Sec. 656.361.1. - Purpose and Intent.

It is the purpose and intent of this Subpart H to create and establish a Downtown Overlay Zone, which will promote and encourage the revitalization and growth of Downtown as a desirable high density mixed-use area by maximizing the use of all available resources, ensuring a high degree of compatibility between new and existing uses, promoting mixed use developments, promoting access and focus on the St. Johns River and its tributaries, streamlining the review and approval process for projects, providing flexibility in both the uses allowed, as well as the physical design of, projects, and ensuring quality development that is in keeping with the traditional Downtown urban fabric. The land included within the Downtown Overlay Zone shall be subject to the Downtown District Use and Form Regulations contained in this Subpart H. The Downtown Overlay Zone and the Downtown District Use and Form Regulations work in concert with the Downtown Investment Authority's Business Investment and Development Plan (BID Plan). The Downtown Overlay Zone is coextensive with the jurisdiction of the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), as described in Sec. 55.105 , Ordinance Code. Within the existing Downtown Overlay Zone, the Downtown Districts are hereby amended pursuant to Ordinance 2019-196-E , and are set out in this Subpart H. In order to accomplish the general purpose of promoting residential and mixed use development in the Downtown area, it is necessary to have a Downtown Overlay Zone which gives special consideration to certain uses and the utilization of form regulations and their associated Downtown design guidelines because of the unique characteristics of Downtown. The Downtown District Use and Form Regulations shall supersede the other provisions of this Chapter 656 , except as otherwise specifically provided herein. The majority of the land within the Downtown Overlay Zone is designated Central Commercial Business District (CCBD) as referenced in Section 656.314 , but described in this Subpart H. The Overlay District provides additional flexibility and regulations as described in this Subpart H. Some land within the Overlay Zone is zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD) and shall retain their own regulations and performance standards; however, these parcels shall be required to comply with the processes and regulations set forth in this Subpart H, except to the extent of any express conflict with the specific terms of the applicable PUD. The Downtown District Use and Form Regulations are divided into sections describing use (Use Regulations) and form (Form Regulations). The Use Regulations within this Overlay are further divided into the uses permitted in all Overlay Districts, and specific bonus uses that are permitted in a specific District, or permissible in that District through the zoning exception process. The list of uses permitted throughout the Downtown Overlay Zone are also the uses permitted in the CCBD zoning district. By allowing additional bonus uses permitted by right, and additional uses permissible by exception that are District specific, the City retains the ability to shape the character of different Districts within the large and diverse area that comprises Downtown. DDRB is authorized to approve, approve with conditions, or deny an exception application. The Form Regulations within this Downtown Overlay Zone describe the requirements for the form of the structures and development on both the private and the public land Downtown. Each section begins with "Purpose and Intent" to inform the designer of the overall vision. The Form Regulations set out what is required of a structure or site; however, alternatives are provided to allow flexibility and lessen the need for deviations from the Form Regulations. A deviation from any Form Regulations may be sought, but some Form Regulations require the satisfaction of additional criteria beyond those generally applicable to all deviations. Unless otherwise specified in this Subpart H, DDRB is authorized to approve, approve with conditions, or deny a deviation application. The previously adopted Downtown Design Guidelines (Guidelines) are hereby superseded and amended pursuant to Ordinance 2019-196-E to the extent the same conflict with any provisions in this Subpart H, including incorporated graphics and illustrations. It is contemplated that the Guidelines shall be updated, in their entirety, by the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) by July 1, 2020, to conform to Ordinance 2019-196-E . The Guidelines illustrate, refine and explain the Form Regulations through the use of graphics and examples. Although not codified within Chapter 656 , the Guidelines are nonetheless intended to be followed by the designer because they are clarifications of the Form Regulations. The Guidelines shall be made readily available through the DIA, the City's Legislative Services Division, and on the City's website. To the extent not inconsistent herewith, the Guidelines may be amended by the DIA, with the assistance of the DDRB, without further Council action. Together, the Form Regulations and the Design Guidelines are reflective of a form-based, design-oriented approach to reviewing and approving Downtown development projects. The previously adopted Riverfront Park Design Criteria, dated July 2000, are hereby replaced in their entirety with the Riverwalk Park Design Criteria, dated February 2019 and available on the City's website and on file with the Legislative Services Division accompanying Ordinance 2019-196-E . The Riverwalk Park Design Criteria shall govern the development of the Riverwalk adjacent to the bulkhead or shoreline and over water along the riverfront of both the north and south banks of the River along the entire river frontage Downtown. The Riverwalk Park Design Criteria provide the design intent and specifications for the development of the Riverwalks and shall be made readily available through the DIA, the Legislative Services Division, and on the City's website. The previously adopted Downtown Streetscape Design Guidelines prepared for the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDC) shall be updated by the DIA by July 1, 2020, to conform to Ordinance 2019-196-E . These are guidelines intended to guide all development within the right-of-way, whether implemented by a governmental entity or a private developer. The current Downtown Streetscape Design Guidelines shall be followed to the extent not inconsistent with Ordinance 2019-196-E , until superseded by an update approved by the DIA. Previously granted Deviations and waivers remain in force and effect without converting to a non-conforming status. Development proposals that have received Conceptual Approval from DDRB prior to June 1, 2019 shall be allowed to proceed through Final Approval and construction, even if in conflict with these regulations, if consistent with the previously granted Conceptual Approval and the regulations in effect at the time of Conceptual Approval. If a Deviation would have been required under the regulations in effect at the time of Conceptual Approval but has not yet been granted, the Deviation request shall proceed under these requirements. (Ord. 2019-196-E , § 6)