-ground meter. 

Sanitary Sewer Service

• Typical gravity sewer tap is 6 inches.
• Typical pressurized sewer service tap is 2 inches.
• For Commercial pressurized sewer connections, professional engineering plans and calculations along with permitting through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) will be required.

3. Are double or combined services allowed?

The City may allow double or combined services on a case-by-case basis; however, individual water meters are always required. Refer to City utility details for "Manifold Installations".

New Construction

All new construction or substantial renovations (cost estimate for renovation amounting to 50% or more of building value) must install a separate water service and a separate sewer service for each residential or commercial unit, when it is feasible to do so.

Water service taps may not be split for different uses. Separate domestic, fire sprinkler and/or landscape irrigation taps are required from the City water main.

4. Are "Master Meters" allowed? Or, a single meter for more than one building or unit?

The installation and/or utilization of "master meters" is not allowed in the City utility system according to the City’s Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) for drinking water from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The CUP permit states, The use of master meters to supply potable water to any multi-family or multi-unit structure (excluding hospitals, hotels) constructed after the date of permit issuance is prohibited. All individual service connections must be metered. The intent of this requirement, combined with the City’s tiered rate structure, is to encourage water conservation. All residential dwelling units are required to have individual water meters.

City Code Section 26-32

City Code Section 26-32 (b) states, Water service lines supplying more than one building from a single water meter are prohibited, except when specifically approved by the city manager. The City will make this decision with the best interest in mind for the Utility and the customers to be served.

City Code Section 26-34

Regarding fire services, City Code Section 26-34 (a) states, No connections of any kind are allowed to a fire protection service other than those necessary for fire protection. All water used for purposes other than fire protection must be taken from a separate metered tap connected directly to the city main. No person is allowed to use a fire system connection for any purpose other than actually extinguishing a fire.

5. How do I request a Fire Hydrant Flow Test?

To request a fire hydrant flow test, complete Section I of the Fire Flow Test Request form (PDF). Submit the form with a check in the amount of $100 payable to the City of St. Augustine to the Public Works Department:
P.O. Box 210
St. Augustine, FL 32085

Schedule

Fire flow tests will typically be scheduled within two weeks from receipt of the request, but may take up to four weeks depending on workload and scheduling.

6. Is the city responsible for water/sewer service installation?

For utility work on commercial, institutional, redevelopment and subdivision projects, City crews typically do not self-perform this type of work. Generally, such work is deemed to be anything more than service connections for a typical single-family house. For all projects, the City reserves the right to assess the scope in terms of difficulty, design and permitting, equipment, personnel and workload, and determine if City resources will be utilized for the work (or some portion thereof). When the customer/developer is responsible for utility work (determined through the Availability Request process), then civil engineering plans, review and approval by Public Works will be required, and a Florida licensed and bonded underground utility contractor must perform the work to City specifications at customer/developer’s cost. Refer to the City Construction and Dedication Requirements checklist (PDF) for more information.

7. Can development of property not adjacent to existing City water / sewer lines be built?

Generally, the City does not fund or install line extensions or utility upgrades. A permit application and complete set of civil engineering construction plans meeting City requirements is required to be submitted directly to the Public Works Department for review of proposed utilities. New utilities may only be installed in open and improved public rights-of-way or easements as approved by the City.

Developer's Responsibility

The developer is responsible for:

• Approvals
• Associated costs required for the utility work for the subject property
• Construction
• Design
• Materials
• Permitting
• Professional land surveying
• Right-of-way restoration
• Testing

Acceptance of Utilities

The developer is responsible for owning and maintaining all of the remaining utilities on the customer side of the meters and on the subject property. Following acceptance of utilities by the City, the City will own and maintain domestic water lines up to and including:

• Fire hydrant lines up to and including public hydrants
• Fire protection taps up to the property line or backflow device
• Meter assemblies
• Sanitary sewer manholes, mains and service lines up to the first cleanout on the sewer tap or at the property line

Inspection

The City will inspect utility construction by the developer’s Florida licensed and bonded underground utility contractor. The developer, consultants and contractors must adhere to the City’s current Construction and Dedication Requirements in effect at the time of construction. Utilities that are not constructed to City standards and specifications will not be placed in service.

Plan Submittals

Visit the Development and Utility Connections page for help with plan submittals and requirements.

8. Where can City utilities be installed?

City utilities can only be installed in public rights-of-way that are opened and improved, or in City tracts or utility easements. Such tracts or easements are only as approved in advance by the City Manager and City Public Works Department on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the City's Standards Manual (PDF) for specific information. Email Public Works Permits for the City's legal form requirements for easements.

All rights-of-way, tracts and easements shall be improved and maintained to provide continuous access. No City utilities shall be constructed in any unimproved area.

City Utility Location

Ample clear space between mains and such improvements shall be provided as determined in advance by City staff. City utilities shall not be located along side or rear lot lines. No City utilities shall be located under any structure or feature, including:

• Buildings
• Embankments and berms
• Recreation courts
• Retention ponds
• Swimming pools

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Stormwater Utility Fee

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1. Why does the city need a stormwater fee?

The city is required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to maintain the stormwater system according to national standards, which include the construction and maintenance of its stormwater infrastructure. The cost of new projects, city labor, equipment, and administration has been funded by the stormwater utility fee since 1993.

2. What is an impervious area?

An impervious area is defined as the surface within the parcel that does not allow soil infiltration to occur, and includes:

• Driveways
• Patios
• Paved areas
• Roofs
• Sidewalks

Relationship Between Impervious Area & Runoff

There is a direct relationship between the amount of impervious area and the runoff generated by a parcel, therefore this area is a common basis for the establishment of a stormwater utility user fee.

3. What is an SFU?

The city hired a stormwater consultant who evaluated a sample of residential homes in St. Augustine with the use of the latest aerial imagery, assessor’s data and computer geographic systems. The analysis determined that the Single Family Unit (SFU) is equivalent to 2,752 square feet which includes roofed structures, driveways, decks and paved areas.

4. I think my fee is incorrect: what should I do?

Remember that you need to consider driveways, patios, paved parking areas, and other impervious areas to estimate your fee. If you still feel that your fee needs an adjustment, please complete and submit the Adjustment Request Form (PDF).

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Utilities

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1. How can I get information about utility service?

• Looking to start a utility account where service is already connected? Go here: City Customer Service
• Are you sure the property is inside the City's Utility Service Area? Use this interactive GIS map to see the service area boundary, and look up specific properties: City of St. Augustine Utility Service Area Look-up Tool. View a County-wide map of all water/sewer utility companies: St. Johns County Utility Service Areas Map (PDF)
• For new connections, an Availability Request form must be submitted. Utility information will not be given out verbally. (Submitting a Request neither guarantees service nor commits any further action.) Applicants receive an official response with water/sewer availability, connection charges, important information, and further instructions to proceed, if desired.
• Allow 3 business days, to 2 weeks, to receive a response, depending on workload, complexity of the request, and research. City staff make every effort to assemble thorough and accurate information. We ask that you allow time for this important process.
• If your availability request is a true unanticipated emergency (for example, your well has run dry), clearly state "Emergency" in your application and provide explanation. In these cases, we do our best to rush the response and connection (following fee payment by customer); however, certain regulations (such as utility locates and permits) must still be followed, which may take time beyond our control.
• There is no charge for Availability Requests, and there is no limit on the number of Requests or properties for which a customer may inquire.
• Submit your Request well in advance of when you may expect to need utility service. Some connections take several months to complete.
• If the property has a well or septic tank, even if operating properly, it is recommended that you submit a Request to be better prepared. In the event that the well or septic tank fails or needs repair/replacement, and if water/sewer are available, then connection would be required by State law.
• Connection charges are not the same for all properties; fees can vary greatly. Therefore, request utility availability for each property separately. Do not assume that fees for one property are similar to another. View the City's Water and Sewer Fee Schedule (PDF).
• Availability of water and sewer for one property may not be the same for an adjacent or nearby parcel. Do not make assumptions. Regulations the City is required to follow have changed in recent years; the City may not be able to install utilities in the same way as in prior years.
• Availability responses and (unpaid) fee quotes expire and become void at the end of each City fiscal year (September 30th). When this occurs, a new availability request would be required in order to provide current, updated availability and fees for a specific property.
• Attach any additional information to the Request to provide more detail. More information is always better than less!
• Preliminary Availability responses will be provided if all necessary information is not ready (for example, commercial and subdivision projects). These preliminary responses give the customer an idea of what to expect. A Final Availability response will be provided once enough details are confirmed (for example, after construction plans are approved by the City).
• When warranted, utility maps and as-built records will be included in the City's Availability response.
• Also, refer to Site Design & Construction FAQ's for more information related to commercial projects.
• Please email the City with any questions.

2. What are utility flow-based fees for typical uses?

Please note, the fees shown below are effective through September 30, 2019 and are only for flow-based fees; any fees related to hard costs - taps, connections, meters, etc. - are not included. Fees shown are for both water and sewer combined. These figures do not include Northwest Area Forcemain Surcharge fees which may be applicable for specific properties. Fees provided here are for general information only; for an official fee determination, submit a Request form for a specific property. See the Water and Sewer Fee Schedule (PDF) for a complete list of fees.

Fees

• Barber and Beauty Shops or Salons: $1,538 for each service chair.
• Bars, Cocktail Lounges, Game Rooms and Nightclubs: $461.40 for each bar seat or for every 15 square feet of net customer area. Any establishment devoted primarily to the retailing and on-premises drinking of malt, vinous or other alcoholic beverages, or any place where any sign is exhibited or displayed indicating that alcoholic beverages are obtainable for consumption on the premises, or any place other than a restaurant where alcohol is sold and consumed on-premises. The same connection fees apply for all seating provided, both inside and outside seats.
• Carryout Restaurant and/or Catering: $922.80 for every 100 square feet of gross floor area. Business limited to the preparation and sale of food and beverages for consumption off the premises; no customer seating permitted.
• Convenience Stores: $769 for every 100 square feet of gross floor area.
• General Office use: $153.80 for every 100 square feet of gross floor area.
• General Retail business: $153.80 for every 100 square feet of gross floor area.
• Grocery Markets, Delis, Bakeries, Meat Markets and Seafood Markets: $769 for every 100 square feet of gross floor area. Business limited to the preparation and sale of food and beverages for consumption off the premises; no customer seating permitted.
• Residential: $3,899 per residence. Fee is for water and sewer, and applies to each residential dwelling unit that is individually metered by the City regardless of dwelling size or type, including single-family, mobile home, apartment, condominium or townhouse, etc.
• Restaurant (full-service): $769 for each restaurant seat. Full-Service Restaurant use is defined as the preparation, sale and service of food and beverages for consumption on the premises with customer seating. Full -Service is defined as serving customers using washable china plates, glasses, cups and reusable utensils. The same connection fees apply for all seating provided, both inside and outside seats.
• Restaurant (single-service): $384.50 for each restaurant seat. Single-Service Restaurant is defined as the preparation, sale and service of food and beverages for consumption on the premises with customer seating. Single-Service is defined as serving customers using disposable paper or plastic plates, cups and utensils only; no glass or other washable items permitted. The same connection fees apply for all seating provided, both inside and outside seats.

3. What are the payment options for utility connection charges?

View the following payment options:

• Mail a check to the Public Works Department.
• Pay in person by check, cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard), at the Public Works Department:
  75 King Street
  Lobby B, 4th Floor
  St. Augustine, FL 32084
• Make partial payments by financing through the “Deferred Payment of Utility Connection Charges” program; typically available for properties with existing structures or businesses, not for vacant land; decided on a case-by-case basis. This program is the best assistance the City has for helping customers with connection charges.

Finance Agreement Information

View the process for the Financial Agreement:

• First, an Availability Statement for the subject property is required.
• Owner provides a copy of recorded Warranty Deed or recorded Quit Claim Deed (all property owners must sign Finance Agreement.)
• City prepares all paperwork.
• For residential, a non-refundable $100 filing fee is added to the total financed amount. For commercial, a non-refundable $100 filing fee is paid up front.
• For residential, an optional down payment can be made in any amount. For commercial, a minimum of 25% of the total connection charges or minimum $1,000 must be paid as a down payment.
• For residential, the balance is financed over a period of your choice, up to ten years; minimum monthly payment is $25. For commercial, the balance is financed over a period of your choice, up to five years; minimum monthly payment is $90; maximum balance that can be financed is $125,000.
• Finance rate is minimal, based on the previous month's Five-Year U.S. Treasury rate plus 3%. Customer is billed monthly through the City’s utility billing.
• Interest rate is fixed over the life of the debt, and there is no penalty for early payment.
• Deferred connection charges become a lien against the property until paid in full. In the event of payment delinquency, the City may disconnect utility services and may require all remaining amount owed under the payment plan to be paid before reconnecting services.
• Commercial accounts may be eligible for a discounted finance rate based on specific criteria involving the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) approval of the project.

Contact

Contact the City Finance Department at 904-825-1030 for all questions regarding finance options.

4. How long will it take to provide water/sewer service to a residence?

Providing service will take some time! – Typical connections require between 60 days for simple meter-only installations, to 120 days (or more) for new service taps, following payment of connection charges. Some connections may require longer than 120 days for complex projects. It is the customer’s responsibility to pay connection charges enough in advance to allow time for service to be provided. Once installed, a new water meter is locked and can be unlocked once the user sets up a Utility Account.

Emergency Situation

If your availability request is a true unanticipated emergency situation (for example, if your well has run dry), clearly state "Emergency Request" on your availability application and provide the nature and details of your emergency. In these cases, City staff will do our best to rush the connection process following fee payment by the customer; however, certain regulations (such as utility locates and permits) must still be followed which will take some time beyond our control.

5. When should I pay utility connection charges?

The City will not begin any work to provide service until connection fees are paid. Pay utility connection charges well in advance of when you expect to need utility service. It is your responsibility to allow enough time for service to be provided. Check your Availability Statement for the estimated time required to provide service.

Keep Your Receipt

A paid receipt for utility connection charges is required for a Utility Commitment, Building Permit, Business License or Certificate of Occupancy. Your Availability response will state a payment deadline or expiration date after which the response and quoted fees become void.

6. When will the city install new utility services to a residence?

A paid receipt for utility connection charges is required to start the process of utility service installation. The City cannot install the service taps until you have cleared the area, established the final grade in the area of the water / sewer services, and heavy equipment will not be driving over the area of the taps. The customer is responsible for protecting the water meter and sewer tap during all construction activities. Should damage occur, the customer is responsible for paying the City for any repairs/replacement needed to restore the services to good working order. Following connection fee payment, contact the Utility T&D Department at 904-825-1043 to inquire about the schedule for your service installation.

7. Where will the new water/sewer services be located for my residence?

For single-family residential homes, in some cases you may choose the location along your property boundary (street right-of-way line) where the water / sewer service will be installed. In this case, when you pay connection fees, wood stakes will be provided to you to mark the desired locations. The blue stake is for water service; the brown stake is for sewer service. The City's Utility personnel will inform you if the location of your stake(s) needs to be adjusted. Generally, water / sewer services are not allowed inside driveways or other paved areas unless specifically approved in advance and in writing by the Public Works Department.

Existing Conditions

There may be existing conditions both above and below ground that might prevent a service line from being installed in a particular place, for example: trees, roots, landscape walls, other existing utilities. It is strongly recommended that you and your plumber coordinate closely with the City for all service line locations. The City will not be responsible for building service lines installed to locations that are unacceptable for City taps to be made. Your water meter and sewer cleanout / valve will be placed at the property line. On rare occasions when the City must install the meter or sewer cleanout / valve on private property, a utility easement will be required.

8. How do I unlock my water meter, set up, activate or change a city utility account?

Set up a Utility Account to have your new water meter unlocked after installation. At any time after you pay connection fees, email City Customer Service or call at 904-825-1037 to set up your account.

9. Why are utility connection fees charged?

Connection charges are established and adjusted from time to time by Resolution of the City Commission passed after public hearing. Charges must be paid prior to service being provided. Customer is responsible for costs associated with making connection to the City utility, including but not limited to:

• Flow-based fees related to treatment facility, transmission and distribution and collection system capital improvements
• Inspections of the actual connection and line extensions
• Labor
• Materials
• Permits
• Restoration

Cannot Be Waived

According to Section 26-51 of the City of St. Augustine Code of Ordinances, Utility Connection Fees must be paid in order to provide utility service. Utility Connection Fees cannot be waived or transferred to/from another property. See the Water and Sewer Fee Schedule (PDF) for a complete listing of fees. Descriptions of the various Utility Connection Fees are provided below:

Flow Based Fees

Flow-based fees cover treatment facility improvements and maintenance, and collection, transmission and distribution system improvements and maintenance. Flow-based fees are calculated based on City Code Sections 26-51 and 26-53. Flow-based fees are a one-time charge for a specific use or flow that is calculated for the property. There is no “generic use” to calculate flow-based fees; the City Public Works Department will not permit “shell buildings”; the applicant must choose a specific use from City Code Section 26-53 for a proposed building or business modification.

Additional Fees

If the “Flow” (calculated in gallons per day by City Code Section 26-53) for the proposed use is higher than the flow that was paid for the previous use of that property, then additional flow-based fees will be due to change the use, increase the intensity of use, or add a use. If the proposed flow is equal to or lower than the previous use, then no additional flow-based fees would be due.

Other Fees Charged

• A Northwest Area Forcemain Surcharge fee is charged to connect a property to City sewer service within the City’s Northwest Area Forcemain Overlay area in accordance with City Code.
• Restoration Fees are intended for the costs required to restore easements, rights-of-way and roadways to pre-construction conditions following a service tap installation.
• Permit Fees are intended for the necessary work and fees that are charged to the City for various required permits on service tap installations.
• Inspection Fees are intended for the costs involved with City utility inspection services.

What the City Can Charge

The City has the right to charge for extensions and special or non-standard installations. In these cases, actual in-house costs (parts, equipment and labor plus overhead), plus any necessary outside consultant or contractor costs, plus 25% administration.

10. What do I need to do if I have a change-of-use, increase in use or additional use at my property?

Submit a Request form to inquire about a Change-of-Use, Increase in Intensity of Use, or Additional Use at a specific property. Proposed building/business changes can trigger required updates to City utility records and flow-based fees may be due.

A paid receipt for such utility fees may be required prior to changing the use of a property, increasing the intensity of use, adding a use, and/or to obtain a Building Permit, Business License or Certificate of Occupancy. Paid utility fees for a specific property are attached to that property and are not transferable should the business decide to relocate.

Flow-Based Fees

Flow-based fees are calculated based on City Code Sections 26-51 and 26-53. Flow-based fees are a one-time charge for a specific use or flow that is calculated for the property. There is no “generic use” to calculate flow-based fees; the City Public Works Department will not permit “shell buildings”; the applicant must choose a specific use from City Code Section 26-53 for a proposed building or business modification.

How Flow Is Calculated

If the flow for the proposed use is higher than the flow that was paid for the previous use of that property, then additional flow-based fees will be due to change the use, increase the intensity of use, or add a use. If the proposed flow is equal to or lower than the previous use, then no additional flow-based fees would be due. The flow is calculated in gallons per day (GPD) in accordance with the uses listed in City Code Section 26-53. For this purpose, the term "flow" does not mean actual gallons of water used, such as on a monthly utility bill.

City staff will research previously paid flow-based fees (flow credit) using all available resources; however, the ultimate burden for documenting a claim of flow credit rests with the applicant.

No Grandfathered Rights

Do not assume that an existing or previous business has any "grand fathering" rights in terms of flow credit or paid flow-based fees. Submit a Request form and get the City's official flow credit determination.

11. If my water/sewer is already connected, why do I need an availability request form?

The Request Form is also used for the following:

• Additional Uses at properties with existing utility connections
• Alterations
• Building Additions
• Changes-of-Use
• Increases in Intensity of Use
• Modifications

Update to Records

Sometimes, proposed changes of these types trigger a required update to City utility records. Also, flow-based fees may be due because of proposed changes to the building or business. Under section 4, check “Existing building currently connected to City water and sewer” and complete section 5 with as much information as possible. Attach additional pages with a more detailed description of your project. A paid receipt for utility charges may be required prior to changing the use of the property, and/or to obtain a Building Permit, Business License or Certificate of Occupancy.

12. Are utility connection charges transferable or refundable?

Paid Utility Connection Charges for a specific property are attached to that property and are not transferable to another property. Paid Utility Connection Charges may only be refunded subject to the conditions stated in City Code Section 26-51(e):

Connection charges paid prior to the installation of facilities to provide service to a property run with the real property benefitted by the services and facilities provided and will be refunded only to the owner of the property at the time of the refund request subject to all of the following conditions:

1. The facilities have not been installed
2. No flow capacity has been reserved with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), or any such agency exercising jurisdiction over the property benefitted by the services and facilities, and none of the flow capacity has been placed in service for the subject property
3. Costs incurred by the city related to such facilities are deducted prior to making the refund
4. The city shall not pay interest on the connection charges refunded
5. The refund is requested within five years of the date of the original connection charges payment. This subsection shall apply only to connection charges paid on or after October 1, 2012
6. The burden of proof for having paid connection charges rests with the person or entity seeking refund of the connection charges
7. The person or entity requesting the refund of the connection charges requests the refund in writing
8. The request for refund of connection charges is approved by the city manager
9. If the property is under foreclosure proceedings or if the city is otherwise placed on notice of pending litigation relating to rights that run with the land, no final determination of a refund shall be executed pending the outcome of the litigation

13. Do utility connection charges expire?

Quotes for unpaid utility connection charges expire at the end of each City fiscal year (September 30th) or per the "Valid Through" date on Availability Statements. When this occurs, a new availability request would be required to provide current, updated availability and fee quote for the specific property. If there is no change to the City's fee schedule, then City staff may extend Availability Statement expiration dates on a case-by-case basis.

Paid Utility Connection Charges

Paid utility connection charges become expired under these conditions:

Inactive Service

In the case where utility service to a property has been inactive, abandoned or otherwise unused without payment of service or flow through the service either water or sewer in excess of ten years from the last known paid utility bill, the property is considered abandoned and carries no credit for flow based fees for the property. To re-establish service the application is treated as new service whereby new taps, service line, laterals and payment of the flow proportional connection charges shall be required in accordance with City Code as if a new property.

Demolition & New Construction

In the case of a new building to be constructed on the site of a building which was served by city water and/or sewer prior to being demolished, the applicant must pay the flow proportional connection charges established in this chapter based on the increase in flow between the building which was demolished and the new building. The burden for documenting the previous use of the building and the associated flow rests with the applicant. In the event that the previous building was demolished in excess of ten years from the date the new building is built or the city water and/or sewer flow or connections have been unused in excess of ten years from the date that the new building is built, the connection charges established in this article will be based on the new building.

14. What needs to happen if a building connected to city water and sewer is being demolished?

Customer must email the City Customer Service Department or call at 904-825-1037 and request that the water meter be pulled prior to demolition. Customer and customer’s contractor are responsible for protecting existing water and sewer service taps and water meter box during all demolition and construction activities. The City will not be responsible for damage caused during demolition and construction activities. Should damage occur, the customer is responsible for paying the City for any repairs/replacement needed to restore the services to good working order. Customer is responsible for removing the water line from the building up to the meter box and for capping the existing sewer lateral at the right-of-way / property line and for marking its location.

10-Year Rules

• In the case of a new building to be constructed on the site of a previous building which was served by city water and/or sewer prior to being demolished, the applicant must pay the flow proportional connection charges established in this chapter based on the increase in flow between the building which was demolished and the new building. The burden for documenting the previous use of the building and the associated flow rests with the applicant. In the event that the previous building was demolished in excess of ten years from the date the new building is built or the city water and/or sewer flow or connections have been unused in excess of ten years from the date that the new building is built, the connection charges will be based solely on the new building.
• Regardless of the condition of any existing structure on the property, in the case where utility service to a property has been inactive, abandoned or otherwise unused without payment of service or flow through the service either water or sewer in excess of ten years from the last known paid utility bill, the property is considered abandoned and carries no credit for flow based fees for the property. To re-establish service the application is treated as new service whereby new taps, service line, laterals and payment of the flow proportional connection charges shall be required in accordance with City Code as if a new property.

Reconnecting Services

Contact the City Customer Service Department at 904-825-1037 for all questions, information and directives related to the water and sewer account or the water meter and for disconnecting and reconnecting service. Plan ahead and allow ample time for reconnection of services. During construction of the replacement building, the contractor may request a “Construction Water Only” account in contractor’s name to not be charged sewer usage for construction water.

What the City Owns

The City of St. Augustine assumes the continued use of all existing water and sewer service taps. Continued use is required, or the unused service must be abandoned at the main line with costs borne by the customer. The City owns the water service from the water main up to and including the meter and meter box and the sewer service from the sewer main up to the right-of-way/property line. The gravity sewer cleanout that is required just inside the customer’s property line is the customer’s responsibility. All plumbing from the water meter and sewer cleanout to the building are the customer’s responsibility.

Sewer Cleanout

Customer and customer’s contractor are responsible for installing a sewer cleanout one foot inside the property line (if this cleanout is not present and in good condition). Building sewer connection must be made to lateral stubout, not cut-into cleanout standpipe. Only gasketed fittings are allowed below ground – no screw-on or glued fittings. Cleanout cap must be adjusted to finished grade. Cleanouts in sidewalks shall be ADA compliant. Cleanouts in vehicular traffic areas shall be H-20 traffic rated.

15. The property is outside city limits; why should I contact the City for utility service?

The City of St. Augustine Utility Service Area extends well outside City limits. The City provides water and sewer service in many areas of St. Johns County. Use this interactive GIS map to see the service area boundary, and look up specific properties: City of St. Augustine Utility Service Area Look-up Tool

View a County-wide map of all water/sewer utility companies: St. Johns County Utility Service Areas Map (PDF)

16. Is city water/sewer connection mandatory?

If City water service is available, you are not allowed to install a new well or replace an existing well for drinking water. (Wells are allowed for landscape irrigation water.) If City sewer service is available, you are not allowed to install a new septic tank or replace/repair an existing septic tank.

City Code Section 26-6

• Inside City limits: All new development within City limits is required to connect to City water and sewer service when available. All existing development within City limits is required to connect to City water and sewer service within 365 days of when such service becomes available.
• Outside City limits: All new development within the service area is required to connect to City water and sewer service when available. All existing development within the service area is required to connect to City water and sewer service when available if and when the existing private water system, wastewater system, well or septic tank, fails or needs repair/replacement.

17. What is the difference between gravity sewer versus pressurized (forcemain) sewer?

Gravity sewer is the most common type of sewer service and works exactly how it sounds – sewage flows by gravity from building to sewer lateral and from there to the main sewer line. Pressurized (forcemain) sewer may be an alternative when gravity sewer is not available – sewage is pumped by a grinder pump installed near the building and travels by pressure through collection mains. Typically, a 2 inch sewer tap with check and plug valves is installed at the right-of-way.

General Notes

Things to keep in mind when getting a sewer installed:

• Public Works will provide the pressure range for pressurized sanitary forcemain connections.
• Customer is solely responsible for providing, installing and maintaining grinder pump, connection and all plumbing on customer side of sewer tap.
• Inspection by City of sewer connection is required while trench is open.
• Startup test of grinder pump with City inspector is required prior to use.
• Customer must provide copy of grinder pump Performance Curve and Technical Specs to City prior to utility connection fee payment.
• Future upgrades to customer's grinder pump may become necessary and will not be the City’s responsibility.

18. How do I get installation and connection of private building service line to water/sewer service?

Installation and connection of any type of water or sewer service must be approved and inspected by the City Public Works Department. It is unlawful to connect to a water/sewer system without prior authorization from the utility provider.

Water

Customer is solely responsible for contracting with a plumber to connect the private building water line to the water meter and for all plumbing and maintenance on the customer side of the water meter.

Gravity Sewer

Customer is solely responsible for contracting with a plumber to connect the private building sewer line to the gravity sewer tap, (not to the cleanout standpipe), for installing a cleanout at the property line (if one does not already exist), and for all plumbing and maintenance on the customer side of the cleanout. Cleanout must be adjusted so that the cap is at or above finished grade and located in pedestrian/sidewalk areas shall have caps that are finished flush with grade and be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Cleanouts located in vehicular traffic areas shall be flush with grade and be H-20 rated.

Pressurized Sewer

Public Works will provide the pressure range for pressurized sanitary main connections. Customer is solely responsible for providing, installing and maintaining grinder pump, connection and all plumbing on customer side of sewer tap. Inspection by City of sewer connection is required while trench is open with a startup test of grinder pump with City inspector. Customer must provide copy of grinder pump Performance Curve and Technical Specs to City. Future upgrades to customer's grinder pump may become necessary and will not be the City’s responsibility.

19. What are the requirements for existing well and septic tank after connection to city water/sewer?

You may leave your well in place for use as landscape irrigation water. However, if you choose to do so, you are required to install a backflow prevention device on the City water service, if one does not already exist.

You are required by law to properly abandon your unused septic tank. The St. Johns County Health Department enforces laws related to septic tanks, and the Abandonment Permit that is required. You may be subject to fines if your septic tank is not properly abandoned.

Contact

All questions and correspondence related to septic tanks and drainfields should be directed to the County Health Department office at 904-823-2514.

20. What is the responsibility for maintenance and repair of service connections?

Customer is solely responsible for maintenance and repair of private water/sewer lines from the building (typically, the lines installed by a building contractor or plumber). City is responsible for maintenance and repair of service taps (typically, the portion installed by the City or underground utility contractor.)

City Owns

On water taps, the City owns and maintains the service tap from the water main up to and including the water meter assembly box, or, up to the property line (if no in-ground water meter is present such as on a fire sprinkler service.) On sewer taps, the City owns and maintains the service tap from the sewer main up to the right-of-way/property line or up to the first cleanout in situations such as condominiums where a right-of-way line may not exist. The gravity sewer cleanout that is required just inside the customer’s property is the customer’s responsibility. On pressurized sewer connections, the plug and check valves are the City's responsibility.

Abandoned Property

In the case where utility service to a property has been inactive, abandoned or otherwise unused without payment of service or flow through the service either water or sewer in excess of ten years from the last known paid utility bill, the property is considered abandoned and carries no credit for flow based fees for the property. To re-establish service the application is treated as new service whereby new taps, service line, laterals and payment of the flow proportional connection charges shall be required in accordance with City Code as if a new property.

Commercial Projects

For commercial projects, all existing water and sewer utility services that will no longer be utilized must be properly abandoned by contractor by cutting, capping and repairing service connections at the utility main locations by methods directed by the City Inspector and under City Inspector’s observation. Excavation may be required in order to determine proper abandonment methods.

For commercial projects, all existing water and sewer utility services intended to be reused must be investigated by the contractor and contractor is responsible for repairs and/or replacement to renew existing services, meter assemblies and sewer laterals and return to good working order. All investigative and repair/replacement methods will be as directed by the City Inspector and under City Inspector’s observation. Excavation and other procedures such as closed-circuit TV may be required in order to determine proper repair/replacement methods.

21. What is the landscape irrigation water meter?

At the customer’s request and cost, the City will install a separate water meter for landscape irrigation purposes. The customer will receive a separate monthly utility bill for water use only (no sewer charges) for landscape irrigation meter usage. Follow the following steps to get one installed:

• Submit an Availability Request form to inquire about a landscape irrigation water meter. For commercial, subdivision common areas and multi-family properties, provide the “Annualized Average Daily Flow” amount in gallons per day (GPD), and state the meter size requested. For single-family residential homes, leave these items blank.
• A landscape irrigation tap and meter can be installed next to the domestic water meter for a single-family residential property. A landscape irrigation meter will not be installed for a single-family residential property that does not have a domestic water meter. Landscape irrigation meters can be installed for vacant “common area” tracts as defined on subdivision plat maps and other types of commercial properties.
• A Tap/Meter Fee and Restoration Fee will be charged for installation of the new landscape irrigation water service; a Right-of-Way Permit Fee will be charged if necessary for the work.
• An above-ground reduced pressure backflow prevention device is required to be installed and located immediately after the water meter on the customer side, prior to connecting any landscape irrigation watering system.
• Any part of the landscape irrigation watering system installed within the right-of-way is privately owned and maintained. Privately owned and maintained utilities are not covered by the State of Florida utility locate system (Sunshine State One Call 811), and are not the responsibility of the City to locate, maintain or repair.

22. What are the backflow prevention requirements?

Backflow Prevention devices are required on all fire sprinkler service lines, all landscape irrigation service lines, most commercial buildings, and in some cases residential domestic water services. All costs, installation, testing and maintenance of backflow prevention devices are the sole responsibility of the customer.

Yearly Testing

Yearly testing reports must be submitted to the Public Works Department. Submit device specifications for City approval prior to installation. Backflow Prevention devices must be tested immediately after installation, and yearly, with test reports submitted to the Public Works. Questions related to backflow prevention should be emailed to the City Environmental Compliance Analyst.

Approved Reduced Pressure Backflow Devices

• Apollo RPLF4A (3 to 12 inches)
• Febco LF860 (3 to 10 inches)
• Watts LF009M2 QT (1 to 2 inches)
• Watts LF009M3 QT (3/4 inch)
• Zurn Wilkins 375 (3 to 10 inches)
• Apollo RPLF4A (3/4 to 2 inches)

Approved Double-Check Detector Assemblies

• Apollo DCDALF4A (3 to 12 inches)
• Febco MasterSeries 856ST (2-1/2 to 10 inches)
• Watts Series 757DCDA, 757NDCDA (2-1/2 to 10 inches)

Location

In-Ground Meter or Bypass Detector is required on all backflow devices. In most cases, backflow device must be located immediately after water meter, at street right-of-way line or within 15 feet maximum of water main. For potable/domestic water use, all wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures used to convey water must meet the January 4, 2014 “Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act” and contain less than 0.25% lead by weight.

23. Is the city responsible for water/sewer service installation?

For utility work on commercial, institutional, redevelopment and subdivision projects, City crews typically do not self-perform this type of work. Generally, such work is deemed to be anything more than service connections for a typical single-family house. For all projects, the City reserves the right to assess the scope in terms of difficulty, design and permitting, equipment, personnel and workload to determine if City resources will be utilized for the work (or some portion thereof). When the customer/developer is responsible for utility work (determined through the Availability Request process), then civil engineering plans, review and approval by Public Works will be required, and a Florida licensed and bonded underground utility contractor must perform the work to City specifications at customer/developer’s cost. Refer to the City Construction and Dedication Requirements checklist (PDF) for more information.