Florida Administrative Code › 14 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › 14 - Departmental › Chapter 14-20 - PRIVATE USE OF STATE RIGHT OF WAY › Section 14-20.0032 - Placement of Benches

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
The Department allows placement and maintenance of benches on
				  the right of way of a state highway pursuant to written approval by the
				  appropriate city or county government within whose jurisdiction the bench is to
				  be located. All bus benches shall be subject to the following:
(1) Benches placed on the right of way shall
				not exceed 74 inches in length, 28 inches in depth, and 44 inches in
				height.
(2) Any bench placed on any
				part of a sidewalk shall leave a clear, unobstructed width of five feet
				standard (four feet minimum) for pedestrian traffic wholly within the sidewalk
				or walking path (measured between the edges of the sidewalk or walking path,
				not including the top of any roadway curbs).
(3) Benches shall not be placed on limited
				access facilities. Benches are prohibited in medians except when maintained by
				bus rapid transit providers utilizing an inside lane for passenger
				transport.
(4) Transit bus benches
				shall be placed only at transit bus stops designated by a public transit agency
				in accordance with Rule
				14-20.004, F.A.C. School bus
				benches shall only be placed at bus stops designated by the local school board.
				Convenience or comfort benches, not located at a transit bus stop or a school
				bus stop, shall be limited to the minimum number of benches necessary to
				accommodate the comfort and convenience of the general public. Convenience or
				comfort benches may not be constructed in medians.
(5) If the Department finds any bench in
				violation of any portion of this rule, except those determined to be a safety
				hazard, the Department shall provide written notice of the violation to the
				owner of the bench, or the appropriate city or county government, who shall
				correct the violation or remove the bench within 60 days after receipt of the
				notice. If the Department finds any bench to be a safety hazard, the Department
				will provide notice to the owner of the bench, or the appropriate city or
				county government, who shall take immediate steps to make the bench safe or
				remove the bench. If the condition or location of a bench is not corrected in
				accordance with the Department's notice, the Department will cause the bench to
				be moved or removed and seek the cost of removal.
(6) Commercial advertising shall be displayed
				upon a bench only on the front or rear surface of the backrest area.
(7) Advertising displayed on a bench shall
				not be greater than 72 inches in length nor greater than 24 inches in height,
				and no advertising displayed upon a bench shall be of a reflectorized
				material.
(8) Locate benches, as
				follows:
(a) As close to the right of way as
				practicable and not less than four feet from the back of curb for curbed
				roadways with a posted speed limit of 45 MPH or less.
(b) Outside of the Clear Zone as close to the
				right of way as practicable for flush shoulder roadways.
(c) Outside of the Clear Zone as close to the
				right of way as practicable for curbed roadways with a posted speed limit
				greater than 45 MPH.
(d) The
				requirements for the placement/location of benches in Rule
				14-20.0032, F.A.C., shall apply
				to benches placed on the right of way of a state highway on or after January 1,
				2023, or for benches removed or relocated due to construction, repair,
				improvement, maintenance, alteration, or relocation of all, or any portion of a
				state highway on or after January 1, 2023. Existing benches shall comply with
				all applicable laws and regulations in effect at the time of original
				placement/installation.