|
|
Frequently
Asked Questions on the Sand Ordinance |
| 1. |
What
constitutes prohibited materials for the Sand Ordinance?
Approved
materials means mineralogical composition of white
fine to medium grained quartz sand with a Munsell
Color Chart value of 9.25 or whiter and a chroma of
0.5 or less on the 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10YR scale when
checked in an air dry condition. For road bed or foundation
construction, oyster shell, limestone or white dolomite
shall be reasonably the same color as approved sand
after exposure to the sun and shall not contain clay
or other discoloring staining or darkening material. |
| 2. |
What
areas of Escambia County does the Sand Ordinance apply?
The purpose of this section is to maintain, preserve
and protect the natural function and color of the
fine to medium grained white sands of Perdido Key
and that part of Santa Rosa Island under the jurisdiction
of the Santa Rosa Island Authority and Escambia County.
|
| 3. |
Are
landscaping materials subject to approval through the
Sand Ordinance?
This section shall not be construed to prohibit the
importation or use of sod or plants to be used for landscaping.
The soil already contained within sod or planting containers
are not subject to review. However, imported sand for
use in the landscape must be approved before land disturbance
activities commence.
|
| 4. |
What
if I expose prohibited materials during land disturbance
activities?
At such time as reconstruction, redevelopment, improvement
or use of a site uncovers or exposes "prohibited
materials," such materials must be immediately
removed from the site and relocated off Santa Rosa Island
or Perdido Key, as the case may be, using such safeguards
as are promulgated by the department to prevent the
release of such materials by wind, water, or otherwise
within the parcel or onto adjacent parcels or waters.
The removal of prohibited materials shall be required
to a two-foot depth beneath the plane of land surface.
If a sand dune is impacted from edge to edge, removal
shall be required for the area of disturbed or exposed
prohibited material to a
depth of two feet beneath the plane of land surface
at each edge.
|
| 5. |
Who
does the ordinance apply to (residents, businesses,
construction)?
The sand ordinance applies to all residents, businesses,
and construction activities proposing to bring in
sand or fill on Santa Rosa Island and/or Perdido Key
i.e.,
A) At
such time as any utility company, authority, or
franchisee, which has acquired use of the county's
rights-of-way, easements or other interest by permission,
agreement or law in order to provide services to
consumers, shall uncover or expose any prohibited
material during the installation, maintenance, repair
or removal of its system, such utility company,
authority, or franchisee shall remove from Santa
Rosa Island or Perdido Key, as the case may be,
any prohibited material disturbed by the work and
replace with approved materials. Prohibited materials
shall be removed in such a manner as to avoid the
release of such materials by wind, water, or otherwise
onto adjacent lands or waters.
B) The
board of county commissioners may exempt the application
of this section in particular projects or parts
of projects upon determination by four-fifths' vote
of the board of county commissioners that an emergency
exists and that an immediate exemption is required
to protect the public health, safety or welfare.
|
| 6. |
What
is the procedure for obtaining a permit to bring in
sand to Santa Rosa Island or Perdido Key?
All applicants proposing to import sand or fill shall
apply for a Land Disturbance Permit through the Escambia
County Neighborhood and Environmental Services Department.
Included in the application package shall include:
A) Sample of sand/gravel material
B) Schematic site design indicating area of placement
of sand or dune
C) If site is located on Santa Rosa Island, the
applicant must submit a signed project approval
from a representative of the Santa Rosa Island Authority
before a Land Disturbance Permit can be issued.
Link to
Land Disturbance Permit
page.
|
| 7. |
Is
gravel for use in parking lots, driveways, or construction
sites subject to approval by the Sand Ordinance?
Yes. Gravel
and rock shall comply with the same provisions as
imported sand and/or fill material.
|
| 8. |
Where
do I obtain a Land Disturbance Permit?
The Neighborhood and Environmental Services Department
is located at 1190 West Leonard Street in Pensacola.
Additional questions can be directed to 850-595-3623
Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Link to Land Disturbance Permit
page. |
| 9. |
How
long does it take to issue a Land Disturbance Permit
in accordance with the Sand Ordinance?
Under normal working conditions, a Land Disturbance
Permit for sand import generally takes about three to
four working days to be permitted from time of the submittal
of the application, site plan, and approved sand sample
to NESD.
|
|
|
|
|
