On Real Estate & More – December 2021/January 2022

Over the years, the City of Jacksonville’s Development Code was revised multiple times by multiple authors to reflect the changing of the community. However, with so many incremental changes, the Code became complicated and burdensome, and in some cases, contained conflicting or inconsistent requirements. The City started an initiative to clarify and improve regulations for the Development Code, including modifications to existing structures, new construction, the division of land, etc. The City planned the work to update the Jacksonville Development Code ordinances (zoning, procedures, land divisions, historic protections, etc.) in order to develop regulations that would be clear, easily administered and continue to protect Jacksonville’s status as a National Historic Landmark District.

In 2017, the City of Jacksonville Planning Commission held a public hearing on Development Code revisions that had been in the works for years and was flooded with concerns including allowing drive-thrus in the city limits and establishing a smaller downtown district. The City decided to pull back and restart the process; therefore, in 2019, the City Council appointed a group of 5 resident volunteers to serve on a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). This group was established to conduct an extensive review of the draft Code and testimony received through the process. The CAC is an advisory body that will ultimately send a recommendation to the Planning Commission for review.

The CAC has been working to review and provide recommendations on the current and previous 2017 draft versions of the code. The CAC has also been reviewing and carefully considering all public comments received as a part of the hearing process of the 2017 draft. Under normal circumstances, there’s typically town hall events for staff and CAC members to provide progress reports and to hear feedback from the community. However, because of the unique challenges presented by the pandemic, Planning Department staff explored alternative ways to reach the community. Staff developed a dedicated code update website where residents can be informed about the process, learn about specific topics, and provide comments for CAC consideration. On the site, you can review draft and current documents, as well as follow blog posts regarding some of the CAC discussions.

Current topics on the website include Clear and Objective Standards, Housing Types, Home Occupations, Vacation Rentals and Lot Standards. Each of these topics has information on what is being considered and asks for input from the public. As public citizens this is your chance to be a part of that change and let the City know you’d like these regulations to be developed.  To find out more, contact Planning Department staff or look on the website at https://jacksonvillecodeupdate.com/.