Update on Marina Improvements
By John Tipton, Harbormaster
July 14, 2009

The marina improvement permitting efforts continue. We remain confident that the permit applications will be approved pending the outcome of regulatory reviews that do not directly involve Epping Forest Yacht Club or its marina.  Below is a review of the significant events to date.

One planned improvement has been completed, which provides enhanced security for the marina and club. In mid-June, 2009 an eight camera security system with DVD recorder was installed and linked to the entrance guard house. The marina is now monitored in real time and recorded for review should an incident occur within the marina.

Marina Improvement Permit Events

July, 2008
Permit applications were made to various government agencies with jurisdiction including the City of Jacksonville, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

October, 2008
The Planned Unit Development (PUD) modification to increase the number of slips in the marina and auto parking spaces within the club was approved by the City of Jacksonville via ordinance number 2008-651

December, 2008
The club provided responses to two Requests for Additional Information (RAI) by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Information provided included a hydrographic analysis to verify the flushing action of the tides and a submerged vegetation report or “sea grass study” as well as other engineering and construction details.

January, 2009
The club submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection a Sovereignty Submerged Land Lease Application for Commercial Dock Facilities. Thereafter the applications for marina permits were declared by the state as complete in all respects.

March, 2009
The club was informed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Jacksonville had began a mandated review of the Duval County Manatee Protection Plan triggered by watercraft related deaths of manatees within the county exceeding the number specified in the plan. None of the deaths were in or near Epping Forest Yacht Club, but the plan review in effect suspended consideration of all marine permit applications within the county including the club’s.

April, 2009
The club provided the Florida Department of Environmental Protection a 90-day waiver to allow the department to postpone action on the club’s permit applications awaiting the outcome of the manatee plan review and any subsequent modifications. The initial waiver expires July 31, 2009 and it is anticipated one or more additional 90-day waivers will be needed before the manatee plan review is complete. There is no stated time line for the completion of the state and city manatee plan review.

View the Slide Show detailing the project
Download and view the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Download and view the Permit Application (PDF)