- May 3, 2024
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Buses, recreational vehicles and tractor-trailers that are obstructing vehicle access — such as those parking in multiple spaces — to Volusia County beaches will face a $35 fine, per a new ordinance passed by the Volusia County Council on Tuesday, Nov. 16.
The ordinance is meant to address what county staff states is a common complaint by residents. It also clarifies that parking is prohibited on the beaches or approaches between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless otherwise stated in a nearby sign.
Councilwoman Billie Wheeler suggested the council review the ordinance in the future to see if it is effective at solving the problem, as she worried some people may opt to pay the fine rather than move their vehicles.
Councilwoman Heather Post said that if this is the direction council wanted to take, then staff would have to ensure these traffic violations were being regularly enforced.
“If we come back in six months and look at those numbers, if you’re not wholeheartedly enforcing it, then those numbers aren’t going to be completely accurate," Post said.
Volusia County Beach Safety Director Andrew Ethridge assured that Beach Patrol does currently monitor for existing parking and traffic violations, especially overnight.
“Typically, if it’s causing an issue, we will have the owner rectify the problem immediately," Ethridge said. "If they’re not on site, we can tow the vehicle if it is causing an issue.”
Additionally, the County Council approved an ordinance that allows e-bikes, electric scooters and other electric motorized devices on most areas of the beach — the only exceptions are areas that are designated as a natural beach management area or a conservation zone by the Volusia County Habitat Conservation Plan. One such area begins 200 feet north of Granada Boulevard beach approach and runs north until the southern boundary of the North Peninsula State Park recreation area in Ormond-by-the-Sea.
In February, the council approved an ordinance that allowed e-bikes to operate in the urban and transitional beach management areas, or the sections of the beach where beach driving is allowed. The new update gives e-bikes the same regulations to follow as standard bicycles and allows them to operate in traffic-free zones.
Like the ordinance regarding traffic violations for buses, RVs and tractor trailers, the council voted to revisit the e-bike ordinance in the future.
