2012 The Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association Inc.

Presented by the Board of Directors of the

Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association Naples, FL

P.O. Box 990596, Naples, FL 34116-6002

INDEX

I. Preamble

A. Purpose

II. Rural Application, Definitions, and Standards

A. Transportation and Rural Roadways Standards

B. Parks and Recreation Standards

C. Utilities

III. Rural Growth Planning for Golden Gate Estates

A. Golden Gate Estates as a sustainable green community

B. Regulate Commercial Exploitation of Golden Gate Estates

C. Preserve the Estates Lots Characteristics

D. Rural Development Standards for Commercial Uses

IV. Essential and Emergency Services

A. Rural Hazards and Emergency Services

B. Rural Public Safety

V. Right to Peaceful Quiet Enjoyment

A. Codes, Ordinances and Code Enforcement

B. Prohibited Commercial Operations

C. Illegal Dumping

VI. Expectations of Government

A. Ethical Standards

B. Truth in Government

C. Full Disclosure

D. Accountability and Transparency

E. Limited Government and Limited Regulation

F. Cooperative Service

G. Community input and response to the wishes of the Community

Appendix

A. Golden Gate Master Plan Footnote References

B. Land Development Code Footnote References

C. Bibliography

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Estates Bill of Rights

Summary and Overview:

The Golden Gate Estates Bill of Rights is born out of the desire to insure the opportunity for a sustainable rural community and rural lifestyle in Collier County, Florida.

The Estates Bill of Rights is a community effort to:

1. Promote the value of a rural community and lifestyle in Southwest Florida.

2. Preserve the rural character and rural way of life in Golden Gate Estates for future generations.

3. Protect against urbanization, urban standards, inappropriate density increase, commercialization, and the “concrete jungle” of urban sprawl

4. Develop and incorporate a rural standard for levels of service and community growth management.

5. Recognize the right to rural levels of service and community standards.

6. Reflect lower taxation rates for rural levels of service and community standards and needs.

7. Address Rural standards for Essential and Emergency Services

8. Protect the right to peaceful existence and quiet enjoyment of rural living.

9. Express citizen’s Expectations of Government

Why the Golden Gate Estates Bill of Rights is good for Collier County:

1. A desirable quality of life for Golden Gate Estates residents

2. Promotes development of a sustainable “green” community in Collier County

3. Low Service Cost

4. Protects a Low Density Water Shed for Collier County

5. Environmental and Natural Resource Sustainability

6. Affordable lifestyle opportunities

7. Promotes an educated and involved community

“We're not opposed to progress, we're opposed to change. Change is something that happens to you, and progress is something you participate in..."

Definition: rural Pronunciation [roor-uhl] –adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the country, country life, or country people; rustic: rural tranquility. 2. Living in the country: the rural population.

3. Of or pertaining to agriculture: rural economy. –noun 4. A person who lives in a rural area

Urban areas are of two types—urbanized areas and urban clusters—identical in the criteria used to delineate them but different in size. The Census Bureau defines an urbanized area wherever it finds an urban nucleus of 50,000 or more people. They may or may not contain any individual cities of 50,000 or more (152 currently do not). In general, they must have a core with a population density of 1,000 persons per square mile and may contain adjoining territory with at least 500 persons per square mile. Urbanized areas have been delineated using the same basic threshold (50,000 population) for each decennial census since 1950, but procedures for delineating the urban fringe are more liberal today. In 2000, 68 percent of Americans lived in 452 urbanized areas. A rural area, according to the Census Bureau, is, by definition, anything that is not urban.

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GOLDEN GATE ESTATES BILL OF RIGHTS

I. PREAMBLE

The Golden Gate Estates (The Estates), located in Collier County, Florida, is one of the largest rural residential subdivisions in the state of Florida, covering approximately 80 square miles or 50,000 acres with a current population estimated at 36,000. The Estates is a unique rural community with rural community needs, rural citizen concerns and rural living issues not found in any other area of Collier County. The unique rural community setting that exists in The Estates was sought out by the people that reside there because of the opportunities it offers. Its rural nature also offers affordability of housing and a unique quality of life to all that choose to live in a natural environment and enjoy its relaxed structure and benefits.

The Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association is established to protect and preserve the Golden Gate Estates Area rural way of life. This civic association is a non-political, non-partisan organization dedicated to addressing and acting on issues in the Golden Gate Estates Area community through leadership, community involvement, and public education founded on truth, honesty, integrity, good will, neighbors helping neighbors, and charitable endeavors.

The Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association recognizes that the trend toward urbanization and growth in other areas of Collier County is threatening the rural nature, peaceful existence, and quiet enjoyment of the residents of the Golden Gate Estates Area. These urbanizing influences within various Collier County governments, staffs, outside influences, non-residents, development interests, and commercial enterprises are continually affecting and changing the rural face of Golden Gate Estates, whether intended or not.

The Golden Gate Master Plan, The Golden Gate Area Master Plan Restudy, The East of 951 Horizon Study and the Collier Interactive Growth Model have all been adopted after extensive public review and investment of county resources to provide the guide for growth management. Multiple and continual Comprehensive Plan Amendments for sporadic and site-specific developments are circumventing the growth plan and the comprehensive planning process without a comprehensive review and without concern for the overall planning, growth and health of the greater Golden Gate Estates Area. As such, the Golden Gate Estates way of life and the unique character of the Golden Gate Estates Community is in jeopardy.

A. Purpose

The Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association seeks to formalize and solidify rights and protections to the rural way of life in Golden Gate Estates as a means to preserve its quiet natural surroundings. We strive to enumerate the basic rights of Estates property owners and to:

1. protect and preserve our rural community against urbanization and commercialization

2. protect and preserve our rural community against detrimental changes and impacts on natural resources and private infrastructure

3. protect and preserve our rural community against threats to its unique quality of life.

4. promote inter-local cooperation, interaction, coordination and communication between and amongst governing agencies, taxing authorities on behalf of Estates residents in addressing

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rural community issues. In doing so, provide for a comprehensive and proactive approach to Estates area issues and concerns with the community’s interest as the focusing priority.

We also seek to establish and preserve the relative economic benefit of a rural living situation. Lower required and desired levels of service offer the opportunity for tax savings and economic benefits associated with such lesser levels of service as opposed to the expanded services provided and assessed in an urbanized community. As such, the Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association proposes to establish the Golden Gate Estates Bill of Rights as a foundation for defining, maintaining, protecting, and preserving the unique rural living opportunities offered in the Golden Gate Estates area.

II. RURAL APPLICATION, DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS

Golden Gate Estates is distinctly different from all other areas of Collier County. As a rural large-lot residential subdivision, Golden Gate Estates stands separately from identified areas such as East of 951, Rural Fringe, Rural Lands, Agricultural Lands, Ave Maria, Big Cypress, the Immokalee Area and other such defined lands and developments. Furthermore, Golden Gate Estates is distinctly non-urban and non-suburban and, as such, seeks to protect its uniquely rural nature, character, and lifestyle.

According to the East of 951 Horizon Study, the current/2007 population for Golden Gate Estates east of CR 951 was not specifically defined (the total study area current/2007 population was 79,568 with a projected population of 442,557 at build-out by 2080). This represents a Study Area growth of 5.5 times the current population from now until build-out. The current/2007 population for Golden Gate Estates east of CR 951 can be roughly estimated at 35,000 or so, and the Study projects a build-out population of 79,614 by 2080 for this area. This growth is little more than twice the current population, substantially less than the balance of the Study area. This reinforces the need to preserve and protect the rural quality of life against impacts of urbanization and expansive growth planned for in the other areas within the Study.

The Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association recognizes that Collier County and the Collier County Land Development Codes have found the Estates district to be distinct enough to create and establish its own land use definition - (E) Estates. Although certain aspects of the Land Development Codes are reflected here, further definition and establishment of new criteria for County design standards are needed to reflect the distinct and desired rural characteristics for transportation, parks and recreation, utilities and public right-of-way, public facilities, and landscaping. As standards are developed and further established and defined as a true Rural Standard, then too shall the right of its residents to request and maintain a lesser community service standard. Accordingly, a reduced relative tax assessment reflective of the lesser capital and maintenance requirements needed to achieve these lesser levels of service should be possible.

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.1

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.2

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.3

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In addressing the unique rural nature of the Golden Gate Estates community and environment, a rural standard concept must be developed and appropriate levels of service defined. An appropriate rural standard is not reflected in the current urban/sub-urban standards that define and regulate the urban coastal area of Collier County. The elements of intent, purpose, unintended consequences, definitions, and standards of design, planning, construction, and maintenance should be established with a rural perspective. A rural level of service can then be defined with an economic benefit of lower taxes and lower operational and maintenance expense for County services. The potential for lower taxation offers the potential to establish a Municipal Services Tax Reduction Unit (MSTRU) a Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) defining and reflecting lesser levels of service.

In its definition and detail, the development of rural standards (for consideration) might be as follows:

A. Transportation & Rural Roadways Standards

1. Rural Roadways. Rural roadways without curb and gutter and/or sidewalks on Streets and Avenues, preserved as found in most current roadways in the Estates.

Avert capital expense, maintenance and related taxing by eliminating requirements for sidewalks curbs and piped storm drain systems on secondary roadways while establishing and preserving a rural standard of limited roadway improvements on secondary roadways. Exclude use of sound walls and resulting “canyonization” of roadways. Consideration should be made for multi-use pathways for bicycles, jogging, and horseback riding.

2. Rural roadways without Street Lights and associated light pollution.

Avert capital expense, maintenance and related taxing by reducing requirements for roadway lighting. Preserve the rural characteristic of starlit and moonlit night skies free from light pollution and urban glow. Street lighting limited to major intersections. Reduce Street lighting hours as a cost-saving operational policy.

3. Rural Roadway Landscaping. Rural roadway landscaping standards free from “traffic calming improvements”

Avert capital expense, maintenance and related taxing by eliminating requirements for “traffic calming improvements” including landscaping, trees, road chicanes, rotaries, speed bumps, rumble strips and other infrastructure intended to “calm” traffic.

4. Rural roadway landscaping standards free from an urban standard of adornment

Avert capital expense, maintenance and related taxing by eliminating any requirements for brick paving in medians, exotic ornamental landscaping and irrigation systems, ornamental planters and ornate shelters. Focus should be on natural, low input and low maintenance native plantings and limited embellishments of medians, shoulders, canals and drainage ponds.

5. Paving of existing lime-rock Roads. Even as a program is currently in place, a priority for the paving of remaining lime-rock roads is necessary in conjunction with public safety issues and the cost of maintenance vs. paved roads.

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Spending of Estates-generated transportation tax dollars should be focused on bringing Estates secondary lime-rock roads up to a paved standard that allows for proper emergency response and safe travel.

6. Rural Transportation and Mass Transit. Recognize that extensive Mass Transit in and about the Estates is not economically or practically viable as a mode of mass transportation. Given the spatial separation of homes in the Estates, and the nature of travel required by its residents, Mass Transit service is not efficient or practical in a low density community.

7. Rural Road System. Recognize that existing Road systems in the Estates are rural roads, other than the main Boulevards, and that the road system in the Estates is functionally built out for the Estates area.

The rural residential nature of the Estates does not allow for frontage roads, and does not provide for limited access roadways within the platted Estates. Traffic from future development efforts to the east will negatively impact the quality of life of Estates residents. Transportation planning should require new major road corridors to be routed around and away from the Estates road system, and not through the Estates, and avoid impacts to residential roadways in the Estates. Considerations should include future I-75 interchanges to eastern developments, a CR-29/CR-82 Bypass, the abandonment of the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension, the use of existing north-south arterials, and a frontage road along I-75 connecting eastern developments with CR951 and other western north-south transportation corridors.

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.2

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.3

B. Parks and Recreation Standards

Parks and Recreation standards will need to be defined and revised to accommodate rural needs. One concept could incorporate multi-use pathway improvements conjoined with the transportation network. Considerations for water recreation could include boat access, fishing access, and related recreational facilities. Rural pastimes and rural recreational concepts need consideration including ATV riding, horseback riding, hiking, birding, canoeing, kayaking, camping and hunting. Facilities supporting rural activities such as an equine or livestock facility associated with the County Extension Office and/or the County Fair facility, among others, might be considered.

Already acknowledged in the East of 951 Horizon Study is that the County’s Neighborhood Park concept found in various urban and suburban parts of Collier County are not feasible, practical or desirable in the rural Estates. In defining levels of services, the Parks and Recreation Department identifies neighborhood parks, community parks, and regional parks and typically has provided urban and suburban facilities in their planning and construction. Urban standard recreation facilities such as the Sun Splash Lagoon Water Park, Lowdermilk Park, and beach access walkways along Vanderbilt Drive and other gulf shore road systems are not practical applications for the rural Estates. Rural recreational activities and facilities will necessitate new rural standards and new rural planning.

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.2

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.3

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C. Utilities

1. Right to protect private water supplies and area aquifers against damaging withdrawal rates from the aquifers, well failure, impacts on the water tables, and exploitation and overburdening of water supply caused by public utilities and/or private well fields removing water from beneath the Estates for the benefit of municipalities and private development.

Recognizing the perpetual increases in population in the urban areas and the increasing extraction of water resources from beneath the Estates area by City of Naples and Collier County Public Utility well fields, the potential effect on Estates private wells from overdrawing of the aquifers and localized private well failures is an issue of grave concern. South Florida Water Management District, as the permitting entity for water resources, drainage control, and water uses must consider such impacts to the Estates area residents, and especially those residents within the zones of influence of well fields. Furthermore, public utility water draws for the purposes of supplementing reuse/recycled water and use potable water for irrigation must be secondary to the need for potable water for human consumption. An effective water conservation effort should not be undermined due to a fiscal need to generate revenues.

2. Right not to be forced into a public utilities infrastructure and distribution system regardless of cost and to preserve the right to operate and maintain private well and septic systems.

Water resource concepts, like desalinization, water use conservation, conservation of potable water by use of recycled water, captured rainwater, and maximizing water efficiencies to reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater should be considered sooner than later to balance the water resource needs of the urban areas with the water resource limitations and impacts to the private wells of the Estates area residents. Municipal Utilities drawing water resources from the Estates area must begin concurrent implementation of alternative water resource concepts, conservation, and resource preservation and take into account the long-term needs while maintaining the private resource capability in the Estates for its residents.

3. Right of Estates residents and the responsibility of Collier County to provide legal and operational sanitary waste disposal facilities within the County for the disposal and treatment of sewage/septic waste.

This is necessary to prevent illegal dumping and illegal waste disposal due to lack of adequate facilities within Collier County, lack of convenient disposal locations outside the County, and the great potential for abuse by unscrupulous contractors. A concerted effort between Public Utilities Division, the Pollution Control Department, the Health Department, Code Enforcement, Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Districts is necessary for the benefit and safety of all County residents and to prevent environmental incidents and environmental crimes. A convenient local public facility is needed that encourages and promotes compliance and legal disposal within Collier County. Collier County Wastewater Treatment Facilities had taken and processed septic waste until 2005 when operations ceased on a “temporary” basis. Currently Collier County does not provide an operating facility and relies on “self-policing” of septic haulers to dispose of waste at out-of-County facilities in Charlotte County and Miami-Dade County, among the nearest.

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.2

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.3

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III. RURAL GROWTH PLANNING FOR GOLDEN GATE ESTATES

A. Preserve and promote Golden Gate Estates as a sustainable green community.

1. Recognize that green practices of preservation and conservation of natural resources, maximizing open space, preserving quality of life, minimizing environmental impacts, reducing energy consumption, reducing solid waste, and that the environmental, economic and social elements of green principles are inherent in rural living and should be encouraged, promoted, and supported.

B. Regulate Commercial Exploitation of Golden Gate Estates

1. Comply with the County’s Growth Management Plan. Maintain the intent of County’s Growth Management Plan to minimize large scale commercial and/or urban residential development within the boundaries of Golden Gate Estates.

Functional growth planning cannot be accomplished with an annual series of site-specific development-driven plan amendments focused on the specific requirements of proposing developments. A process and schedule exists for Growth Management Plan review providing for public input and community-wide benefit analysis. This is the forum and place for the review and update of the Golden Gate Master Plan and impacts for the Master Plan area.

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.4

C. Preserve the Estates Lots Characteristics

1. Support Land Development Codes relative to building setbacks. Promote maximizing setbacks consistent with preserving rural characteristics and open space and discourage efforts to reduce and/or minimize setbacks by urbanizing, suburbanizing or increasing density.

Reference LDC Footnote 2.2.3

2. Encourage and promote the consolidation of non-conforming lots into the larger conforming lots through tax and impact fee incentives.

3. Limit the exploitation of urban and suburban development in the Estates rural areas by preserving the Estates District (E) permitted uses and uses accessory to the permitted uses as described. Restrict PUD Districts from being established within the geographical area of the platted Golden Gate Estates, and prohibiting the introduction of additional development and commercial districts and definitions that change the existing permitted uses defined as of 2007 under the Estates District (E). Support and maintain the constraints and controls of the Growth Management Plan that provide for limited and restricted development in Golden Gate Estates.

Reference LDC Footnote 2.2.20

Reference GGMP Footnote 3.1

D. Rural Development Standards for Commercial Uses

A further definition of standards to protect against commercial intrusion and imposition on residential neighborhoods is suggested. Where a current or future growth management plan amendment and/or zoning amendment attempts to change Estates (E) residential property and/or Estates Mixed Use District-Neighborhood Center Subdistricts by introducing an expanded neighborhood center, PUD, or commercial development, such a development would be required to include and incorporate limitations and restrictions to preserve and protect the rural residential

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character of Golden Gate Estates. Standards should be established to minimize any development’s impacts on existing Estates (E) residential properties and Estates Mixed Use District – Neighborhood Center Subdistricts in accordance with the Golden Gate Future Land Use Map (Amended Sept 10, 2003/Ord 2003-44). Such restrictions are intended to minimize impact and conflict from any new development resulting from future amendments. Standards should also preclude introduction of new Land Use Designations and Subdistricts within the Estates. Inclusion and/or intrusion of PUDs without regard to rural standards are detrimental to the character of the Estates. PUDs have previously been undefined in rural context and have been based solely on urban standards of Commercial Development found in LDC and PUD Documents. Restrictions and limitations to such development must supersede changes to the urban Land Development Code and preserve and recognize the rural community standard that is Golden Gate Estates. Such restrictions, subject to debate and adoption, are suggested to include:

1. All projects directly abutting Estates zoned property and/or roadways (including all Boulevards, Streets, and Avenues) shall provide an expanded buffer of retained natural vegetation (a “no-mans land” buffer coined “Stevie Tomato Fields” to memorialize the urban/residential conflict). This intentionally reaches beyond the 75’ buffer of land with retained natural vegetation that is required for Estates Mixed Use District – Neighborhood Center Subdistrict. Such buffer shall remain as retained natural vegetation and exclude any development, pavement, parking, building, storm water management, and maintain an expanded rural setback and buffer for the entire perimeter of the development. Such a setback dimension should be measured in multiples of the setback dimensions found in the urban areas, with a potential of up to half the depth of a typical Estates lot or more. Such restrictions are intended to isolate and set back development from abutters and roadways and create internal islands of commercial development.

2. Require all traffic circulation from within the development, including ingress and egress to major roadways – arterials or collector roads (Boulevards) - and restrict egress and ingress from secondary roadways (streets and avenues). Any development impacting the Estates should provide all requirements for any offsite ingress and egress including all signalization, re-signalization, land, off-site work, roadwork, drainage, storm water mitigation, and roadway network impacts required to accommodate traffic into and out of the development and mitigate any anticipated traffic impacts on the existing roadway system beyond the development in all directions.

3. Require limitations on site lighting emittance, building and building mounted lighting emittence, exterior light distribution, exterior lighting power densities, exterior light trespass, and hours of lighting operation in an effort to minimize and/or eliminate light pollution, urban glow in the night sky, and visual light intrusion on neighboring properties in order to preserve the rural characteristic of starlit and moonlit night skies.

4. Require limitations on commercial sites to limit detrimental impacts on natural resources, water, groundwater, storm drainage, flood control, public facilities and quality of life from future potential development.

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5. Require 25% additional surface area in excess of the minimum areas required for storm water retention volumes as a way to incorporate a natural appearance of water management lakes and flowways (i.e.: natural meandering lake edges in lieu of typical rectalinear edges)

6. Site walls and sound wall requirements for developments should be excluded from Rural Development Standards so as to promote natural water drainage and sheetflow, and natural wildlife movement, while preserving the rural character of natural surroundings and visual continuity. Expanding the natural buffer requirement described above would also provide for natural separations of uses in lieu of man-made barriers such as solid fences, walls and screens.

IV. ESSENTIAL AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

A. Rural Hazards and Emergency Services

Protect the Estates by improving rural emergency services and public safety resources. Focus efforts on rural risks and prevention, especially in preparedness for catastrophic situations such as wildfire, hurricane and flooding.

Establish a coalition of government and emergency services agencies and a policy of cooperation for Rural Catastrophic Emergency Response, especially related to:

1. Strategic Water Sourcing for Wild Fire Management a. Well Field Raw Water Line taps, Dry Hydrants, Permanent Canal Draw

Stations, or other resources and technology from any and all available sources.

b. Initiate a cooperative Inter-local Agreement between Forestry, Fire Districts,

City of Naples Utilities, Collier County Utilities, South Florida Water

Management District and other resources for emergency access to water for fire

prevention and control purposes and a coordinated advanced defense against fire.

c. Establish a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

2. Recognize wildfires are serious and costly in terms of life and property.

a. modify codes, permitting standards, and environmental regulation to permit and encourage residents to maintain 30’ of defensible space around all habitable structures.

b. Provide public outreach and education promoting emergency preparation

c. Promote Wild Fire Prevention, Protection, Evacuation and Communication Planning.

d. Promote and develop improvements to wildfire response capabilities and resources.

3. Promote Catastrophe Evacuation Plan for all eventualities.

Reference GGMP Footnote.1.2.6

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B. Rural Public Safety

Recognizing that Golden Gate Estates is a vast rural subdivision, a rural approach to crime prevention, public safety and public awareness is necessary. Currently, one Sheriff’s substation operates within the Estates, staffed part-time 8am to 4pm, but on-call 24hours, 7 days a week. Per the East of 951 Horizon Study, three Sheriff’s Office Substations are indicated at build-out - 2080. Golden Gate Estates could have a higher level of service in a more relative proximity to its residents than is currently provided.

1. Criminal Activity - Illegal Drugs and Grow Houses

The large expanse of the Estates and the lower density and population provides opportunity for criminal activity related to illegal drugs and the proliferation of marijuana grow houses. Education and community involvement are key to supporting the crime prevention effort of our Sheriff’s Office. A focus on coordination between the Courts, Fire Control Districts, Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office should be promoted to identify and close such grow house operations.

2. Community Outreach and Public Awareness – The Sheriffs Office continues to inform the community of crime trends and prevention efforts through public meetings and organizations. Community outreach and public awareness efforts should continue to be encouraged and promoted.

V. RIGHT TO PEACEFUL EXISTENCE AND QUIET ENJOYMENT

Rural living offers the peacefulness of nature, the quietness of open spaces, and a unique lifestyle that is worth preserving for future generations. As such, civil regulations protecting the rural character and protection of the environment and natural resources that are essential for a rural way of life are critical to preserving peace and quiet enjoyment of rural living.

A. Codes, Ordinances and Code Enforcement

In addition to the typical responsibilities of Code Enforcement to guard against un-permitted construction, unauthorized development, and other general code compliance issues, the rural Estates faces issues unique to its large-lot rural nature that may disrupt the peace and quiet enjoyment of rural living.

1. Focused efforts of enforcement against such threats to the rural way of life must be planned for, administered to, and action taken.

2. Rural community character and activities and practical application must be considered in the development, interpretation and/or application of Codes and Ordinances.

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3. Community input and support should be an integral part of the Ordinance review and adoption process so that all rural community needs are effectively addressed. Temporary conditions resulting from economic and/or natural disasters must be addressed with appropriate flexibility to avoid unintended consequences, burdens or expense.

4. Coordination is needed regarding definitions and the intent of various Ordinances, Codes, and regulations between County, State and Federal Agencies to insure consistency of interpretation and definition to avoid conflict from subjective interpretation and personal opinion.

5. Urban Ordinances are often exempted in the Estates, and freedoms enjoyed by rural estates residents should not be diminished and should not be held to urban standards.

6. Application of Codes and Ordinances should be limited to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Codes and Ordinances should refrain from establishing aesthetic standards and subjective interpretations and maintain respect for the property rights of residents.

7. Enforcement activity should be driven by safety and protection of the community and focus on correcting problems and potential dangers. Enforcement should not be driven by financial incentives or generation of fines and assessments. Code and Ordinance policing should promote education and an attitude of “cooperative compliance”.

B. Prohibited Commercial Operations

The nature of the Estates is residential, with defined and limited neighborhood centers designated for commercial development in accordance with the Golden Gate Estates Master Plan. Home based businesses are allowed with specific restrictions and limitations - as indicated on the Business Tax Certificate (formerly known as the Occupational License Tax Certificate) – however no commercial operations are allowed within the Estates (E) zoning. As such, commercial endeavors are specifically excluded from operating in the Estates (E).

Illegal commercial activities can lead to the potential for illegal excavation, traffic, noise, damage and degradation of roadways, illegal removal of fill material, illegal hazardous and/or regulated material dumping, and other activities that threaten the well-being of natural resources, the natural landscape and the quiet enjoyment of the rural Estates. Protections that limit commercial activities in the Estates were created to limit such detrimental impacts.

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.4

Reference GGMP Footnote 1.4.1

C. Illegal Dumping

The large expanse of the Estates, and the lower density and population provides opportunity for illegal dumping and waste disposal. Efforts, ordinances, and actions to prevent illegal dumping, protect the environment and natural resources, and prevent damage to aquifers, waterways, forests, and wildlife. A coordinated effort between Pollution Control, the Health Department, Fish and Wildlife, Fire Control Districts, Forestry, Sheriff’s Office, and Code Enforcement should be developed to address this problem.

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VI. EXPECTATIONS OF GOVERNMENT

As citizens of Collier County, Golden Gate Estates residents expect of our leadership, staff, representatives, County Commissioners, Planning Commission, School Board and School District, South Florida Water Management District, Fire and Rescue Districts, County Sheriff, Clerk of the Courts, Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization, Collier Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Mosquito Control District, and all taxing and governing authorities, staff and independent special districts:

A. Ethical Standards

It is the policy of the County to uphold, promote, and demand the highest standards of ethics from all of its employees and officials, whether elected, appointed, or hired. Accordingly, all County Commissioners, employees, and individuals appointed to Boards, Committees, Agencies, and Authorities must maintain the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fairness in carrying out their public duties, and must avoid even the appearance of impropriety in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. Essential to the proper operation of government is the commitment of its elected and appointed officials and government employees to independence, impartiality, and responsibility to the people they serve – the taxpayers and residents. To achieve this goal, it is necessary that government decisions and policy be made through the proper channels of the governmental structure; that public office and employment not be used for personal gain; and that the people have confidence in the integrity of their government. The public interest, therefore, requires that the law protect against any conflict of interest and establish standards for the conduct of elected and appointed officials and government employees.1

B. Truth in Government

No municipal official or employee shall knowingly furnish false information on any public matter, nor knowingly omit significant facts when giving information to the public. To further clarify, “to the best of my knowledge” is not a yes-or-no answer and can not be considered as a statement of fact in response to questions for the record, public statements representing governmental authority, and/or public requests for information. Public meetings held by private entities seeking to influence public opinion on public matters should also be held to this standard and be subject to recording and incorporating into the permanent public record.

C. Full Disclosure

Facts and figures and related subsets of such details provided in all municipal and/or public representations and reports relative to costs, administration, population, assets and other reference information as necessary should be available to allow for independent evaluation, simple interpretation, and verification of information and facts. Facts and figures should be readily and conveniently available to the public without restriction. Published budgets should promptly include and incorporate current amendments.

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D. Accountability and Transparency

Information should be available that identifies the purpose, supporters, detractors, sponsors, financers, and elected officials initiating, supporting and approving expenditure of County Staff expense and resources for the benefit of County-directed development efforts. Accounting should also be provided for the expenditure of County Staff expense and resources for the benefit of development entities, special interest groups, or individuals.

E. Limited Government and Limited Regulation

In promoting levels of service consistent with rural living and a rural lifestyle, limited government and municipal services are intended, and intended by design to reduce capital expenditures and other municipal expenses necessary to support Golden Gate Estates. Resultant tax savings should be credited back to residents through a Special Municipal Services Tax Reduction Unit (MSTRU) to benefit the residents of Golden Gate Estates, both in near-term and for its residents long-term economic future. Also, a minimization of regulation and restrictions is desired, and only as necessary for health, safety and welfare and without intrusion or burdening the rights of residents. Any regulation should provide for simple interpretation and be based on common sense and practical comprehensive solutions and have focus with a rural perspective.

F. Cooperative Service

Provide a cooperative and coordinated effort to promote and incorporate the goals and desires of the Golden Gate Estates Community as outlined in this Estates Bill of Rights between and amongst the governing bodies responsible for planning, regulation, and ordinances.

G. Community input and response to the wishes of the Community

Provide that Governmental efforts and enterprises be brought to the Community for community review, input, and response, and that guidance and direction be provided to comply with the wishes of the Community.

Page 14 of 16

Golden Gate Estates Bill of Rights

MEMBER REVIEW DRAFT - 03-18-09

Whereby this Estates Bill of Rights is non-political, non-partisan, and dedicated to addressing and acting on issues of concern to the Golden Gate Estates Area community through leadership, community involvement, public education, and founded on truth, honesty, integrity, good will, neighbors helping neighbors, and charitable endeavors, we request of our leaders and government officials a respect and understanding for the wishes for the community and a cooperative environment for achieving the goals and desires of Golden Gate Estates and its rural residents. So are the desires of the Golden Gate Estates Community and the Rights and Responsibilities thereof for developing, preserving and protecting the rural community character and rural way of life and the future of Golden Gate Estates.

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GOLDEN GATE ESTATES AREA CIVIC ASSOCIATION

On behalf of the citizens of Golden Gate Estates, subject to public hearing, subsequent amendment, and adoption.

Page 15 of 16

Golden Gate Estates Bill of Rights

MEMBER REVIEW DRAFT - 03-18-09

APPENDIX - FOOTNOTE REFERENCES:

A. Golden Gate Master Plan FOOTNOTE REFERENCES

Refer to language of the Golden Gate Master Plan and the Golden Gate Future Land Use Map (Amended Sept 10, 1003/Ord 2003-4), as follows:

AGGMP Footnote 1.1 In accordance with Golden Gate Master Plan Objective 1.1, Unless otherwise permitted in this Master Plan, new or revised uses of land shall be consistent with designations outlined on the Golden Gate Area Future Land Use Map. The Golden Gate Area Future Land Use Map and companion Future Land Use Designations, Districts and Subdistricts shall be binding on all development orders effective with the adoption of this Master Plan. Standards and permitted uses for Golden Gate Area Future Land Use Districts and Subdistricts are described in the Land Use Designation Description of this Element of the Golden Gate Master Plan.

GGMP Footnote.1.2 In accordance with the Golden Gate Master Plan Objective 1.2, Ensure the public facilities are provided at an acceptable level of service.

GGMP Footnote.1.2.6 In accordance with the Golden Gate Master Plan policy 1.2.6, The Golden Gate Fire District in cooperation with County entities if appropriate, shall investigate the establishment of permanent drafting stations strategically located along the canals of Golden Gate Estates as a water resource to fight fires within the area.

GGMP Footnote 1.3 In accordance with the Golden Gate Master Plan Objective 1.3, the County shall preserve and protect the natural resources within the Golden Gate study area.

GGMP Footnote 1.4 In accordance with Golden Gate Master Plan Objective 1.4, provide a living environment, which is aesthetically acceptable and enhances the quality of life. Per GGMP policy 1.4.1 The County’s Code Enforcement Board shall strictly enforce the Land Development Code to control illegal storage of machinery, vehicles, and junk, and the illegal operation of commercial activities within the Golden Gate area.

GGMP Footnote 3.1 In accordance with the Golden Gate Master Plan Objective 3.1, the placement and designation of Neighborhood Centers within Golden Gate Estates shall meet locational and rural design criteria, to be established as part of the Phase II Golden Gate Area Master Plan Restudy Amendments, to be transmitted during the 2003 Amendment Cycle. Per Golden Gate Master Plan policy 3.1.1, Neighborhood Centers within Golden Gate Estates shall be subject to the locational and rural design criteria established within the Estates – Mixed Use District, Neighborhood Center Subdistrict.

GGMP Footnote 1.4 In accordance with Golden Gate Master Plan Objective 1.4, provide a living environment, which is aesthetically acceptable and enhances the quality of life.

GGMP Footnote 1.4.1 Per GGMP policy 1.4.1 The County’s Code Enforcement Board shall strictly enforce the Land Development Code to control illegal storage of machinery, vehicles, and junk, and the illegal operation of commercial activities within the Golden Gate area.

B. Land Development Code Footnote References

LDC Footnote 2.2.3

Sec 2.2.3 Estates District (E)

Sec 2.2.3.2.1 Permitted Uses

Preserve, protect and maintain the LDC limitations of the permitted uses as of right, or as uses accessory to permitted uses, of the Estates district (E) as follows:

1. Single Family Dwelling 2. Family Care Facilities 3. Essential Service 4. Schools, Public

LDC Footnote 2.2.20

Section 2.2.20 Planned Unit Development Districts

Section 2.2.20.1 Purpose and intent

The purpose and intent of establishing the planned unit development district (PUD) is to provide procedures and standards to encourage mixed use planned developments that may be situated at appropriate locations or planned developments that may or may not be mixed use in the urban fringe areas, all in accordance with the planning and development objectives of the county under the code and growth management plan

C. Bibliography

1. Scripted from the Concerned Citizens of Coconut Creek FL “conflict of interest” and Broward County Codes Page 16 of 16

For Member Review & Comments 03-18-09

The Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association Inc.

When the people

fear their government there is tyranny;

When the government fears the people,

there is liberty.

AMENDMENT 28 ?

Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United

States that does not apply equally to the Senators or Representatives,

and Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators or

Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the

United States .

Thomas Jefferson

Disclaimer;

Due to the comprehensive nature of any association newsletter or website, it is impossible to endorse its content simply because issues could arise

that have not been voted on for the welfare of the general membership. With this in mind, the Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association does not necessarily

endorse the content of this publication,. But will  be approved by President of GGEACA and Board Members before published.

Board of  Collier County Commissioners

In order of their appropriate districts

   Donna Fiala         Georgia Hiller         Tom Henning          Fred Coyle           Jim Coletta

Click on portrait to links on About the Commissioners         Click on @ to contact each Commissioners via email

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