Sec. 656.399.13. - Purpose and intent.

(1) The Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay area continues to face tremendous growth pressures due to the proximity of the area to downtown Jacksonville, and the beautiful waterfront areas along the St. Johns River. The purpose of the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay and the regulations of this Subpart is to protect the character, economic vitality, aesthetic appeal and historical integrity of the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay area by providing for supplemental zoning regulations and development standards which have been specifically established to support the Historic Districts of the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay area and their environs. (2) Any deviations from these standards shall remain consistent with the purpose and intent of this overlay. It is the intent of this overlay to strongly discourage conversion of residential uses in Historic Residential Character areas. Requirements for parking, landscaping, and other performance standards shall be strictly enforced. (3) For any administrative deviations sought within the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay, the Zoning Administrator must also find a positive finding that the request has 1) received a certificate of appropriateness, if required by Chapter 307 (Historic Preservation and Protection), 2) is necessary due to a requirement of Chapter 307 (Historic Preservation and Protection), if applicable, 3) required by federal or State law, if applicable, or 4) necessary to preserve and protect an exceptional specimen tree, protected tree or wetlands, if applicable. However, the Zoning Administrator may authorize an Administrative Deviation prior to issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, even if a Certificate of Appropriateness is required, if, for good cause described in writing and filed in the Administrative Deviation application file and the Certificate of Appropriateness application file, it is determined by the Director that the Administrative Deviation application may be heard prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness. (4) All parking requirements in Historic Residential Character Areas shall be met on site. (5) Non-conforming site characteristics such as number of parking spaces and landscaping requirements for non-residential uses that are located in a Historic Residential Character Area shall be required to bring the existing non-conforming site characteristics into compliance upon reoccupation of the structure when such use ceases for more than 6 months. (6) A landmark or contributing structure may be reconstructed or reoccupied for its original intended use at anytime notwithstanding its non-conforming status and shall be deemed legal for zoning purposes. (7) A majority of area of the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay is located within those areas designated as historic districts governed by Chapter 307 , Historic Preservation and Protection. Those areas are unique in nature and will continue to be governed by Chapter 307 . All development within those areas of the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay governed by the requirements of Chapter 307 , Historic Preservation and Protection, shall also abide by the height limitations established pursuant to Chapter 307 . (8) The following additional criteria shall be considered by the Planning and Development Department, the Local Planning Agency, and the City Council when evaluating any land use or zoning application within the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay District: (a) Whether the proposed rezoning is consistent with a the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay District and the historic district regulations; (b) Whether the rezoning will negatively affect or alter the character of the character area or corridor; (c) Whether the rezoning and subsequent future development would result in the destruction of natural resources such as wetlands, protected trees or exceptional specimen trees; and (d) Whether the rezoning would have a negative affect on any contributing structures within the Riverside Avondale historic district, historic landmark or landmark site. (9) Right-of-way closures, including alleys, shall be discouraged in order to maintain the historic grid pattern. (10) Variances or deviations for reductions for lot requirements for non-residential uses in the Historic Residential Character areas shall be discouraged. (11) The standards set forth in the Subpart were designed to maintain the historical development pattern while encouraging infill and redevelopment that protects, preserves and enhances the unique character of the communities within the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay Area. The design principles that guide these standards were developed for this Zoning Overlay Area through an extensive community participation process and include the following: 1. Protect and enhance existing residential neighborhoods. 2. Protect historic structures. 3. Vary housing types in transition areas between commercial and residential uses. 4. Buffer residential neighborhoods from highways. 5. New development should maintain appropriate scale, height and density. 6. Encourage responsible growth. 7. Consider streetscape on major pedestrian corridors and around core retail areas. 8. Provide and maintain public access to waterfront parks. 9. Extend the Riverwalk. 10. Develop new parks and open space. 11. Re-use John Gorrie Middle School. 12. Calm traffic throughout the district. 13. Improve key intersections for pedestrians and as gateways. 14. Organize parking supply in keeping with the traditional character of the overlay area. 15. Encourage development of walkable streets and blocks. 16. Buffer residential neighborhoods from new and existing commercial and office uses. 17. Limit intensification of commercial and institutional uses. 18. Manage continued development along corridors to harmonize such development with existing historic development patterns and structures. (Ord. 2008-192-E, § 3; Ord. 2012-371-E, § 2)