Palm Coast adopts ordinance to prohibit squatting in waterways while preserving safe harbor

Summary

On Nov. 4 the Palm Coast City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 50 to define anchoring and create a new Section 50‑33 to prevent long‑term squatting in waterways; staff said the ordinance allows safe harbor during storms and includes no substantive changes since the prior reading.

The Palm Coast City Council unanimously adopted a second‑reading ordinance Nov. 4 that amends Chapter 50 of the city code to add definitions and a new section (50‑33) governing anchoring in city waterways.

Staff presenter Miss Grossman told council there were no changes to the ordinance because the council gave no direction on the item during the prior hearing. The mayor noted the ordinance was intended to "keep people from squatting in our waterways" and Miss Grossman confirmed it would not restrict safe harbor during storms.

There was no public comment on the item. Following Miss Cook’s roll call, the ordinance passed with all council members voting yes.