The Palm Coast City Council tackled several major ordinances during their October 7, 2025, meeting, including new regulations for electric bicycles, increased stormwater inspection fees, and a renewed contract with Flagler Humane Society.
E-Bike Ordinance Sets Age and Safety Requirements
Council approved an ordinance regulating electric bicycles and electric-powered cycles within city limits. The new rules establish a minimum age of 11 years old to operate an e-bike and create different classifications based on speed and power assistance.
The ordinance defines three classes of e-bikes: Class 1 (pedal-assisted, maximum 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assisted, maximum 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assisted, maximum 28 mph). Following resident input, the council added throttle assistance to the Class 3 definition.
County Commissioner Andy Dance, speaking as a resident who rides e-bikes regularly, recommended additional safety measures, including reduced speeds in school zones and at crosswalks. “E-bikes are distinctly different from regular bikes,” Dance said. “They are heavy. They are anywhere from 50 to 70 to 80 pounds. They can’t stop as quickly.”
Vice Mayor Kathy Pontieri opposed the age restriction, calling it “government overstep into the purview of parenting.” She noted that Florida considered but did not impose age requirements on e-bikes, instead requiring helmets for riders under 16.
“When we’re looking at the age minimum requirements, the average age of those accidents was 30,” Pontieri said, referencing accident data provided to the council. “Why are we overstepping into the purview of what a parent should make as to whether or not they’re going to allow their child to ride an e-bike?”
Mayor Mike Norris defended the age limit, stating he would not sign the ordinance without it. The measure passed 4-1, with Pontieri casting the lone dissenting vote.
Storm Water Inspection Fees Increase 74%
Council unanimously approved new fees for residential storm water inspections to ensure the newly created Residential Site Development division operates on a cost-recovery basis.
The combined fees for new construction increased from $350 to $500, representing approximately a 74% increase for residential site development portions. The changes resulted from reorganizing staff from the stormwater department into a separate division under community development.
Patrick Buckley, who oversees the division, explained that current fees covered only 2.3 hours of work when four hours are actually required for plan review and inspections. The division employs six full-time staff members who conduct stormwater inspections, right-of-way permit reviews, and compliance monitoring.
The new fee structure includes escalating charges for repeat violations to deter non-compliance. A first inspection costs $32.50, but if violations persist after a second inspection, the third visit increases to $75, and subsequent visits cost $150.
“We’re seeing significant reinspections,” Buckley said. “Some of these properties we’re seeing six and seven and eight return trips that stretch out over the course of weeks.”
Vice Mayor Pontieri emphasized that the higher reinspection fees serve as deterrents. “Get it right the first time,” she said. “If you don’t get it right the first time, get it right the second time. You’ve still got two bites at the apple without any punitive.”
Pontieri also stressed the city’s responsibility to protect existing homeowners from drainage problems caused by new construction, noting she has visited multiple properties experiencing flooding issues after nearby homes were built.
“Once an animal is deemed dangerous, it’s already done,” Pontieri said, drawing a parallel to property damage. “There’s no injunctive relief that can be imposed.”
Several residents raised concerns about the fee increases. Contractor Tony Amaral questioned why the city charges the same fee regardless of how long inspections take and expressed concerns about mandatory erosion control requirements.
Humane Society Contract Renewed for One Year
Council approved a one-year contract with Flagler Humane Society for animal shelter services at $156 per animal for a five-day intake period, up from $132 previously. The city expects to spend approximately $125,000 under the agreement, up from roughly $90,000 last year.
The contract includes new provisions requiring quarterly meetings between a council liaison, board members, and city staff. Vice Mayor Pontieri volunteered to serve as the council liaison.
During the discussion, Pontieri raised questions about the intake process after hearing from residents who reported being told to call animal control rather than surrendering animals directly to the shelter.
Amy from Flagler Humane Society explained that the shelter sometimes asks owners to make appointments, typically within 10 days or less, to provide time for counseling about alternatives to surrender.
“We actually would rather have the owners in front of us so that we can talk to them about is this animal is good with kids,” Amy said. “We don’t want animal control to accept owned animals.”
Pontieri requested that the contract include provisions limiting appointment wait times to five days and requiring the Humane Society to provide financial reports to the city. She also asked for data on capacity issues to help plan for future needs.
“It is hard for us to plan what we actually need,” Pontieri said. “It’s hard for us to say, ‘No, Humane Society’s got it. We don’t need any other arrangements.'”
Council member Sullivan emphasized that the one-year contract serves as a temporary measure while officials work toward more comprehensive solutions. “For animal control, we should have one entity that does it for the whole county,” Sullivan said.
Other Business
The council proclaimed October 5-11 as Fire Prevention Week, focusing on lithium-ion battery safety, and October 6 as Customer Service Week. Council also recognized October 11 as the NAACP Fierce Urgency of Now Day.
The meeting included public comments on various topics, including short-term rental enforcement, traffic congestion at Imagine School, and concerns about truck traffic on Beltier Boulevard damaging roads.
Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston announced city offices would be closed Monday, October 13, for Columbus Day and confirmed cancellation of workshops scheduled for Veterans Day, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas week.
Council members expressed condolences for the Deputy County Administrator and his wife, who died over the weekend, with multiple members calling the loss “a tragedy for our community.”
