Chapter 654 - CODE OF SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS

Sec. 652.1608. - Nonstructural fill in coastal high hazard areas (Zone V) and Adjusted SFHAs. Chapter 655 - CONCURRENCY AND MOBILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Chapter 654 - CODE OF SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS[1]

Footnotes: --- (1) ---

Editor's note— Former Ch. 654, relative to subdivision regulations, was repealed by § 1 of Ord. 91-58-147, which enacted a new Ch. 654 to read as herein set forth. The repealed provisions, §§ 654.101—654.130 (former §§ 712.101—712.130), derived from those ordinances listed in the Ordinance Tables as amending former Ch. 654.

State Law reference— Platting, generally, F.S. Ch. 177.

Sec. 654.101. - Short title.

This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Code of Subdivision Regulations, City of Jacksonville.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.101.

Sec. 654.102. - Reserved.

Sec. 654.103. - Purpose and intent.

It is determined and declared:

(a)

Land subdivision is the first step in community development. Once land has been subdivided into streets, lots and blocks and publicly recorded, the correction of defects is costly and difficult. Subdivided land sooner or later becomes a public responsibility in that roads, drainage and utilities must be maintained and various customary municipal services must be provided. The welfare of the entire City is directly affected by land subdivision. It is in the interest of all taxpayers and citizens, the developer and future residents that subdivisions be conceived, designed and developed in accordance with sound practice and appropriate standards.

(b)

The intent and purpose of these regulations is to provide for the harmonious development of the City; to secure a coordinated layout and adequate provision for traffic within subdivisions and with other existing or planned streets; and to secure adequate provision for light, air, recreation, transportation, potable water, flood prevention, drainage, sewers, other sanitary facilities, environmental protection and City services. It is also the legislative intent that the guidelines and general standards set out in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, shall be observed in the administration of these regulations, so that the growth and development of subdivisions which are approved under this Chapter are consistent with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Natural areas, wetlands, and native vegetative areas with native habitat should be considered in the overall final design so as to minimize degradation of these areas.

(c)

In addition to the minimum requirements for construction of such improvements as roads and drainage, compliance with the intent of these regulations requires that good design be practiced in subdivision planning, valuable and scenic natural features be conserved and adequate open space be made available for public use. Subdivision and design for all types of development should be adapted to the peculiarities and opportunities of the site, should utilize contemporary imaginative design, and should avoid monotonous repetition of pattern, gridiron layouts and long, straight minor or collector streets. Size, shape and orientation of lots and blocks should be carefully considered with relation to future use of the various lots to be created.

(d)

It is intended that this Chapter be liberally construed to accomplish its stated purposes.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Note— Former § 654.102.

Sec. 654.104. - Jurisdiction.

The regulations herein set out shall apply to all lands within the City, except within the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Urban Services Districts. No land shall be subdivided nor a building or structure or a part thereof constructed in an area that is subdivided after the effective date of this Chapter, unless the subdivision conforms to the provisions of this Chapter.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.103.

Sec. 654.105. - Applicability.

In order to subdivide land and file a plat thereof, the requirements set out in this Chapter shall be met and the procedures herein set forth shall be followed.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.104.

Sec. 654.106. - Definitions.

As used in this Chapter:

Abutting property means property that is immediately adjacent to property that is subject to review under these regulations or property that is located immediately across a road or public right-of-way from the property that is subject to review under these regulations.

Alley means a right-of-way which affords only a secondary means of access to property abutting thereon.

Bikeway means a roadway which is specifically designated as being open to bicycle travel, regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicyclists, or are to be shared with other vehicles.

Bicycle path means land that has been treated, prepared or constructed in such a way as to permit the continuous passage of persons riding bicycles.

Block includes a tier or group of lots existing within well-defined and fixed boundaries, usually being an area surrounded by streets or other physical barriers and having an assigned number, letter or other name through which it may be identified.

Block corner or lot corner means an angle point in the boundary of a block or lot.

Building includes the word structure and shall be construed as if followed by the phrase or part thereof.

Cash or cash deposit means cash, cashier's and certified checks for immediate payment to the City, cash deposited in accounts subject to the control of the City and certificates of cash deposited, assigned and delivered to the City.

Civil Plans means a set of engineered drawings of a development, previously referred to as the "10-set" plans, for submittal to the Development Services Division for review. They are engineered plans prepared by a civil engineer (or any engineer qualified in the subject matter) as dictated by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.

Community means a development offering eventually all social and physical aspects of a full living environment. A full living environment includes not only housing in a variety of types and size ranges but also opportunities for employment as well as facilities for educational, recreational and cultural participation.

Comprehensive plan means the City of Jacksonville's 2030 Comprehensive Plan adopted pursuant to Ordinance 2009-791-E on November 10, 2009 by the City Council, with an effective date of February 4, 2010, as such plan may be amended from time to time.

Concurrency means that the necessary public facilities and services to maintain the adopted level of service standards of the Comprehensive Plan are available when the impacts of development occur.

Concurrency and Mobility Management System Office (CMMSO) means the office within the Planning and Development Department that is responsible for the coordination of all concurrency and mobility reviews and requirements.

Concurrency Reservation Certificate (CRC) means the official document issued by the City of Jacksonville through the Concurrency and Mobility Management System Office (CMMSO) pursuant to Chapter 655, Ordinance Code, upon finding that an application for the certificate in reference to a specific final development order or final development permit for a particular development will not result in the reduction of the adopted level of service standards for impacted potable water, sanitary sewer, recreation, public schools, drainage and solid waste facilities and services as set forth in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

Conditional Capacity Availability Statement (CCAS) means the official document issued by the City through the Concurrency and Mobility Management System Office (CMMSO) which precedes the review of an application for a CRC and which constitutes the issuance of reserve capacity or a statement of those conditions which must be fulfilled prior to the issuance of reserve capacity as to the public facilities listed in Section 655.112, Ordinance Code.

Department means the Public Works Department.

Developer means a person or his duly authorized agent who undertakes the subdivision of land as defined herein. The term developer includes the term subdivider.

Development has the same meaning as described in Section 656.1601, Ordinance Code, which is "any proposed material change in the use or character of the land, including, but not limited to, land clearing associated with new construction, the placement of any structure or site improvement on the land, or expansion of existing buildings."

Director means the Director of Public Works or his or her designee.

Drainage Easement means an easement designed for conveyance or management of surface or storm water, including, but not limited to, "Surface Water or Stormwater Management Systems" as defined, regulated and permitted by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Easement means a grant by the owner of land to a third party, such as another person or group of persons, or an entity, or a public agency, that allows the owner's land to be used for a specific use or purpose. The land subject to an easement remains owned by the owner and can be used by the owner for other purposes that are not inconsistent with the easement, unless otherwise expressly provided in the easement.

Engineer means an engineer who is currently registered in accordance with F.S. Ch. 471.

Improvements, public means any of the following, which are listed only for the purpose of illustration and emphasis: street pavement, with or without curbs and gutters; sidewalks; alley pavement; water mains; sanitary sewers, storm sewers or storm drainage; and street name signs or other traffic control devices.

Infill development means, pursuant to the Comprehensive Plan, development or redevelopment of land that is/has been vacant, bypassed, and underutilized but is located within areas that already have infrastructure, utilities, and public facilities.

Infill lot means a parcel that is undeveloped or underdeveloped and is generally bypassed and underutilized land within areas that already have infrastructure, utilities, and public facilities. Typically, the same type and scale as adjacent uses.

Land includes water, marsh or swamp.

Land Development Procedures Manual means the procedures and criteria contained in the document sometimes referred to as the "Redbook" produced by the Subdivision Standards and Policy Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Planning and Development Department, the Public Works Department, the JEA, the Office of the General Counsel and the private sector in order to assist in the development of land within the City of Jacksonville. These procedures and criteria, including the design specifications quoted, are adopted and approved as provided in Chapter 654 of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code to be used by the Planning and Development Department, the Public Works Department, and the JEA in review and approval of permit applications and development construction plans.

Lot includes plot, tract, or parcel under one ownership undivided by street, railroad rights-of-way or navigable waters that is a separate, distinct parcel of land with defined boundaries, whether established by a plat or other a recorded document. A "conforming lot" is of sufficient size to meet the minimum requirements of the Zoning Code as to use, coverage and area and to provide the yards and open spaces required by the Zoning Code. A lot is also identified as a single unit in a subdivision.

Lot depth has the same meaning as in the Zoning Code.

Lot width has the same meaning as in the Zoning Code.

Natural vegetation means vegetation which occurs by the ordinary course of nature which may include accidental (by man but not through cultivation) or seed dispersal by wind, animals, etc. There may also be a change of vegetation naturally occurring due to succession.

Native vegetation and habitat means those areas found in nature where the plants in one part of the country may be slightly different from the same plant species in another part of the country. Native vegetation is considered to be original or an indigenous inhabitant of particular area.

Neighborhood means a geographic area within which residents may all conveniently share common services and facilities required in the vicinity of their dwellings. Neighborhood boundaries are generally set either by natural features, such as topography, stream valleys or terrain; by major streets including freeways; by artificial features such as railroads, power lines or other development obstruction; or by recreational, open space uses, or community facilities.

Non-access easement or vehicular non-access easement means an easement used to restrict vehicular access to a property. This may be from a lot to a street or between uncomplimentary uses (i.e. incompatible zoning districts). The owner of land subject to the easement may use the land for all other purposes that rare not inconsistent with the easement, such as signs, landscaping, fences, etc. Public non-access easements may be vacated in the same manner provided for vacation of public rights-of-way.

Paving width means the horizontal width of a paved surface, excluding curb and gutter.

Permanent reference monument (PRM) and permanent control point (PCP) shall have meanings as defined in F.S. Ch. 177.

Plat means a map or delineated representation of the subdivision of lands, being a complete exact representation of the subdivision and other information in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter, the Land Development Procedures Manual, and F.S. Ch. 177, and may include the terms replat, amended plat, or revised plat.

Preliminary plat means a preliminary drawing of a proposed land subdivision showing the character and proposed layout of the tract in sufficient detail to indicate the suitability of the proposed subdivision of land.

Required improvement means streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, water systems, sanitary sewer systems, storm drainage systems and other improvements as may be required by the City.

Right-of-way means land used or to be used for a public street, alley, walkway, water, sewer or drainage facility or other public purpose.

Roadway Design Classification System means the context sensitive approach to the construction of new and reconstructed roadways and streets considering the roadway's land use context and incorporating all modes of transportation. The Design Classifications are as follows. Each Classification has the "sub-classifications" of "Urban," "Suburban," and "Rural." The Classifications of Boulevard, Avenue and Limited Avenue also have a sub-classification of "Downtown." (See the Land Development Procedures Manual, Section 3, for a more detailed explanation.)

Rural area. The rural boundaries established for Duval County for its planning and funding purposes, as well as the rural area boundary established in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan or Capital Improvements Element.

Sidewalk means a paved area intended primarily for pedestrian use.

Sight distance means the maximum extent of unobstructed vision in a horizontal plane along a street located at a given point on the street.

Street means a travel way which affords the principal means of vehicular access to abutting property regardless of the term, such as lane or way, used to describe it.

(1)

Collector street means a surface street providing land access and traffic circulation service within residential, commercial and industrial areas. Collector streets serve to connect local roadway networks to the larger City-wide arterial roadway network.

(2)

Cul-de-sac means a street ending in a dead-end with a vehicular turnaround. These streets are limited to 1,000 feet in length; however, the Department may approve a cul-de-sac of greater length, where, due to topographical conditions, design considerations or the number of lots to be located on the street, a greater length may be deemed necessary.

(3)

Freeway means a multi-lane divided highway having a minimum of two lanes for exclusive use of traffic in each direction and full control of access and egress.

(4)

Local street means a street designed and maintained to provide access to abutting property. A local street is of limited continuity and not for through traffic.

(5)

Major arterial means a highway that serves major through movements of traffic between important centers of activity and a substantial portion of trips entering and leaving the area. It also connects freeways with major traffic generators. Service to abutting land is very subordinate to the function of moving through traffic.

(6)

Minor arterial means a facility that connects and augments the major arterial system. Although its main function is still traffic mobility, it performs this function at a lower level and places more emphasis on land access than does the major arterial.

(7)

Private street means a privately owned or controlled and maintained drive, street, road, lane, not accepted by the City of Jacksonville as a public road, which provides the primary means of vehicular ingress and egress from a public road to two or more dwelling units, lots, parcels, tracts, or principal buildings, whether created by a private right-of-way, easement, plat, or other device and which has been approved by the Director and appears on the Approved Private Streets List kept by the Director as an approved private street.

(8)

Public street means a vehicular right-of-way, that is open to the public and under the control and jurisdiction of the City of Jacksonville pursuant to a deed of conveyance, deed of dedication, plat dedication, or other device accepted by the City, which provides the primary means of vehicular ingress and egress to two or more dwelling units, lots, parcels, tracts, or principal buildings.

(9)

Reconstructed street means a rebuilt existing street such that its estimated life was lengthened, by means other than resurfacing, its vehicular carrying capacity by weight or volume of traffic was increased, or the curb to curb pavement width was increased to include bicycle facilities, raised medians or additional roadway elements.

Subdivision means, pursuant to F.S. § 177.031 (2021), the division of land into three or more lots, parcels, tracts, tiers, blocks, sites, units, or any other division of land; and includes establishment of new streets and alleys, additions, and resubdivisions; and, when appropriate to the context, relates to the process of subdividing or to the lands or area subdivided. However, the following shall not be subject to the platting requirements contained in this Chapter:

(1)

The combination or recombination of portions of previously platted lots where the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots comply with the standards of this Chapter and the Zoning Code;

(2)

The public acquisition of strips of land for the widening or opening of streets;

(3)

The subdivision of a tract of land where each lot has adequate frontage on an existing City maintained, paved public right-of-way or approved private road and all required public utilities are present and available within the public right-of-way or approved private road; provided, however, that plans for such subdivision are submitted for review and approval by the Director or his or her designee;

(4)

The subdivision of any tract of land into parcels each of which are greater than ten acres or larger or any land which is divided or proposed to be divided into parcels of ten acres or larger;

(5)

The subdivision of land whose FLUM designation is Heavy Industrial or Light Industrial, however such commercial development shall be subject to design and engineering review;

(6)

The subdivision of land by transfer of land to a governmental agency or to a nonprofit, tax-exempt nature conservation organization qualifying under the United States Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3);

(7)

Development of commercial centers where no new streets are being established, provided however, that such commercial development shall be subject to design and engineering review and subject to review and approval, in writing, by the Director that such commercial development is not subject to the platting provisions contained in this Chapter;

(8)

Land previously approved for sale by the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums, and Mobile Homes of the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation pursuant to the requirements of F.S. Ch. 718; and

(9)

Any lands which, in the opinion of the Director of Public Works, should not be subject to the terms of this Chapter.

Surveyor means a land surveyor who is currently registered in accordance with F.S. Ch. 472. Surveyor of Record means the surveyor designated to prepare the plat of record.

Used or occupied includes the words intended, designed or arranged to be used or occupied.

Vested Property Affirmation Certificate (VPAC) means the official document issued by the City through the CMMSO which waives all concurrency and mobility fee requirements for a final development permit or final development order issued prior to the effective date of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

Walkshed means an area within a ¼-mile radius of a destination such as a school, library, transit stop, shopping center, park, etc.

Walkway means a right-of-way intended primarily for pedestrians, excluding self-propelled vehicles.

Work includes required construction shown on approved plans and specifications for all facilities and features of any kind.

All terms not defined herein, or otherwise by common usage, shall have meanings as provided in F.S. Ch. 177 or Ch. 21-HH, F.A.C.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 97-229-E, § 22; Ord. 2007-308-E, § 1; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2017-805-E, § 1; Ord. 2022-221-E, § 1; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20)

Note— Former § 654.105.

Sec. 654.107. - Preparation of preliminary site plans, engineering plans, and plats.

Preliminary site plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect, architect, engineer or other qualified person. Engineering plans shall be prepared by an engineer and the plat shall be prepared by a surveyor.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2007-308-E, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.106.

Sec. 654.108. - Approval of preliminary site plan; procedures for approval of preliminary and final engineering plans for required improvements.

(a)

Prior to preparation of a preliminary site plan, the developer of a proposed subdivision shall arrange a pre-application conference with the Division Chief of the Development Services Division or his or her designee. The purpose of the pre-application conference is to allow the developer and Department the opportunity to consult informally prior to the preparation of the preliminary site plan review by the Department. It is intended that this procedure will assist the developer in preparing a plat which will meet the requirements of these regulations and the requirements of concurrency and incorporate the design standards as required in the Land Development Procedures Manual and address issues pertaining to mobility as set forth in the 2030 Mobility Plan and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

(b)

Concurrency reservation certificate (CRC). Prior to filing for preliminary site plan approval or submitting for preliminary engineering approval, the applicant shall submit engineering plans, and other measuring documents to the Planning and Development Department's Concurrency and Mobility Management System Office for review and issuance of a Conditional Capacity Availability Statement (CCAS) or a Concurrency Reservation Certificate (CRC) pursuant to Ordinance Code Chapter 655. Prior to final engineering review, the applicant shall convert a CCAS to a CRC. Note: the applicant should familiarize himself in advance with the concurrency process so as to streamline the overall review and approval procedure and ascertain potential vested rights.

(c)

In order to obtain approval of the preliminary site plan, the developer shall submit to the Department for review and approval all information required by the Land Development Procedures Manual.

(d)

Planned Unit Development Verification of Substantial Compliance. For projects zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD), the applicant must obtain a verification of substantial compliance from the Department and the appropriate City Council member for the district in which the project lies prior to submittal of preliminary engineering plans. A subdivision zoned PUD shall not be required to obtain a preliminary site plan review. The PUD verification provided for herein shall constitute a preliminary site plan approval.

(e)

Fees. Fees as required in Section 654.138, Ordinance Code, for review of the preliminary site plan shall be paid to the Tax Collector and a receipt therefor shall accompany the information submitted to the Department.

(f)

The Department shall, within ten working days after the submission of the preliminary site plan and required supplemental material, approve, approve with conditions or deny the application for preliminary site plan approval. Department approval of the preliminary site plan shall be valid for a period of 24 months from the date of approval.

(g)

Preliminary engineering plans for required improvements. Upon approval of the preliminary site plan, ten complete sets of preliminary engineering plans for streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, water systems, sanitary sewer systems, storm drainage systems and other required public improvements shall be submitted to the Department, which shall process the plans through the other appropriate agencies for review and approval.

(h)

Final engineering plans for required improvements. If the engineering plans meet applicable standards, specifications, and details, ten additional copies of the plans, signed and sealed by the appropriate licensed professional, shall be submitted to the Department. If the engineering plans do not meet applicable standards as may be required by the Department, the plans shall be revised to show the required improvements including the proposed locations of all stop signs and street name signs within the limits of the subdivision. At such time, ten complete sets of revised plans, signed and sealed by the appropriate licensed professional, shall be submitted to the Department for distribution to the various agencies. Also at this time, the application for the CRC shall be completed and submitted along with other necessary documents to the CMMSO. The inability of a public facility to absorb the impact of the proposed development by a concurrency testing agency will result in a CRC denial and prevent the proposed development from continuing forward until the situation is resolved. It should be noted that if significant changes occur subsequent to the review of the preliminary engineering plans, a new preliminary engineering plan submittal may be required. If the deviation is five percent or greater then an additional CRC review shall be required for the difference. Simultaneously, it is recommended that necessary data be submitted for design of the underground electrical distribution system.

(i)

Street names and addresses. Prior to submission of final engineering plans, applicant shall obtain street name approval and address assignment from the Department.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 96-499-285, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2007-308-E, § 1; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20)

Note— Former § 654.107.

Sec. 654.109. - Procedure for approval of preliminary and final plat.

Approval of engineering plans shall be obtained in accordance with the Land Development Procedures Manual and the Review Procedures and Standards Manual.

(a)

Review of the preliminary plat. Three copies of the preliminary plat prepared by a surveyor in accordance with this Chapter, the Land Development Procedures Manual, and F.S. Ch. 177, shall be submitted to the Department. This submission must include both the preliminary plat and the cover sheet with caption and should take place after the review of the preliminary engineering plans has been completed in order to assure that all easements required are known and shown on the plat. Receipts for payment of fees from reviewing agencies shall be provided upon submittal of preliminary plat. A copy of the preliminary plat shall be returned to the developer or his surveyor and two copies shall be retained by the Department.

(b)

Meaning of a Department approval of preliminary plat. Department approval of the preliminary plat and other required supplemental material shall constitute acceptance of the preliminary plat subject to fulfillment of the requirements of these regulations to the satisfaction of the Director, or his designee. Approval of the preliminary plat and required supplemental material shall be valid for 12 months from the date the Department gives the approval. If the final plat is not submitted to and approved by the Department during the 12-month period, the conditional approvals shall be null and void. Also, note that the reserved capacity as a result of the approved CRC will be forfeited and not available for project use. At the time of re-submittal, a new CRC will be required.

(c)

Preparation of final plat. The final plat is to be prepared by a surveyor and is to be clearly and legibly drawn in black permanent ink on mylar or approved equal as required for filing for record in the City and in accordance with the design standards and provisions of F.S. Ch. 177, as amended from time to time. Where necessary, the plat may be on several sheets and each sheet shall contain an index delineating that portion of the subdivision shown on that sheet in relation to the entire subdivision. An index or master key map shall be provided. For large subdivisions, the final plat may be submitted for approval or acceptance progressively in contiguous Sections satisfactory to the Director. The final plat shall be at a scale of not more than 100 feet to the inch on a sheet 18 inches by 26 inches. A subdivision including three or more sheets other than the cover sheet shall include a key index map showing the location within the site of all sheets. In addition to the requirements of Section 177.091, Florida Statutes and the Land Development Procedures Manual, all plats shall include the following features:

(1)

Subdivision name or identifying title and the name of the record owner.

(2)

Primary control points approved by the Director or description and ties to the control points, to which all dimensions, angles, bearings and similar data on the plat shall be referred.

(3)

North point, scale, graphic scale and date; and the basis of bearing (desired grid bearing).

(4)

Tract boundary lines, right-of-way lines of streets and easements and other rights-of-way and property lines of residential dimensions, street names and address numbers, bearings or angles, and radii, arcs and central angles of all curves. Distances are to be accurate to hundredths of a foot and angles to the nearest ten seconds except where this is not feasible due to topographical boundaries.

(5)

Location of the subdivision with respect to Section lines or a tie to a point of record if Section lines are not readily available.

(6)

Location of all pertinent reference monuments.

(7)

The exact names, location and width along the property lines of existing or recorded streets intersecting or paralleling the boundaries of the tract.

(8)

The exact layout, including street and alley lines and rights-of-way; street bearings and widths (including widths along the lines of obliquely intersecting street); lengths of arcs, radii and points of curvature or chord lengths and bearings; points of tangency or nontangency intersects; easements owned by or rights-of-way provided for public utilities; and lot lines with dimensions in feet and hundredths, if feasible, and with bearings or angles. Street names shall conform to the City system.

(9)

Lots numbered in accordance with F.S. § 177.091(18).

(10)

The accurate outline of property which is to be dedicated, reserved or proposed for public use, including easements, and property that may be reserved by covenants in deeds for the common use of the property owners in the subdivision, with the purposes indicated thereon.

(11)

A reference to recorded subdivision plats of adjoining platted land by record book and page number and plat name, the adjacent portions of which may be shown in outline form.

(12)

A complete legal description of the land to be subdivided, which legal description shall be the same as that provided in the title certification required in Section 654.110, Ordinance Code and in Section 177.091(11), Florida Statutes. The legal description shall be approved by the Office of General Counsel.

(13)

A certification by the surveyor attesting to the accuracy of the survey and the legal description and that the permanent reference monuments have been established according to law and these regulations.

(14)

Space and form for appropriate certifications and acknowledgement from the Director and the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

(15)

Unless this requirement is waived by the Director or his or her designee, on the face of the plat an unreserved dedication to the public of streets, highways, alleys, parks, parkways, easements, commons or other public places included within the plat.

(16)

City Development Number (CDN) assigned to project by Concurrency and Mobility Management System Office.

(17)

Receipt for payment of filing fee.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 92-471-327, § 1; Ord. 93-26-47, § 1; Ord. 93-2017-1187, § 1; Ord. 95-412-254, § 1; Ord. 96-499-285, § 2; Ord. 2007-308-E, § 1; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Sec. 654.110. - Procedure for approval and recordation of final plat.

(a)

Title certification and real estate taxes. A final plat shall be accompanied by a title opinion of an attorney-at-law licensed in Florida or a certification by an abstractor or a title company, addressed to the City of Jacksonville and certified to a date within 30 days of submission, showing that record title to the land as described and shown on the plat is in the name of the person executing the dedication, if any, as it is shown on the plat and, if the plat does not contain a dedication, that the developer has record title to the land. The title opinion or certification shall also show mortgages not satisfied or released of record in accordance with F.S. § 177.041, other encumbrances, and a certificate from the developer's attorney, abstract company or the Tax Collector that taxes due and payable at, or prior to, the time the application for final approval or acceptance is filed have been paid.

(b)

Ownership of improvements. Upon approval and recordation of the final plat and after the construction of required improvements has been inspected and approved by the City, JEA or other approving entity, ownership of the improvements shall vest in the City, except that:

(1)

The title to the street lighting standards shall vest in the appropriate electric utility serving the area.

(2)

The title to water and/or sewerage system improvements located within the territory covered by a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the State Public Service Commission shall vest in the holder of the certificate.

(3)

The title to water and/or sewerage system improvements in areas not covered by certificates of public convenience and necessity shall vest in the JEA where the continuing services are to be provided by the JEA, except where the interest in titles has been expressly denied by the JEA.

(4)

The public rights-of-way within the subdivision must be specifically accepted by the City for maintenance of the drainage collection system and roadways.

(c)

Application. The Director shall process an application for final plat as provided in this Section. The Land Development Procedures Manual and current City Specifications shall be updated as required to be consistent with this Section, and Section 654.111. The application must be accompanied by the following in order to be deemed complete:

(1)

An updated certification by the developers attorney or abstract company or Tax Collector that taxes due and payable at, or prior to, the time the application for final approval or acceptance is filed have been paid, and statements by the owner or dedicator submitted in writing;

(2)

Proof of the warranties required in subsections (d) and (e), below; and

(3)

A receipt from the Tax Collector showing that the fees as required for preliminary and final plat review have been paid.

(d)

Construction of required improvements, within, or directly related to a proposed plat; warranties required. If the required improvements, with the exception of the final wearing surface lift of asphalt on the local streets, have been constructed as indicated on the plat, the plat shall be approved pursuant to paragraph (1) below. However, in order to have a plat approved prior to the required improvements being satisfactorily constructed, the developer shall assure that the required improvements as depicted on a proposed plat and related approved engineering plans will be completed by providing a guarantee to the City in one of the three forms outlined in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) in this Section.

Additionally, a secured warranty period after completion of the required improvements ("Post-Construction Warranty Period") and warranty ("Post-Construction Warranty") is required after completion of the required improvements, whether constructed prior to platting or secured by the Guarantee, pursuant to subsection 654.110(e), below.

See Figure 1 and Figure 2 as follows for Flow Charts of the process for both public and private rights-of-way.

Figure 1. Public ROW: Plat to ROW thru Warranty Process

Figure 2. Private ROW: Plat to ROW thru Warranty Process

The amount of the Guarantee for the required improvements shall be equal to the total of the following: (1) 100 percent of the total cost of the remaining required subdivision improvements; (2) the cost of placing permanent reference monuments ("PRMs") as required in this Chapter together with the survey costs incident to their proper placement; and (3) the costs to be secured by the Post-Construction Warranty, pursuant to subsection 651.110(e), below. Cost estimates for the required improvements shall be prepared, signed and sealed by a licensed Florida engineer and approved by the Director. The Director shall make a good faith effort to review and decide upon these cost estimates within 15 business days. The time for completion of the improvements shall be approved by the Director.

All work conducted outside of the proposed plat as part of the proposed development, when located within the City's right-of-way, shall be subject to the security and warranty requirements of subsection 744.110(c), and shall be incorporated into one of the enumerated alternatives listed below.

(1)

Construction of required improvements prior to plat. In the event the developer exercises the right to construct and complete required improvements prior to approval of the final plat, the City shall automatically become vested with the right to enter upon the property to be platted for purposes of inspecting the construction of improvements during the progress of the construction. The developer's engineer shall, upon completion of the entire work on one or more units of the subdivision, furnish the Director with a written certificate of the completion accompanied by the records and data as herein prescribed. If the Director finds that the completion of the required improvements complies with these regulations, the final plat shall be approved.

(2)

Cash deposit. The developer shall deposit with the City or place in an account subject to the control of the City cash in the form of a certified check or cashier's check. If the remaining estimated cost is $1,000 or less, the developer may provide a personal check.

The developer shall be entitled to secure draws from the deposits or account as installation progresses at stages of construction established by the Director but not more frequently than monthly. A draw from the cash deposit or account may be made 30 days after the developer's engineer has certified to the City that the cost of improvements installed equals or exceeds the amount of the draw requested plus previous draws made and the Director has inspected the improvements and authorized the draw.

The Director shall have the right to reduce the amount of a requested draw to an amount he feels is justified based upon his inspection of the improvements and shall also have the right to refuse to approve a requested draw so long as the developer fails to be in compliance with any of the terms and conditions of the final plat or final engineering plans and specifications for the improvements.

The developer shall be entitled to receive interest earned on the deposit or account. The City, after 60 days' written notice to the developer, shall have the right to use the cash deposit or account for the completion of the improvements in the event of default by the developer or failure of the developer to complete the improvements within the time required by the Director.

(3)

Letter of Credit. The developer shall furnish to the City an unconditional and irrevocable letter of credit issued by a state or national banking institution and in substantially similar form as approved by the Office of General Counsel and currently available on the Development Services website. During the process of construction, the Director may reduce the dollar amount of the letter of credit on the basis of work completed. The City, after 60 days' written notice to the developer, shall have the right to use any funds resulting from drafts on the letter of credit for the completion of the improvements in the event of default by the developer or failure of the developer to complete the improvements within the time required by the Director.

(4)

Surety Bond. The developer shall furnish to the City a surety bond in the form and by a surety authorized to do business in the State and in substantially similar form as approved by the Office of General Counsel and currently available on the Development Services website, guaranteeing that, within the time required by the Director from final plat approval, the required work will be completed in full accordance with the final plat and all conditions attached thereto within the time for completion as approved by the Director from final plat approval. Copies of the plat and all conditions shall be attached to and constitute a part of the bond agreement.

During the process of construction, the Director may reduce the dollar amount of the bond on the basis of work completed. The City, after 60 days written notice to the developer, shall have the right to bring action or suit on the surety bond for the completion of the improvements in the event of default by the developer or failure of the developer to complete the improvements within the time required by the Director.

The final plat and any supplemental material shall be held in escrow by the Director until the developer has fulfilled all requirements of this Chapter and the Land Development Procedures Manual. Upon completion of all such requirements to the satisfaction of the Director, or his designee, and approval by the Director of the construction of all improvements; or in lieu thereof, the posting of security as provided in this Section, and payment by the developer of required plat recording fees to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Director shall record the plat.

(e)

Post-Construction Warranty. Upon the installation of the first-lift for local streets, a request may be made for acceptance of the required improvements depicted on the approved engineering plans for public local streets, and for approval for private local streets, that were secured by the Guarantee. The request shall be made by the person, firm or corporation seeking such acceptance ("Applicant") who shall first furnish the Post-Construction Warranty acceptable to the City in an amount equal to 15 percent of the total of all construction contracts issued for the required improvements that the City has accepted for maintenance (or in the case of a private local street the improvements that the City approved that a private entity will maintain), plus the cost to secure the application of the wearing surface course (final lift) as outlined in Section 654.111(p). This security may either be an amendment to the original Guarantee posted at time of platting, or may be a new certified or cashier's check, an unconditional and irrevocable letter of credit, a surety bond, or combination thereof. If a new security is posted, the security supporting the Guarantee pursuant to Section 654.110(d)(2)—(4) will be returned and/or released at the time of as-built drawing approval.

The Post-Construction Warranty shall be furnished to secure, during the Post-Construction Warranty Period, at least the following: repair of the required improvements against faulty workmanship, construction and materials; damage done by agents of the Applicant to curb and gutter, asphalt pavement, drainage piping, structures or sidewalks; the application of the final wearing surface course, pursuant to subsection 654.111(p); and other required improvements as shown on the approved engineering plans. Said security shall be submitted by the Applicant, for both public and private subdivisions, to the City for approval and forwarding to the Director and shall remain in force until released as stipulated below.

If the Applicant or their agent takes no action to address any deficiencies, after a 60 days' written notice to the developer, the City may elect to repair and take remedial action to correct the deficiencies during the Post-Construction Warranty Period by drawing such cost from the security. The developer, owner, or assign shall provide evidence annually that the Post-Construction Warranty continues in force until such time that the Director authorizes its release and return.

Local streets that do not provide access to the abutting property may be exempted from the Post-Construction Warranty requirement by the Director.

(f)

Reduction and Release of the Post-Construction Warranty. Upon satisfactory application of the second lift, the Director shall reduce the amount of the Post Construction Warranty to 15 percent of the actual cost of the second lift (wearing course). The Director or designee shall make a good faith effort to review the application and inspect the second lift within 15 business days.

The Post-Construction Warranty shall be released 12 months after the second lift is satisfactorily applied pursuant to subsection 654.111(p), in the applicable phase of the subdivision.

For private local streets, re-inspection and release of the Post Construction Warranty may be requested any time after the satisfactory installation of the final wearing surface course.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 92-471-327, § 2; Ord. 96-499-285, § 3; Ord. 97-229-E, § 23; Ord. 2007-308-E, § 1; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2018-271-E, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.109.

Sec. 654.111. - Design standards: streets.

(a)

The character, width, grade and location of streets shall conform to the standards in this Chapter, the Land Development Procedures Manual, and the Review Procedures and Standards for Subdivisions Manual, and shall be considered in their relation to existing and planned streets, to topographical conditions and to public convenience and safety and in their appropriate relation to the proposed uses of the land to be served by the streets. It has been set forth in the Comprehensive Plan that the City shall utilize the following guidelines, where feasible, as minimum requirements for rights-of-way defined by roadway classification. There shall be no development including buildings, parking lots, and other development related structures within the required right-of-way identified below. Measurement shall be from the centerline of the existing roadway.

(b)

Local streets shall be designed to provide connectivity while discouraging cut-through traffic.

(c)

Where a subdivision abuts on or contains an existing or proposed arterial street or expressway, the Department may require marginal access streets, reverse frontage with screen planting or fencing contained in a non-access easement along the rear property line, deep lots with rear service alleys or such other treatment as may be necessary for adequate protection of residential properties and to afford separation of through and local traffic.

(d)

Where a subdivision borders on or contains a railroad right-of-way or limited access highway right-of-way, the Department may require an access street approximately parallel to and on each side of the right-of-way, at a distance suitable for the appropriate use of the intervening land, as for park or shared use/multi-use path purposes in appropriate districts. Distances involving rights-of-way shall also be determined with due regard for the requirements of approach grades and future grade separations.

(e)

Non-access easements controlling access to streets shall be prohibited except where their control is placed with the City.

(f)

Street jogs with centerline offsets of less than 150 feet on local streets and 200 feet on collector streets, or arterial streets shall be avoided, except where topographical conditions make this provision impractical.

(g)

When connecting streets deflect from each other at any one point by more than ten degrees, they shall be connected by a curve with a radius adequate to ensure a horizontal sight distance in accordance with City standard specifications.

(h)

Streets shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles and no street shall intersect another street at less than a 60-degree angle.

(i)

Property lines at street intersections shall be rounded with a radius of 25 feet or of a greater radius where required by the Department. Comparable cutoffs or chords in place of rounded corners may be permitted.

(j)

Upon the specific approval of the Department, areas shown on plats for streets, highways and alleys shall not be required to be dedicated to the public if the developer, on the plat, grants a nonexclusive and perpetual right of ingress and egress over and across such streets, highways and alleys to owners of lots shown on the plat and to delivery, pickup and fire protection services, police and other authorities of the law, United States mail carriers, representative of utilities authorized to serve the lands shown on the plat and holders of mortgage liens on the lands shown on the plat. In addition, the Department may waive other requirements herein that parks, parkways, easements, commons or other places included within the plat be dedicated to the public. With respect to private streets so approved the following additional standards and regulations shall apply:

(1)

At an intersection where the private street intersects or connects with a public street, the Department shall erect, at the developer's expense, a sign showing the private street name and indicating that the street is a private street. The quality of the sign, the size of the lettering and the method of mounting shall conform to the standards being used for marking City streets at the time of erection. Street name signs must also be erected by the developer at the intersection of a private street with another private street.

(2)

Ownership, and responsibility for maintenance of private streets, shall be vested jointly in the abutting landowners or in the name of an association comprised of all owners or property within the plat, or such other form of ownership approved by the Office of General Counsel and the Department. Retention of ownership of a private street by the developer shall not be permitted unless he is the sole owner of all abutting properties and agrees that any property abutting the private street which may be conveyed to others in the future will include conveyance of a nonexclusive easement for ingress and egress over such private street by deed recorded in the public records.

(3)

The documentation/instrumentation for homeowners associations shall be submitted to the Department and the Office of General Counsel for review and approval.

(4)

Private street names shall be submitted to the Director for approval and shall comply with the City's classification system.

(5)

The requirement for paving, curb and gutters, and sidewalks, may be waived by the Department on private streets which are in an area that is not projected to be urbanized in the Comprehensive Plan, provided the following conditions exist:

(i)

The street serves not more than six lots, each of which contains not less than 1½ acres; and

(ii)

Such street has a graded stabilized travel surface not less than 20 feet wide with roadside swales or ditches or provide positive drainage.

(6)

In all instances, a private street shall connect to a public street directly or by another private street constructed under the provisions of this Chapter or the former Chapter 730, Ordinance Code.

(7)

The Director is authorized to disapprove a private street approved pursuant to this Chapter or the provisions of former Chapter 730, Ordinance Code, and to remove the street from the list of approved private streets when, in the opinion of the Director, the street fails to be properly maintained. When a private street is removed from such list, it may be reinstated on the list of approved private streets upon compliance with all requirements established by the Director and certification by the City Engineer, subsequent to inspection of the private street, or full compliance with all such requirements.

(8)

No person shall sell land abutting a private street unless the prospective buyer has been given the following notice in writing, which notice shall be recorded in the public records of Duval County, Florida, as part of the deed or other instrument of conveyance which transfers the real property interest in the lands abutting the private street:

TO:  _____

The property at _______ which is the subject of this conveyance, abuts a private street which is owned and maintained by _______. The construction and maintenance of such private street is the responsibility of the owners. The City of Jacksonville will not maintain this private street under any condition, other than to relieve an unsafe condition as provided in the Ordinance Code. In the event the City of Jacksonville determines the necessity to pave or otherwise improve this private street, all abutting owners will be responsible for a pro-rata share of the total cost of such improvements, according to the amount of front footage of property abutting upon the private street in the proportion that each property bears to the total front footage of all such property abutting them.

(k)

Dead-end streets, designed to be so permanently, shall be prohibited except when designed as cul-de-sacs. The streets are limited to 1,000 feet in length; however, the Department may approve cul-de-sacs of greater lengths where, due to topographical or environmental conditions, design consideration or the number of lots to be located on the street, a greater length is deemed necessary. They shall be provided at the closed end with a circular dedicated area with a diameter of not less than 90 feet at the property line and not less than 60 feet at the edge of the pavement. There may be provided in the center of the turnaround an unpaved island, surrounded by a curb, improved with grass and landscaping that will not interfere with sight distance, which has a diameter or not less than 20 feet. The Department may permit a "Y" or "T" design of proper size for vehicular turnaround. In those cases where dead-end streets are intended to be extended in the later stages of the subdivision as revealed by the preapplication material, temporary turnarounds shall be provided at the present ends of those streets within the right-of-way areas required for those streets.

(l)

Street names and house numbers shall conform to the street naming and house numbering plan of the City. New street names shall not duplicate or closely approximate phonetically, in spelling or by use of alternate suffixes such as lane, way, drive, court avenue or street the names of existing streets, except that a new street that is an extension of or in alignment with an existing street shall bear the same name as that borne by an existing street. The Department shall, within ten days of conditional approval of the preliminary plat, assign or cause assignment of house numbers on all lots.

(m)

Street grades shall be determined in relation to the drainage installations for the subdivision. Plans for these designs (plans and profile) shall be approved by the Director. The plans shall be designed and drawn in accordance with City standards. Elevations shall be based on the North American Vertical Datum - 1988.

(n)

The City shall require all new or reconstructed streets to include bicycle facilities. Bicycle facilities shall meet the design standards in the City Standard Details, Land Development Procedures Manual, and Policy 4.1.1 of the Transportation Element of the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

(o)

All new local streets in a residential subdivision that are adjacent and provide access to lots that are of a size allowed in a Residential Low Density - 60 ("RLD-60") zoning district or smaller, including lots of that size or smaller within a Planned Unit Development ("PUD") District, shall have a minimum paving width of 24 feet, not including curb and gutter. The paving width may be reduced to 20 feet if any of the following conditions are met for that section of the road:

(1)

The land is zoned as a Traditional Neighborhood Development ("TND") District, and an alley is provided relative to the street, then the dimensions for TND roadways shall apply;

(2)

A minimum of five on-site parking spaces, measured pursuant to Section 656.607, Ordinance Code, are provided on each lot;

(3)

A minimum of one off-site parking space for every three lots is provided no further than 300 feet away from the furthest lot; or

(4)

At least one side of the road shall be designated as "No Parking" with either signs, striping, curb painting, or a combination thereof, as approved by the Department.

(p)

A two-lift pavement system with regard to application of the second asphalt lift (wearing surface) is required for all new local streets. Tack (prime) coat shall be required between multiple lifts. All infrastructure and the base course shall be constructed in accordance with applicable Subdivision Regulations and the warranty requirements of Section 654.110. The wearing surface course application shall be delayed in each phase (as shown on an approved development plan) of single and multi-family residential developments until either:

(1)

Eighty percent of the units in that phase have received a Certificate of Occupancy; or

(2)

Twenty-four months have passed since the first Certificate of Occupancy was issued in that phase.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2007-308-E, § 1; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2018-271-E, § 2; Ord. 2017-805-E, § 1; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20)

Note— Former § 654.110.

Sec. 654.112. - Design standards: transportation systems management (TSM).

Improvements to the existing transportation network which do not entail the addition of through lanes will be implemented for the development of new sites, when TSM improvements are necessary and adequate to maintain an acceptable level of service. Additional through lanes will only be permitted if it is determined in the development review process that TSM improvements are not adequate to maintain an acceptable level of service. TSM improvements include high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, exclusive bus lanes, tuning lanes, acceleration/deceleration lanes, intersection improvements, synchronization of traffic signals, the promotion of ride-sharing and van-pooling with preferential parking for the vehicles used for this purpose, the implementation of staggered work hours, the subsidization of transit fares or other such measures deemed by the Department to be acceptable and effective.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Sec. 654.113. - Design standards: right-of-way.

The Public Right-of-Way

EXPAND Minimum Rights-of-Way Feet Rural area: Limited access with high speed rail 500 Urban area: Limited access (interstate) 400 Limited access: (with frontage roads and not interstate) 250 Limited access: (without frontage roads and not interstate) 180 Major arterial 150 Minor arterial 120 Collector: (with curb and gutter)  70 (without curb and gutter)  80 Local: (with curb and gutter)  50 (without curb and gutter)  60 Cul-de-sacs and loop streets: (with curb and gutter)  50 (without curb and gutter)  60

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Sec. 654.114. - Design standards: right-of-way protection.

(a)

Right-of-way protection. Where a subdivision abuts or contains an existing street of inadequate right-of-way width, additional right-of-way shall be required for new subdivisions. In such cases, the minimum right-of-way by roadway classification will be determined on the basis of the above table in Section 654.113. The difference between the width of the existing right-of-way, and the minimum right-of-way width will be determined by subtracting one from the other. If it is determined that the established minimum right-of-way exceeds the width of the existing right-of-way the difference will be halved and added to the required yard setback on each side of the roadway.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Sec. 654.115. - Design standards: access to the public right-of-way.

The following requirements shall be met when providing access to residential and nonresidential parcels.

(a)

Spacing of accesses. For all new arterials and freeways or other limited access facilities constructed after 1991, and from all major arterials for which access and egress are to be reevaluated, the following guidelines are to be used in determining the spacing of accesses, streets or interchanges: EXPAND Limited access facilities-rural 1 per 2 miles Limited access facilities-urban  with frontage roads 1 per mile  without frontage roads 1 per 2 miles Major arterials 4 per mile Minor arterials 8 per mile

(b)

Access for corner lots. Access for corner lots or parcels shall be located the greatest distance from the corner commensurate with property dimensions. For roadways having a functional classification of collector or higher, access shall not be less than 150 feet from the geometric centerline of intersecting roadways, 100 feet from the outside through lane, or commensurate with property dimensions, where the lot frontage is insufficient to meet these requirements, subject to the approval of the Traffic Engineering Division and the Department.

(c)

Driveway entrance. Three or more driveways from an arterial or collector shall not be permitted for a single site unless otherwise authorized by the Traffic Engineering Division. Existing sites having three or more approaches from a particular street shall be required to eliminate the excess drives or convert the excess drives to right-turn-only accesses or egresses at such time as application is made to the City for any change in land use, zoning or increase in gross leasable square footage. Final acceptance of revised driveway approaches shall be subject to the approval of the Traffic Engineering Division, or the appropriate authority.

(d)

Shared access. New development sites shall be required, whenever possible, to share access points.

(e)

Access to residential parcels with frontage on two or more roadways. Access to new residential parcels with frontage along two or more roadways shall be limited to access from the roadway with the lower functional class, or the lower average daily traffic inclusive of development traffic for roadways of the same functional class, unless it can be demonstrated in a traffic study submitted to the Director, or his or her designee that such access restriction would:

(1)

Present a safety hazard,

(2)

Cause undue congestion or delay on adjacent road facilities,

(3)

Cause environmental degradation, or

(4)

Hinder adequate traffic circulation.

The City shall require that access to new single-family residential parcels with frontage along two or more roadways be located in accordance with the following parameters:

1.

If the roadways are of differing functional classes, then access to the parcel shall be provided from the roadway with the lower functional class only,

2.

If the roadways are of the same functional class, then access shall be provided as follows:

a.

If one of the roadways is unimproved, access to the parcel may be provided from the improved roadway;

b.

In the case of redevelopment of existing parcels, from the roadway where the prevailing pattern of existing driveways are located; or

c.

In the case of new subdivisions where no pattern currently exists, on the roadway with the lower average daily traffic (ADT) inclusive of development traffic.

3.

Driveways should be on the same road on which the parcel is addressed and the front door of the home is located, except in the case of an entirely new planned unit development or traditional neighborhood development where rear entry drives are expressly contemplated.

The above parameters shall be followed unless it can be demonstrated in a professional traffic study submitted for review and approval to the Traffic Engineering Division, and with which the City staff agrees, that such access restrictions would either:

1.

Present a safety hazard;

2.

Would cause undue congestion or delay on adjacent road facilities;

3.

Would cause environmental degradation; or

4.

Would hinder adequate traffic circulation.

(f)

Access to commercial and office use parcels. The Council finds that improvement of traffic circulation within and between office and commercial parcels of similar intensity along collector or higher functionally classified roadways is in the public interest for both the convenience and safety of the public on the roads and within the parcels. The Council further finds that rights of private property owners are of interest and should be balanced against the public interest in improvement of traffic circulation. To that end, the following provisions shall be observed when providing access to commercial and office use parcels, other than those within the Commercial Central Business District ("CCBD"), or as excepted herein:

(1)

Where a commercial or office use development abuts or contains a designated collector or higher functionally classified roadway, a cross-access drive, lane or way ("cross-access") shall be constructed to connect the properties adjacent to the collector or higher functionally classified roadway in order to provide for interconnectivity of traffic flow through and along parking lots and access roads leading to and from adjacent commercial or office use developments without the need to access the collector or higher classified roadway.

(A)

If the adjacent site is developed and, in the opinion of the Department, cross-access is feasible, the owner or developer shall design and build the appropriate cross-access to the property line of the adjacent parcel.

(B)

If the adjacent site is developed, but in the opinion of the Department, cross-access is not feasible at this time, the owner or developer shall design and designate on the site plan the location of future cross-access, but will not be required to construct the cross-access at the time of initial site development. The owner shall commit, in writing, to construct and allow cross-access at such time as the City determines that cross-access is feasible and desirable.

(C)

If the adjacent site is undeveloped, the owner or developer shall design and build the cross-access to the property line of the adjacent parcel in anticipation of future connection when that site is developed.

(D)

The minimum width of a vehicular cross-access shall be 24 feet.

(E)

Existing commercial or office use developments in place on the date of adoption of this interconnectivity requirement that do not contain the interconnectivity as required by this Section, shall be brought into compliance with this requirement under the following conditions provided that a determination is made by the Director that such interconnectivity requirements do not impose an undue burden, as described below, on the affected property owners:

(i)

When a new driveway connection permit is required for the existing development; or

(ii)

When substantial enlargements or improvements to the existing development are undertaken. "Substantial" means within any three-year period, when the total cumulative renovation of existing development is equal to at least 50 percent of the assessed value of the lot improvements (including structures and parking and exterior areas but not the value of the land) on the start of the three-year period, according to the Property Appraiser, or the total square footage of a structure is expanded to 50 percent or greater, as well as any cumulative square footage expansions totaling 50 percent; or

(iii)

When a 25% or greater increase in vehicle trip generation is attributable to the new development, as compared to the existing development, is documented.

(F)

Parcels zoned CCG-2 shall not be required to connect to parcels within a zoning district other than CCG-2, but they shall be required to interconnect with each other. Similarly, parcels within a zoning district other than CCG-2 are not required to connect to a parcel zoned as CCG-2.

(2)

The construction or erection of any barrier or obstacle which would prohibit access to the cross-access drive from a site's major parking area or prohibit sharing access drives for interconnectivity with adjacent properties shall be prohibited. This provision is not to conflict with or exempt a developer from complying with landscape and tree protection regulations.

(3)

Specific exemptions to, or abatement of, this provision may be granted by the Director, or his or her designee when one or more of the following conditions occur:

(A)

physical or regulatory constraints on a currently developed property prohibit, as determined in consultation with the City Engineer, the construction of a cross-access drive which meets the City's design and clear zone standards; or

(B)

The parcel required to provide interconnectivity requests an abatement based upon the use of their property as particularly requiring security or privacy as a mandatory element of their business. When that use ceases, the requirement to provide the cross-access resumes, and the abatement ends; or

(C)

The owner or developer can prove to the satisfaction of the Director that there was a lease, mortgage, or other agreement, related to the real estate parcel in question, in existence prior to April 4, 2018, that prohibits the developer or owner from providing the cross-access. For purposes of this abatement, the abatement ends at the conclusion of such an agreement's full term.

(D)

The Director determines that an affected property owner otherwise subject to the provisions of this Section would currently be subject to an undue burden if required to provide the interconnectivity. An "undue burden" shall be determined as follows:

(i)

In the opinion of the City's Traffic Engineer, the connection will create undue traffic conflicts;

(ii)

In the opinion of the Director, the connection will create undue harm to protected trees;

(iii)

In the opinion of the City's Engineer, the elevation change between sites creates an undue engineering burden, or creates undue utility conflicts;

(iv)

Any other burden expressed in writing by the Director stating the undue burden and the rationale for declaring the burden undue.

(g)

Access to newly developed and redeveloped parcels, other than parcels zoned for or used for single-family dwellings, with frontage on two or more roadways. Access to newly developed and redeveloped parcels with frontage along two or more roadways, other than parcels zoned for or used for single-family dwellings, shall be limited in order to protect performance of the City's transportation network. Access shall be limited to one per roadway with access from the higher functional class roadway or roadway with the higher average daily traffic (ADT) being limited to right turn-in/right turn-out only. However, exemptions from these requirements may be granted by the Director where factors justify the exemptions. Factors to be taken into consideration for exemptions may include, but are not limited to: parcel size and road frontage; projected trip generation of a development; safety and congestion hazards; potential for delay on adjacent road facilities; environmental degradation; adequate traffic circulation; and/or elimination of existing access points.

The Director shall require a written statement of justification, along with any supporting documentation deemed necessary, from the applicant to determine if an exemption is warranted. The applicant's justification must demonstrate a need for the exemption and how granting of the exemption will not hinder the overall goal of protecting the performance of the City's transportation network.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2018-146-E, § 1; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20)

Editor's note— Ordinance 2007-839-E, § 18, authorized updated department/division names pursuant to reorganization.

Sec. 654.116. - Design standards: alleys.

(a)

Alleys shall be provided in commercial and industrial districts, except that the Department may waive the requirement where other definite and assured provision is made for service access such as off-street loading, unloading and parking consistent with and adequate for the uses proposed. The paved width of an alley shall be as required by the Land Development Procedures Manual.

(b)

Alleys may be provided in residential districts.

(c)

Alley intersections and sharp changes in alignment shall be avoided but, where necessary, curves shall be cut off sufficiently to permit safe vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle movement.

(d)

Dead-end alleys are prohibited.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2017-806-E, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.111.

Sec. 654.117. - Design standards: easements.

(a)

Easements across lots or centered on rear or side lot lines shall be provided for utilities in accordance with the Land Development Procedures Manual and shall extend from a street to a street.

(b)

Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, canal, drainage-way, nonnavigable channel or stream, there shall be provided a stormwater easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of the watercourse and such further width or construction or both as will be adequate for the purpose.

(c)

Other easements may be required for drainage purposes of such size and location as may be determined by the Director.

(d)

Where necessary to safety and convenience, pedestrian and service easements or rights-of-way may be provided.

(e)

Bicycle paths and horse trail easements or rights-of-way may be provided, subject to arrangements satisfactory to the City as to the assumption of maintenance costs.

(f)

Easements required by these regulations within proposed subdivisions shall be provided at no expense to the City.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.112.

Sec. 654.118. - Design Standards: Ash Management Plan for Brown's Dump and Jacksonville Ash Sites.

All lands located within those areas assigned U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") Site Identification Numbers FLD980847016 (Brown's Dump) and FLSFN0407002 (Jacksonville Ash Sites, i.e., Forest Street Incinerator Site, 5 th & Cleveland Streets Incinerator Site, and Lonnie C. Miller, Jr., Park) ("Brown's Dump" and "Jacksonville Ash Sites") shall be developed in compliance with the Ash Management Plan prepared by the Neighborhoods Department and approved by the EPA and set forth in the Land Development Procedures Manual. Additionally, all construction that occurs within Brown's Dump and the Jacksonville Ash Sites shall be subject to review as set forth in Section 320.403.

(Ord. 2011-230-E, § 2; Ord. 2011-732-E; Ord. 2013-209-E, § 40; Ord. 2016-140-E, § 16)

Editor's note— Ord. 2011-230-E, § 2, amended the Code by repealing former § 654.118, and adding a new § 654.118. Former § 654.118 pertained to bikeways requirements, and derived from Ord. 91-58-147, § 1. Similar provisions can now be found in § 654.133.

Sec. 654.119. - Design standards: wetlands and lands adjacent to water bodies.

All developments must be in compliance with the goals, objectives and policies found in the Comprehensive Plan, including the Future Land Use and Conservation/Coastal Management Elements.

(a)

Areas designated as jurisdictional wetlands as determined by the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Environmental Protection, St. Johns River Water Management District or the City environmental agencies shall remain undisturbed and will not be encroached upon unless a dredge and fill permit has been obtained and the encroachment has been approved by the Planning Commission and will be shown on the sketch plan, preliminary plat and the final plat.

(b)

The Department may prepare and utilize special design standards and criteria for industries located along a waterway or water body.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Sec. 654.120. - Design standards: recreation and open space requirements.

Development of lands shall be required where applicable to link to existing parks, open space and recreational facilities by either streets, sidewalks, bicycle paths, or other acceptable alternatives as approved by the Department.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Sec. 654.121. - Design standards: preservation/protection of natural and native habitat.

(a)

The Conservation/Coastal Management Element identifies areas which have been mapped and identified for areas to be protected including colonial nesting sites for wading birds and shorebirds, significant feeding and nesting sites for migratory birds, and native upland communities. These areas shall not be disturbed or encroached upon unless approved by the Department and shall be identified on the final plat.

(b)

The Conservation/Coastal Management Element identifies areas which have been mapped and identified for protection of potable water well fields, areas of moderate to high aquifer recharge, known habitat areas of rare, endangered, or threatened species, and other significant natural resources. These areas shall not be disturbed or encroached upon unless approved by the Department and shall be identified on the final plat.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Sec. 654.122. - Design standards: historic and archaeological sites.

In consultation with the Florida Division of Historical Resources, the City shall maintain and update a list of all recorded historic resources within its boundaries. For the purposes of this listing a historic resource includes all areas, districts or sites containing properties listed on the Florida Master Site File, the National Register of Historic Places or designated as historically, architecturally or archaeologically significant. In addition to the site listing, the City will maintain and update a U.S.G.S. series of topographic maps upon which recorded archaeological sites are shown, as well as archaeological sensitivity zones to indicate the probability of archaeological sites.

(a)

All proposed subdivisions of land that have recorded historic resources shall be reviewed by the Department to determine significance and to identify appropriate measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate impact to the affected historic resources. Such measures may include, but are not to be limited to, clustering, concentration of open spaces and professional archaeological testing or excavation.

(b)

If any historic resource is discovered during the development process, the developer shall permit no development as defined under F.S. § 380.04 to occur within a minimum of 100-foot radius of the site until the Department, in consultation with the Florida Division of Historical Resources, has evaluated the significance of the site and determined appropriate protective measures. If the Department does not complete an evaluation within 45 days, the development can proceed as ordered.

(c)

Human burials—to knowingly disturb human remains is a third degree felony in the State of Florida, pursuant to F.S. Ch. 872 (Offenses Concerning Dead Bodies and Graves). The law includes prehistoric, as well as historic period internment, aboriginal burial mounds or cemeteries, as well as historic period cemeteries. Procedures for dealing with human remains shall be carried out according to the above-referenced statute, which is coordinated by the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

(d)

All archaeological survey work performed to identify and evaluate archaeological resources, or to excavate significant archaeological sites for which preservation in place is not possible, shall be conducted under the supervision of a professional archaeologist.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Sec. 654.123. - Design standards: entry sign.

A sign up to 24 square feet in area identifying the name of the subdivision development shall be permitted pursuant to Section 656.1303, Ordinance Code at the entry to developments in public rights-of-way and approved private roads as recognized by the Department and upon approval from the Department.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20)

Sec. 654.124. - Design standards: alternatives for design flexibility.

Flexibility, good design, and layout for development of the land is encouraged to promote the preservation of historical and archeological sites, wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas, natural and native features of the land, and to provide recreation and open space. This shall be accomplished by clustering development, Planned Unit Developments, easements to the City of Jacksonville, State of Florida and federal agencies, etc.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Sec. 654.125. - Design standards: blocks.

(a)

The lengths, widths and shapes of blocks shall be determined with due regard to:

(1)

Provision of adequate building sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use contemplated.

(2)

Zoning requirements as to lot sizes and dimensions.

(3)

Needs for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of street and pedestrian traffic and fire protection.

(4)

Limitations and opportunities of topography, with special emphasis on drainage of the proposed subdivision and the possible adverse effects of that drainage on properties surrounding the subdivision.

(b)

Block lengths shall not exceed 1,500 feet between intersecting streets, except that the Department may approve blocks of greater length.

(c)

On-grade pedestrian crosswalks may be required where deemed essential to provide circulation or access to schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, transportation and other community facilities. Wheelchair ramps shall be provided at intersections or crosswalks as required by State law.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Note— Former § 654.113.

Sec. 654.126. - Design standards: lots and elevation requirements.

(a)

The lot shape and orientation shall be appropriate for the location of the subdivision and for the type of development and use contemplated. Lot arrangement and design shall be such that all lots will provide satisfactory and desirable building sites.

(b)

Lot dimensions and the minimum building setbacks shall conform to the requirements of the Zoning Code and shall meet the following additional requirements:

(1)

Residential lots proposed with individual wells and/or septic tank disposal fields shall conform to the standards of Jacksonville's environmental protection rules, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection rules and regulations, and any other state agency regulating septic systems, and the City of Jacksonville's Comprehensive Plan.

(2)

Depth and width of properties reserved or laid out for commercial and industrial purposes shall be adequate to provide for facilities required by the type of use and development contemplated.

(c)

Corner lots for residential use shall have extra width, greater than a corresponding interior lot, to accommodate the required building setbacks from an orientation to both streets.

(d)

The subdivision shall provide each lot with satisfactory and permanent access to a public street or approved private street.

(e)

As provided in Section 321.109, Ordinance Code, and Part 10, Chapter 652, Ordinance Code, buildings and structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas and Adjusted Special Flood Hazard Areas shall have the lowest floors elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus two feet, or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher. In order to elevate the lowest floor to this level, off-grade or stem wall construction techniques shall be used such that the lot itself is not filled more than one foot above base flood elevation at the site of any structure, as permitted by the current edition of the Florida Building Code.

(f)

As provided in Part 10, Chapter 652, Ordinance Code, accessory structures are permitted below elevations required by the Florida Building Code, provided the accessory structures are used only for parking or storage and:

(1)

If located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone A/AE) other than coastal high hazard areas, are one-story and not larger than 600 square feet and have flood openings in accordance with Section R322.2 of the Florida Building Code, Residential.

(2)

If located in coastal high hazard areas (Zone V/VE), are not located below elevated buildings and are not larger than 100 square feet.

(3)

Are anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from flood loads.

(4)

Have flood damage-resistant materials used below the base flood elevation plus two feet.

(5)

Have mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, including plumbing fixtures, elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus two feet.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2008-513-E, § 1; Ord. 2011-732-E; Ord. 2013-209-E, § 40; Ord. 2016-140-E, § 16; Ord. 2023-615-E, § 12)

Note— Former § 654.114.

Sec. 654.127. - Required improvements: monuments.

(a)

Permanent reference monuments (PRMs) shall be located as indicated on the final plat and as required by F.S. Ch. 177.

(b)

Lot corners shall be monumented by the surveyor of record.

(c)

The location of permanent reference monuments shall be indicated on the final plat. Iron pipes and pins and permanent reference monuments shall be of the size, material and length specified by the Director.

(d)

Lot corners shall be monumented with iron pipes, iron pins or permanent reference monuments.

(e)

Permanent reference monuments (PRM) and permanent control points (PCP) shall be set in accordance with F.S. § 177.091, except that monuments, including lot corners, must be placed before the developer is released from his surety. If no surety bond or personal bond secured by a letter of credit is posted, monuments including lot corners must be placed prior to acceptance for ownership and maintenance. PRM and PCP disturbed or destroyed in the prosecution of construction, shall be accurately witnessed and replaced at the developer's expense upon the completion of construction. The Department may accept a certification from the developer's surveyor that the requirements of this Section have been satisfied.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.115.

Sec. 654.128. - Required improvements: street and name signs.

The developer shall pay the City for the cost of street name signs and the City shall install street name signs at all intersections.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.116.

Sec. 654.129. - Required improvements: storm drainage.

(a)

Subdivision improvements shall include comprehensive storm drainage facilities in accordance with the Land Development Procedures Manual.

(b)

All subdivisions shall be designed using the following impervious surface ratios: EXPAND Zoning District Impervious Surface Ratio RR-Acre 30% RLD-120 35% RLD-100A 45% RLD-100B 45% RLD-90 50% RLD-80 50% RLD-70 55% RLD-60 65% RLD-50 65% RLD-40 70% RLD-TND 70% RLD-TNH 75% RMD-A 70% RMD-B 70% RMD-C 70% RMD-D 75% RHD-A 85% RHD-B 85% CO 85% CRO 85% CN 85% CCG-1 85% CCG-2 85% CCBD 95% or as otherwise provided in Subpart H RO 85% IBP 85% IL 85% IH 85% IW 85% AGR 15% PBF-1 See (1) PBF-2 See (1) PBF-3 See (1) CSV See (1) ROS See (1) PUD See (1) PUD-SC See (1) RMD-S 75% CRO-S 85% CN-S 85% CCG-S 85%

(1)

The impervious surface ratios for zoning districts noted with "See (1)" in the above chart shall be the impervious surface ratios for uses similar to the proposed uses, as determined by the Director of the Planning and Development Department.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2019-375-E, § 2)

Note— Former § 654.117.

Sec. 654.130. - Required improvements: clearing and grading of rights-of-way.

The developer shall be required to clear rights-of-way in accordance with the Land Development Procedures Manual, and to make grades, including grades for streets, alleys and drainage, consistent to grades of the approved construction plans. Debris shall be removed from rights-of-way.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.118.

Sec. 654.131. - Required improvements: bridges and culverts.

(a)

Culverts and bridges shall meet the standards specified in the Land Development Procedures Manual. Culverts shall be of a size to provide adequate drainage opening and of sufficient length to extend beyond the shoulder lines of the road.

(b)

Locations of bridges and culverts, with construction data and full specifications, shall be shown in an exhibit and approval or acceptance of the final plat shall not be accomplished unless the exhibit is approved in accordance with the Land Development Procedures Manual.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.119.

Sec. 654.132. - Required improvements: sewer and water.

(a)

Public water and sanitary sewer systems shall be provided in each new subdivision, except new subdivisions which include private septic tanks or other individual sewage disposal systems as may be approved by the Director of Water and Wastewater, JEA under the following conditions:

(1)

JEA or private utility sewage service is not available within ¼ mile of the proposed subdivision.

(2)

If the proposed subdivision is outside the projected urban area or suburban area as defined by the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, each lot shall be one acre or larger and zoning shall be such as to require lots to be one acre or larger.

(3)

If the proposed subdivision is inside such projected area of urbanization:

(i)

Each lot shall be ½ acre or larger and zoning shall be such as to require lots to be ½ acre or larger; and

(ii)

Mounded septic tanks or other individual alternative systems are not required by the Department of Health and Environmental Services.

Plans for use of private septic tanks, private sewerage systems or private water systems must, in these circumstances, be approved by the appropriate State and City authorities before approval of the preliminary plat. Private septic tanks or private sewerage systems and private water systems shall be so installed as to simplify later connection with City systems.

(b)

Installation of water and sanitary sewer systems shall be in accordance with the standards of the Land Development Procedures Manual and required by the Director of Water and Wastewater, JEA. Meter boxes for public water service or meter boxes for private water service systems which are placed within JEA or City-owned rights-of-way shall be located in accordance with the provisions of the applicable JEA regulations. When meter boxes are installed in advance of meters, they shall be placed utilizing the dimensions set forth in the applicable JEA regulations, and measurement shall be to the meter box lid in the cover.

(c)

Costs of installing water facilities (including fire hydrants, meter boxes and meter box tops) and sanitary sewer and storm sewer facilities shall be borne by the developer; provided, that, where the developer is required by the Director of Water and Wastewater, JEA to install larger lines or facilities than necessary to serve his development in order to provide for future development, the differences in costs between installing facilities adequate for the subdivision and the oversize lines shall be borne by the JEA; and provided further, that, at the time as additional subdivisions shall make use of the oversize facilities, the JEA may assess the cost to the future developers proportionate to their respective use of the facilities.

(d)

With respect to fire protection:

(1)

The water system shall be designed and installed as provided in the Land Development Procedures Manual and approved by the Director of Water and Wastewater, JEA.

(2)

The responsibility for maintenance of fire hydrants in good working condition shall be that of the water utility serving the water system.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 97-229-E, § 24; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Note— Former § 654.120.

Sec. 654.133. - Required improvements: streets; curbs and gutters; sidewalks; and bikeway requirements.

(a)

Streets and public ways shall be cleared and graded, including side slopes to the specified grade. If required to prevent erosion or excessive washing of the shoulders, protective measures shall be taken by the developer as required by the Director.

(b)

Streets shall be paved and standard curb and gutter installed to meet the specifications of the Land Development Procedures Manual.

(c)

Sidewalks shall be provided for all developments, including residential or non-residential infill lots, and along all new, reconstructed, and existing streets, to provide safe pedestrian travel. The Land Development Procedures Manual outlines general sidewalk requirements based upon the Development Area of the proposed development, and the impacted roadway type identified on the City of Jacksonville Context Classification map. Also, the following shall be observed:

(1)

When standard sidewalk width cannot be attained due to demonstrated right-of-way constraints, provide the greatest sidewalk width possible, but not less than five feet.

(2)

Safe and exclusive pedestrian access shall be provided between existing bus stops and identified future bus stops and individual building lots.

(3)

ADA standard curb ramps are required at all intersections where one or more of the rights-of-way of the intersecting streets contain sidewalks.

(d)

As an alternative to providing sidewalks within the approved right-of-way, a shared use/multi-use path may be provided subject to approval by the Department based upon the presence of nearby paths, if the location is part of an established plan for shared use/multi-use paths, or if the location is an important link between existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

(e)

There are two options for providing sidewalks along residential local subdivision streets. Residential local subdivision streets are local streets within platted subdivisions that provide access to residential lots and that do not provide connectivity to major arterials, minor arterials, collector streets or serve major traffic generators.

(1)

Option A: Provide five-foot wide unobstructed sidewalks on both sides of all streets, except as follows:

(A)

Sidewalks are not required on a cul-de-sac with less than 15 lots (Note: corner lots shall be included in the lot count).

(B)

Cul-de sac streets and minor roads that serve between 15 and 30 lots may provide a five-foot wide sidewalk on one side of the street.

(2)

Option B: Provide a six-foot wide unobstructed sidewalk on one side of the street for all local streets, as long as the sidewalk establishes good interconnections, and is located on the side of the street that will serve the most residential lots.

(f)

A subdivision entrance street or streets in a platted subdivision which provides a connection to a collector street, major arterial or otherwise serve as the entrance or exist point(s) to the subdivision, shall provide a six-foot sidewalk on both sides of the subdivision entrance street(s), and shall connect to external sidewalks, if the same exist. If external sidewalks adjacent to the subdivision do not exist, a minimum six-foot wide sidewalk shall be installed at least along the frontage of the subdivision, and perhaps further pursuant to staff review and the LDPM.

(g)

Developments of large scale shall give consideration to on-site provisions of bike lockers and showers.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2005-386-E, § 1; Ord. 2011-230-E, § 2; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2015-212-E, § 4; Ord. 2017-805-E, § 1; Ord. 2022-221-E, § 2)

Editor's note— Ordinance 2007-839-E, § 18, authorized updated department/division names pursuant to reorganization.

Note— Former § 654.121.

Sec. 654.134. - Utility lines.

Utility lines of all kinds, including those of franchised utilities, electric power and light, telephone and telegraph, cable television, water, sewer and gas shall be constructed and installed beneath the surface of the ground unless it is determined by the JEA or Department that soil, topographical or another compelling condition makes the underground installation of the utility lines as prescribed herein unreasonable or impracticable. The underground installation of incidental appurtenances such as transformer boxes, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes, meter boxes for electricity or similar service hardware necessary for the provision of electric and communication utilities shall not be required. Below-ground-level installation shall not be required of the electric and communication major feeder or transmission lines which serve more than one residential subdivision. The placement, installation and maintenance of utility lines shall be in conformance with the respective utility company's construction procedures as approved by the Department. The developer shall make the necessary cost and other arrangements, including easements, for the underground installation with each of the persons furnishing the utility services involved. In subdivisions of less than 12 lots or where the density of development is less than one dwelling an acre, the Department may waive the requirement for underground installation if the service to an adjacent area is overhead and no further development of the proposed subdivision is contemplated. This Section shall not apply to resubdivisions of areas already developed, if the resubdivision will not require material and substantial changes in utility lines or accessory installation.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20)

Note— Former § 654.122.

Sec. 654.135. - Street lighting.

The developer shall provide street lighting standards in the subdivision in accordance with the specifications set forth by the electric utility serving the area and the Land Development Procedures Manual. The complete street lighting system shall be maintained by the electric utility serving the area.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.123.

Sec. 654.136. - Director to enforce and administer.

(a)

For the purpose of generally enforcing and administering this Chapter, the Director shall be deemed the administrative officer of the City.

(b)

The Director or his duly authorized representative shall make the necessary inspections before, during and after the construction of the work so that the Department may be currently informed of the status of the development and so that the Director may generally assist agencies and persons involved in the work to maintain the standards set by these regulations.

(c)

Upon completion of the work, where the work has proceeded under surety bond, cash deposit or personal bond secured by a letter of credit, the developer's engineer shall submit to the Director a certificate stating that the work has been entirely completed and that it substantially conforms in all respects to the final plat and plans for required improvements and to the specifications set by these regulations. On completion of the work, the developer will furnish for approval as built drawings of the improvements to the Director.

(d)

Upon completion of all of the elements of the work in accordance with these regulations and the plans and specifications, the Director shall issue a certification that the work has been acceptably completed and furnish copies of the certification to the developer, the developer's engineer and the Council. Upon issuance of the certificate, the surety bond, personal bond with letter of credit or cash deposit of the developer shall be released, if as built construction plans have been delivered to and approved by the Director.

(e)

Upon completion of all of the elements of the work in accordance with these regulations and the plans and specifications, the Director shall issue a certification that the work has been acceptably completed and furnish copies of the certification to the developer, the developer's engineer, the Council and the Department. Upon issuance of the certificate, the surety bond, personal bond with letter of credit or cash deposit of the developer shall be released, if as built construction plans have been delivered to and approved by the Director.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20)

Note— Former § 654.124.

Sec. 654.137. - Deviations.

(a)

Where the Department finds that compliance with the regulations set forth in this Chapter would cause unusual or extraordinary difficulties because of exceptional and unique conditions of topography, access, location, shape, size, drainage, right-of-way constraints, or other physical features of the site, it may grant a deviation from this Chapter so that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured; provided that the public interest is protected and the development is in keeping with the general spirit and intent of these regulations. A deviation may take the form of a construction waiver, a deferral, or a variance. The deviation may be granted upon written request of the developer setting forth the reasons for each deviation and subject to any conditions the Department may impose. No deviation may be granted solely on the basis of economic hardship or if it would have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of these regulations.

(b)

The standards and requirements of this Chapter may be modified by the Department in the case of a plan and program for an urban village, a complete community or a neighborhood unit, which, in the judgment of the Department, provides adequate public spaces and improvements for the traffic and pedestrian circulations, recreation, light, air, or will encourage/assist the provision of affordable housing and service needs of the tract when fully developed and populated and which will provide the covenants or other legal provisions as will ensure that the development will not constitute an economic and tax burden on the City.

(c)

The Director may grant a deviation of these standards for good cause in writing for developments that qualify as industrial in nature.

(d)

Sidewalk deviations. The Director may require a transportation study to substantiate deviations from the general requirements.

(1)

Construction waiver and payment into Sidewalk Fund. For good cause, the Director may grant a waiver, in areas other than Downtown as defined in Sec. 656.301, Subpart H, Ordinance Code, from the requirement to construct a sidewalk at the lot to be developed if an application is made, and approved, for payment into the In-Lieu Sidewalk Program as outlined in the LDPM. This Program is not to be used if the construction of a sidewalk in that location is merely more expensive than a typical sidewalk. An application should only be approved if construction of a sidewalk in that location is not feasible due to unforeseen or uncontrollable situations as outlined in the LDPM. If the application is approved, the developer shall contribute the calculated amount of the sidewalk into the Sidewalk Construction Special Revenue Fund (the "Sidewalk Fund") pursuant to Sec. 111.550, Ordinance Code. If construction of the sidewalk is not feasible at that time, or the need is not immediately foreseeable, then a deferral may be explored.

(2)

Deferrals. For residential infill lots only, the Director may grant a deferral, in areas other than Downtown as defined in Sec. 656.301, Subpart H, Ordinance Code, for the construction of a required sidewalk until such time as sidewalks are needed for the lot (or lots) that are being developed or redeveloped.

(A)

The Director shall determine when sidewalks are needed based on the growth of the area surrounding the development.

(B)

A deferral granted pursuant to this subsection requires the developer to execute an Agreement for Sidewalk Deferral (the "Agreement") prepared by the Office of General Counsel, which shall identify the property that is the subject of the deferral. The developer shall record the Agreement in the official records of Duval County and shall forward a recorded copy to the Office of General Counsel and the Department. No Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued until the Department receives the recorded Agreement.

(C)

Deferrals shall be considered by the Director based upon the following non-exclusive list of criteria:

(i)

Whether the lot is within the Walkshed of a destination attraction such as a park, school, bus stop, shopping center, etc.;

(ii)

If the subject property is on a residential street, whether there is a sidewalk within 100 linear feet on the same side of the street;

(iii)

Whether the subject property is on a City-maintained roadway;

(iv)

Whether sidewalks were shown on the approved Civil Plans for the development or subdivision containing the subject property;

(v)

Whether the subject property is on a dead end or cul-de-sac with fewer than 15 houses; and

(vi)

Whether the neighborhood was designed such that the sidewalks were allowed to be on only one side of the street.

(3)

Variance. A variance may be granted by the Department for sidewalk width or sidewalk location for good cause shown.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2022-221-E, § 3; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20)

Note— Former § 654.125.

Sec. 654.138. - Fees.

(a)

Fees as required by Section 123.102(b), Ordinance Code, shall be paid to the City at the time of filing an application for approval of a preliminary plat and also for an application for approval of a final plat, except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section; construction inspection fees shall also be paid with the application for final plat approval.

(b)

In lieu of City inspection and the required inspection fee, the developer may elect to hire his own qualified professional engineer, licensed to do business in the State, to perform the required inspection service. Upon completion of the work, the developer's engineer shall certify that the work has been entirely completed and that it conforms in all respects to the final plat and plans for the required improvements and to the specifications required by these regulations.

(c)

Fees as required by Section 123.102(3), Ordinance Code, for traffic engineering shall be paid as provided in the Land Development Procedures Manual, according to the requirements of the Department.

(d)

Utility, recording of plats, and other applicable fees shall be paid as provided in the Land Development Procedures Manual or otherwise required by law.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Editor's note— Ordinance 2007-839-E, § 18, authorized updated department/division names pursuant to reorganization.

Note— Former § 654.126.

Sec. 654.139. - Enforcement; procedures for development prior to approval of final plat.

(a)

No plat or plan of a subdivision of land shall be recorded by the Clerk of the Circuit Court until the plat has received final approval in accordance with this Chapter.

(b)

No person or his agent owning land within a proposed subdivision shall transfer or sell or agree to sell a lot or parcel of land located within a subdivision by reference to, by exhibition or by any other use of a plat of the subdivision before the plat has been approved and has been recorded, unless exempted by this Chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit a developer from agreeing to sell land located within a proposed subdivision to a builder or co-developer who desires to develop and build upon the land for resale purposes. The developer shall be permitted to refer to, exhibit or otherwise use a plat of the proposed subdivision in connection with an agreement to sell before the plat has been approved and recorded; provided, however, that no document shall be recorded in the public records of Duval County, Florida, referring to or attaching a copy of a plat of a subdivision before the plat has been approved and recorded, unless the plat is exempted from this Chapter by other provisions thereof or by the Council.

(c)

No street number and no building permit shall be issued for the erection of a building in the City on a lot, tract or parcel of land which violates the provisions of this Chapter.

(d)

Upon a request by the developer at Civil Plans submittal, the Department may allow up to 50 percent of the lots within a proposed subdivision to be developed, but not occupied, so long as the developer or owner meets the following conditions:

(1)

Prior to Civil Plans submittal to the Department, the developer shall submit the development proposal to JEA for review. The submittal to JEA must, at a minimum, include a sheet identifying the lots being requested for home construction prior to platting. JEA may require from the developer any information necessary to understand the entire proposal.

(2)

Once JEA has granted preliminary approval, consistent with Section 654.108, the Department will review the preliminary site plan, the preliminary and final engineering plans for the required improvements, and the sheet identifying the lots being requested for home construction prior to platting as approved by JEA. The Department reserves the right to deny authorization for development on a specific lot or lots to protect City interests.

(3)

The project must have received preliminary plat approval consistent with Section 654.109. The preliminary plat approval is valid for 12 months from the date the Department grants the approval.

(4)

The Developer or owner shall provide a Guarantee consistent with Section 654.110(d) as if they were seeking Plat approval prior to the required improvements being constructed. However, the release of any guarantee based on construction of the required improvements is limited to 50 percent of the amount of the guarantee until the project is platted.

(5)

The developer or owner shall provide a Warranty consistent with Section 654.110(e).

(6)

A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until the plat is approved by JEA and the Department and recorded in the current public records of Duval County, Florida.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2022-731-E, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.127.

Sec. 654.140. - Penalties.

(a)

Violation of the provisions of this Chapter or failure to comply with any of its requirements, including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with grants or deviations, shall constitute a class C offense and, in addition, the offender shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day the violation continues or recurs shall be considered a separate offense.

(b)

Nothing contained in this Section shall prevent the City from taking any lawful action, including resort to equitable action, as is necessary to prevent or remedy a violation of this Chapter.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1)

Note— Former § 654.128.

Sec. 654.141. - Amendments.

No amendment to this Chapter shall be made by the Council until it has obtained a recommendation from the Department on the amendment. The Council shall not adopt the ordinance until a public hearing has been held before the Council on the matter.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6)

Note— Former § 654.129.

Sec. 654.142. - Subdivision standards and policy advisory committee.

(a)

The Subdivision Standards and Policy Advisory Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) is hereby created to review and revise standards and policy to implement the objectives of this Chapter and advise the appropriate Council committee of its decisions, with respect to any issues concerning land development and traffic engineering and roadway design issues, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, multi-use paths or disability access on such facilities. The Committee shall be composed of 13 members.

(1)

The following four members shall be appointed by the Council President, subject to confirmation by the Council:

a.

A representative of the home-building industry;

b.

A representative of the engineering profession;

c.

A civil engineer who has a specialty in transportation or a transportation planner; and

d.

A representative of the land developers.

(2)

The following three members shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council:

a.

A representative of the land surveying profession;

b.

A representative of the Underground Utility Contractor profession; and

c.

A representative of the urban planning profession or a representative of the bicycle/pedestrian community.

(3)

The following six individuals, or their designee, shall serve as members of the Committee:

a.

Chief of the Transportation Planning Division;

b.

Chief of the Environmental Quality Division;

c.

Director of Water and Wastewater, JEA;

d.

Chief of the Right of Way and Stormwater Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department;

e.

Chief of the Engineering and Construction Management Division of the Public Works Department (City Engineer); and

f.

A Landscape Architect within the Public Works Department.

Each appointed member shall serve for a term of four years, expiring November 30 of the subject term, or until his successor shall have been appointed and confirmed. Vacancies of appointed members occurring on the Committee shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council.

(b)

The Committee shall be organized as follows:

(1)

The City Engineer shall be the Chairman of the Committee. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Committee and cause records and the minutes of the Committee to be kept.

(2)

The Committee shall meet on call by the Chairman or, at the discretion of the Chairman, in consideration of the request of a member. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members.

(3)

The Committee shall adopt, amend and rescind rules for the conduct of its business and to implement the provisions of this Section.

(c)

City standard specifications, City standard details and the Land Development Procedures Manual, currently in the custody of the Director, are hereby adopted as the official documents containing the present and existing standards and policies used in the City and administered by the Director in accordance with Section 654.136 for the implementation of this Chapter. The standards and policies shall remain in effect unless revised pursuant to subsection (e) of this Section or Section 32.702, Ordinance Code.

(d)

The Committee is established for the following purposes:

(1)

To review and revise from time to time the basic documents setting forth the rules, standards and policies presently used in the City, with respect to any issues concerning land development, traffic engineering and roadway design issues.

(2)

To provide a forum to hear requested revisions to the above-referenced documents, with respect to any issues concerning land development, traffic engineering and roadway design issues in order to keep the documents in a current status.

(3)

To vote approval or disapproval of the requested revisions.

(4)

To advise the appropriate Council committee of approved revisions.

(e)

In implementing its purposes under this Section, the Committee shall have the following duties and use the following procedures:

(1)

Review and approve or revise by Committee vote the documents titled City Standard Specifications, City Standard Details and Land Development Procedures Manual, with respect to any issues concerning land development, traffic engineering and roadway design issues.

(2)

Entertain requested revisions to the documents by Committee members, concerning land development, traffic engineering and roadway design issues. A member may request revisions as a representative of his entity or on behalf of the general public.

(3)

Hear requested revisions at the appropriate meetings and at the direction of the Chairman and to vote for approval or denial of the requested revision.

(4)

Advise the appropriate Council committee, through the Chairman, of the vote on the requested revision in writing and provide copies to each Committee member. The approval of a requested revision will not become effective until 30 days after the Chairman has advised the appropriate Council committee.

(Ord. 91-58-147, § 1; Ord. 92-243-116, § 1; Ord. 96-102-45, § 1; Ord. 97-229-E, § 25; Ord. 2002-714-E, § 5; Ord. 2008-513-E, § 1; Ord. 2011-732-E; Ord. 2013-185-E, § 6; Ord. 2013-209-E, § 40; Ord. 2015-203-E, § 1; Ord. 2016-140-E, § 16; Ord. 2025-30-E, § 20; Ord. 2025-410-E, § 2)

Note— Former § 654.130.

Sec. 654.143. - Written decisions, interpretations and appeals.

(a)

The Director shall have the duty and authority to interpret the provisions of this Chapter. A written interpretation may be requested by any resident, landowner or any person or entity having a contractual interest in land in the City, and who is, or stands to be, an adversely affected person as a result of the implementation of any provision of this Chapter. In addition, a written decision regarding the application or enforcement of any provision of this Chapter may be requested by any resident, landowner or any person or entity having a contractual interest in land in the City, and who is, or stands to be an adversely affected person as a result of the application or enforcement of any provision of this Chapter. Before a written interpretation or decision is made by the Director, a Request for Written Interpretation or Written Decision, as applicable, shall be submitted to the Director on the form established by the Director. Within five (5) working days after a Request for Written Interpretation or Written Decision has been received, the Director shall determine whether the request is complete. If the Director determines the request is not complete a written notice shall be sent to the applicant specifying the deficiencies. The Director shall take no further action on the Request for Written Interpretation or Decision until the deficiencies are remedied. Within ten (10) working days after a Request for Written Interpretation or Decision has been determined to be complete, the Director shall review and evaluate the request in light of this Chapter, and other statutes, codes, ordinances and regulations, to the extent applicable, consult with the Office of General Counsel, or other affected City staff, and then render an interpretation or decision, as applicable. The Written Interpretation or Written Decision shall be in writing, approved as to form by the Office of General Counsel and mailed to the applicant by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(b)

An adversely affected person receiving a Written Decision or Written Interpretation of the Director may appeal said Written Interpretation or Written Decision to the City Council by filing a Notice of Appeal of Written Interpretation or Written Decision, as applicable, with the Legislative Services Division.

(1)

The Notice of Appeal shall contain the following:

(i)

A copy of the Written Interpretation or Written Decision to be reviewed;

(ii)

A statement of the interest of the person seeking review which is sufficient to show how that person is adversely affected;

(iii)

A statement which explains the specific error alleged as the grounds for the appeal;

(2)

The Notice of Appeal shall be filed with the Legislative Services Division within thirty (30) calendar days of the date the Written Interpretation or Decision was rendered by the Director. Within five (5) working days of the filing of a Notice of Appeal, the Legislative Services Division shall notify the Council President, the chairman of the appropriate committee of Council, the affected district Council Member, the owner of the property that is the subject of the Written Interpretation or Written Decision being appealed, if applicable, and the Director and shall request the Office of General Counsel to prepare a resolution concerning the appeal to be introduced by the appropriate committee of Council. Upon notification by the Legislative Services Division of the filing of a Notice of Appeal, the Department shall forward a copy of the Department file on the matter to the Office of General Counsel.

(3)

Upon a determination by the Office of General Counsel that the Notice of Appeal is sufficient, timely filed, and that the appellant has standing to file the appeal, the resolution shall be filed with the Legislative Services Division and the Chairman of the committee of reference shall schedule a public hearing concerning the appeal. The Legislative Services Division shall notify the appellant and the owner of the property that is the subject of the Written Interpretation or Written Decision being appealed, if applicable, of the date, time and location of the public hearing. The written notices shall be mailed at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the date of the scheduled public hearing.

(4)

If the Office of General Counsel determines that the Notice of Appeal is not sufficient, timely filed, or that the appellant does not have standing to file the appeal, the attorney shall prepare a written recommendation concerning the deficiencies for consideration by the committee of reference. After the committee of reference makes a determination concerning the deficiencies, the Office of General Counsel shall notify the appellant in writing of the deficiencies. No further action shall be taken until the appellant remedies the deficiencies and the committee of reference thereafter determines the Notice of Appeal to be complete. The deficiencies must be remedied within thirty (30) calendar days, or the resolution is subject to withdrawal by the Council at any time thereafter.

(5)

The committee of reference hearing the appeal shall conduct a de novo public hearing and prepare a proposed recommended written order for consideration by the Council. The Council's action on the appeal shall be the final action of the City.

(Ord. 2025-536-E, § 1)

Sec. 652.1608. - Nonstructural fill in coastal high hazard areas (Zone V) and Adjusted SFHAs. Chapter 655 - CONCURRENCY AND MOBILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM