SHORELINE STABILIZATION AND MARINE FACILITIES PUBLIC WORKSHOP. Town of Jupiter Community Center February 12, :30 PM

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1 SHORELINE STABILIZATION AND MARINE FACILITIES PUBLIC WORKSHOP Town of Jupiter Community Center February 12, :30 PM

2 We are here to Discuss new options and flexibility with regard to marine facilities Gain feedback on what we are currently considering We are not here to Discuss individual property issues Why are we here?

3 What are we trying to accomplish? Allow more options for shoreline stabilization Sea level rise and stronger storm events in the future Allow shoreline protection consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Town Code and Policies Maintain and enhance the Town s natural resources for future generations

4 Why is the Town concerned? Would you want to swim or fish in this water? How healthy is the marine ecosystem here? Venice, Italy Ft. Lauderdale

5 Why is the Town concerned? Trying to balance shoreline stabilization techniques with natural resources The loss in natural shoreline has unwanted side-effects Degradation in Water quality Marine and wildlife We all have a responsibility to protect our natural resources for future generations

6 Strategic Plan Policies Distinctive Coastal Community means Loxahatchee River with environmentally sensitive homes and recreational uses, linking Indian River, Intracoastal System and Ocean Open space and trails with recreational uses along the waterways Opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding Natural areas with wildlife and fishing Objectives Maintain Jupiter s assets that make it a distinctive coastal community Maintain open space and Jupiter s natural resources and beauty Expand water based, eco, heritage and sports tourism business opportunities

7 Comprehensive Plan Goals Coastal Management Goal 1. The protection of coastal natural resources through the development and implementation of programs and procedures that balance coastal development activities with the preservation of natural resources and provide for mitigation of development impacts. Conservation Goal 1: To conserve, protect and enhance the functions and values of the natural resources within Jupiter to ensure the highest environmental quality possible.

8 Comprehensive Plan Policies Conservation Element Policy Bulkheads and seawalls should be discouraged. They should be allowed only in situations where they are replacing an already existing structure that is in need of repair. Policy Bulkheads should be located at, or landward of, coastal wetlands and their ecotones.

9 Comprehensive Plan Policies Coastal Management Policies Policy Sloping revetments and interlocking block shall be used in high energy areas to more effectively dissipate wave forces, boat wakes and reduce the effects of bottom scouring. New bulkheads and seawalls shall only be used to protect existing development and shall be located landward of coastal wetlands and their ecotones.

10 Existing code today Today, you can only build a new seawall if Replacing an existing permitted seawall Connecting the ends of two permitted seawalls, less than 150 feet apart If you do not meet those criteria, you can Build an upland retaining wall or rip-rap 5 foot landward of the mean-high water line Required to plant a transitional buffer within the 5 foot area between the new retaining wall and mean-high water line

11 Proposed code changes Separating man-made canals from natural water ways Creating a map designating properties that are located on man-made canals vs. natural waterways

12 Proposed code changes If you don t meet the existing criteria in the code, and on a natural waterway, then Reduce the existing 5 foot setback for an upland retaining wall to 1 foot, provided Must build upland of any existing mangroves If no mangroves are existing or under 50% of the shoreline does not have existing mangroves, then at least 50% of the shoreline would need to have rip-rap or mangroves This could include requiring other agencies permission to install riprap within a portion of the submerged lands waterward of the wall.

13 Proposed code changes If you don t meet the existing criteria in the code, and on a man-made canal, then Replace an existing unpermitted seawall Must build upland of any existing mangroves Would be required to provide proof the wall existed prior to a certain date Proof could include: historical survey identifying the structure, historical aerial photographs clearly showing the structure, etc. If no wall is present, you can build a new retaining wall 1 foot landward of the mean high water line Must build upland of any existing mangroves If no mangroves are existing or under 50% of the shoreline does not have existing mangroves, then addition rip-rap or mangroves required to the extent feasible (i.e. water depth, channel width, etc.)

14 Purpose of requiring mangroves/rip-rap on natural waterways Both mangroves and rip-rap help Stabilize shorelines Stop bottom scouring at toe (bottom) of wall Absorb wave action, rather than reflect Provide areas for vegetative and marine habitat Mangroves specifically Stabilize and enhance natural shorelines Enhance the natural aesthetics of the waterway Support the intent of the comprehensive plan and strategic priorities Rip-rap specifically Helps support the wall for long term longevity

15 Examples of good practices Mangroves, if kept pruned, will not obstruct views of the waterway and provide benefits for both shoreline stabilization and the natural system

16 Examples of good practices Both rip-rap and mangroves can co-exist, providing increased shoreline stabilization and natural aesthetics

17 Examples of good practices If implemented correctly, rip-rap and mangroves can help a seawall last much longer than an unprotected seawall

18 Additional items under consideration Riparian lines Investigating waiver option to use approximate riparian lines to measure side setbacks for marine facilities like FDEP Properties could be required to prove a hardship Second boat lift One boat lift and one personal watercraft lift (not to exceed 3,000 lbs.) is currently allowed Pros and Cons for second boat lift? Boat mooring Boats in canals encouraged to be moored parallel to the seawall Boats on natural waterways encouraged to be perpendicular to the shore Pros and Cons?

19 Friendly Reminders Marine facilities require Town of Jupiter building permits in addition to other jurisdictional agencies Seawalls Retaining walls Rip-rap Docks Boatlifts Mooring pilings DEP should be contacted for all mangrove questions and trimming guidelines

20 Question and Comments If you have a question, please fill out the purple card and hand it to a staff member We will organize the questions and answer as many as possible after the presentations conclude If you have a general comment, please fill out the white card and drop it in the box on your way out after the meeting has concluded Question and Comment cards are solely for the Town s proposed regulations If you have questions on other jurisdictions presentations tonight, please direct them at the appropriate agency

21 Conclusion Still to present U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Florida Department of Environmental Protection Jupiter Inlet District