Sec. 656.361.6.1. - General.

A. Regulations. These Form Regulations define the design objectives for the elements that determine the image of Downtown, and refine the concepts of the BID Plan, translating it into an operational document that eliminates the guesswork developers and their architects face for development in Downtown Jacksonville. The intent is to provide for flexibility and creativity in the form or design of individual sites and structures while also defining the space for a vibrant experience within the public realm, and maintaining views of the river from properties and public rights-of-way well back from the river so that the visual connection to the river is enjoyed throughout downtown. Flexibility in the requirements has been built into this Section in order to eliminate the need for Deviations. The Form Regulations are grouped into two sections: the Private Realm, which applies to buildings and areas within private property; and the Public Realm, the area beyond the edge of Private Realm, that includes the pedestrian zone and vehicular zone. B. Guidelines. The Downtown Design Guidelines, as superseded by these Regulations, and as time to time amended by the Downtown Investment Authority consistent herewith, provide a further explanation of the Regulations offering a variety of schematic figure design options to meet the requirements of the Downtown Overlay Zone Regulations. These Guidelines may be amended by the DIA without City Council approval if the amendment is consistent with the BID Plan and this Subpart, but shall be amended to be consistent with these Regulations by July 1, 2020. All development, including new construction and renovation or rehabilitation of existing buildings and structures, should be consistent with the Guidelines as well as complying with the Regulations contained in this Part unless specifically exempted. The Guidelines may be accessed through the City's Legislative Services Division, the DIA website, or the City's website. C. Riverwalk Park Design Criteria. All development along the river, both public and private, shall be consistent with the Riverwalk Park Design Criteria dated February 2019 as adopted pursuant to Ordinance 2019-196-E and available on the City website and from Legislative Services as on file with Ordinance 2019-196-E . The Riverwalk Park Design Criteria shall govern the development of the Riverwalk adjacent to the bulkhead 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 Riverwalk. These documents may be accessed through the City's Legislative Services Division, the DIA website, or the City's website. D. Application to Historic Buildings. With respect to any locally designated historic landmark, or any contributing structure in the Downtown national historic district, or any federally designated landmark, the following regulations shall not apply to the extent they would require any modification of the historic facade that would otherwise be preserved or restored. If modifications to a historic structure are proposed such that it would no longer be deemed a contributing structure or eligible for local designation, then the modifications to the facade shall conform to the requirements below. (Ord. 2019-196-E , § 6)