ARCHITECTURAL AND AESTHETIC REGULATIONS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS

Jacksonville Ordinance Code tit. XVII, ch. 656, pt. 4, subpt. C

in effect

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 656.430 Findings, intent and public purpose.

Sec. 656.430. - Findings, intent and public purpose. (a) The Council of the City of Jacksonville finds that in order to protect the character and integrity of the many residential subdivisions and neighborhoods of the City, certain minimum standards are necessary to ensure the compatibility of all new homes constructed within the City, or newly sited homes within the City, whether manufactured, modular or conventional "site-built" dwellings. (b) It is the intent of this Subpart C to encourage the provision of affordable housing in a general residential environment by permitting the use of both residential design manufactured housing and modular housing, as defined herein, within residential districts in which similar existing dwellings are located, subject to the requirements and procedures set forth herein, to ensure similarity in the exterior appearance of residential manufactured or modular dwellings and dwellings which have been conventionally constructed in the same neighborhood. Manufactured and modular homes are permitted in all zoning districts in which single-family dwellings are permitted, subject to the minimum requirements of those districts. In addition, new or newly sited manufactured, modular, and conventional "site-built" homes in all RLD, RMD-A, and RMD-B zoning districts and all PUD zoning districts which permit single-family residential development must comply with the additional requirements of this Subpart C. (Ord. 2002-608-E, § 2; Ord. 2003-891-E, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 656.431 Definitions.

Sec. 656.431. - Definitions. As used herein, the following terms and words are defined as follows: (a) Manufactured home means any residential dwelling unit constructed in a controlled factory environment in accordance with standards promulgated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards, 24 CFR 3280. A manufactured home is always transported as a vehicle and has an integral chassis and undercarriage that supports the floor system. Manufactured homes are governed by F.S. §§ 320.822—320.862, regulated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and bear a certification label located above the left tail light on each Section. (b) Modular home means any residential dwelling unit constructed in a controlled factory environment in accordance with the provisions of the Florida minimum building, plumbing, electrical, fire, accessibility and energy codes and which has building plans. A modular home can be shipped as a vehicle with wheels or may be delivered on a truck and may, or may not, be required to be constructed on an integral chassis. Modular homes are governed by F.S. §§ 553.35—553.41, regulated by the Department of Community Affairs and bear such an insignia over the electrical panel cover. (c) Mobile home (see Manufactured home). (d) Immediate neighborhood means the five closest residential dwellings with property lines within 350 feet of the property subject to review. (e) Permanent foundation means a load-bearing continuous stem wall underneath the entire permanent structure, slab on grade, piers installed pursuant to Chapter 15-C, F.A.C., other foundation systems with exposed tie-downs, or pilings where a dwelling is constructed in a flood prone area, including a floodway or velocity zone, or where soils or topographic conditions necessitate the use of pilings. All piers and exposed tie-downs must be screened on all sides by a nonload bearing facade stem wall. The facade stem wall shall consist of a masonry wall with a poured footer extending from ground level to the base of the structure; provided, however, that dwellings located in designated flood zones are exempt from this screening requirement. (f) Projection means a bay window, offsetting portions of the single-family dwelling, garages, dormer windows, recessed doors, or porches and decks (covered or uncovered), so long as these projections meet the size requirements set forth in Section 656.432(a)(2) of this Subpart C; provided, however, that covered structures must use a roofing material consistent with the roofing materials used on the primary structure and uncovered structures shall have a finished floor elevation within eight inches of the finished floor elevation of the primary structure and shall be continuously screened upward from the ground to floor with the same materials as the foundation wall used on the primary structure. (Ord. 2002-608-E, § 2; Ord. 2003-891-E, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 656.432 Applicability.

Sec. 656.432. - Applicability. In addition to other provisions of the Zoning Code, the following supplementary architectural and aesthetic regulations shall apply to all new and newly sited single-family dwellings in RLD, RMD-A and RMD-B districts and PUD districts which permit single-family development. The following supplementary architectural and aesthetic regulations are also depicted in flow chart form in Figure "D." (a) Unless exempt pursuant to Section 656.432(c) hereunder, all new and newly sited single-family dwellings located in RLD, RMD-A and RMD-B zoning districts and PUD zoning districts which permit single-family residential development must be similar in exterior appearance to other existing single-family dwellings in the immediate neighborhood. A dwelling is deemed to be similar in exterior appearance if it meets all of the following requirements, to the extent applicable: (1) Minimum square footage requirements for primary structure. The minimum square footage of the living area of the dwelling shall be 650 square feet; provided, however, that the minimum square footage of the living area may be 600 square feet if dwellings in the immediate neighborhood are only 600 square feet. (2) Minimum dimensions of exterior facade. The exterior facade of the dwelling's wall which faces the front yard, shall contain projections as described herein. Examples of projections which comply with the requirements of this subsection are visually depicted in Figures "A," "B," and "C." All projections shall be at least two feet and ten inches wide. Front yard facades less than 48 feet long shall contain at least one projection which is at least three feet long. Front yard facades 48 feet or longer shall contain a projection or projections totaling 20 percent of the total length of the facade, with no one projection being less than three feet long. For dwellings placed perpendicularly or diagonally on a lot pursuant to subsection (5) below, the projections shall be as follows: (a) As visually depicted in Figure "E," the dwelling shall have a minimum nine feet by 18 feet covered structure located no more than 12 inches from the dwelling. The structure must have roof material consistent with the dwelling's roof material. The dwelling and the structure must have gables and/or hips and the roof pitch of the structure must be equal to or greater than the roof pitch of the dwelling. The structure may not be set back more than five feet from the exterior facade of the dwelling's wall which faces the front yard and the structure may not be located directly in front of the exterior facade of the dwelling's wall which faces the front yard. The structure shall have a continuous fascia extending downward from the soffit around the perimeter of the structure. The fascia shall extend downward at least 24 inches. (3) Finished floor elevation. The finished floor elevation shall be compatible with the finished floor elevations in the immediate neighborhood, or as otherwise required by the designated flood zone base flood elevation. (4) Permanent foundations. The dwelling shall have a permanent foundation as defined in Section 656.431(e), Ordinance Code, and no dwelling shall be placed or occupied for residential use upon a site until the permanent foundation plan has been submitted to and approved by the Chief of the Building Inspection Division or his designee. (5) Site orientation of the structure. The dwelling shall be oriented on the lot so that its long axis is parallel with the street or if it is not, the variation off of parallel shall be less than ten percent. If the dwelling is the first to be constructed in a platted subdivision, or if the dwelling is structurally integrated with an attached garage at the time of original construction or manufactured or modular home move on, this subsection shall not apply. (6) Exterior steps. Exterior steps, if any, must be permanently affixed to the foundation or facade stem wall. (7) Electric meter box. The electric meter box for each dwelling shall be permanently affixed to the dwelling. (8) Garage. The dwelling shall have a minimum nine feet by 18 feet attached garage, unless the residences in the immediate neighborhood do not have a garage. In cases where the proposed single-family home is larger in square footage than the dwellings in the immediate neighborhood, and complies with the projection requirements in subsection (a)(2) above, an attached garage is not mandatory. For the purposes of this Section, attached means architecturally integrated into the design of the dwelling and structurally connected or connected by a breezeway, roof or other similar attachment. (b) Any proposed single-family dwelling which fails to meet all of the applicable criteria of (a)(1) through (8) above must comply with the requirements of Sections 656.434 through 656.435 of the Zoning Code, unless exempt pursuant to Section 656.432(c), Ordinance Code. (c) A single-family dwelling proposed to be located in a subdivision which is subject to covenants and restrictions which regulate structural or exterior appearance and aesthetics and which apply to all of the lots within the subdivision is deemed to be similar in appearance and is therefore exempt from the requirements of this Section 656.432. In order to qualify for this exemption, the applicant shall furnish recorded copies of both the plat and the applicable covenants and restrictions at the Zoning counter when the application for a building permit is filed. If the plat and the applicable covenants and restrictions for the subdivision are already on file with the Zoning counter, the applicant shall certify that these documents are on file and shall describe the proposed location of the dwelling within the subdivision in a form acceptable to the Zoning Administrator. Figure A [image omitted; see the official code] Figure B [image omitted; see the official code] Figure C [image omitted; see the official code] Figure D [image omitted; see the official code] Figure E [image omitted; see the official code] (Ord. 2002-608-E, § 2; Ord. 2003-891-E, § 1; Ord. 2013-44-E, § 1; Ord. 2024-870-E, § 2)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 656.433 Plan review requirements.

Sec. 656.433. - Plan review requirements. Unless the lot is exempt pursuant to subsection 656.432(c) above, the following information shall be provided at the Zoning counter in a form acceptable to the Zoning Administrator, with all applications for a building permit: (a) Recent actual photographs depicting all sides of the dwelling, or the identical model to be used. If actual photographs are not available, elevation drawings which depict the "as-built" nature of the home may be provided instead; (b) Exterior dimensions; (c) Type of roof materials to be used; (d) Pitch of roof and dimensions of roof overhang; (e) Description of exterior finish; (f) Foundation plan; (g) Site plan clearly showing the placement of the dwelling on the lot; and (h) Details of projections, including material and dimensions. (i) The placement of steps, if any. (j) The placement of the electric meter box. (Ord. 2002-608-E, § 2; Ord. 2003-891-E, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 656.434 Approval procedures.

Sec. 656.434. - Approval procedures. (a) Applications for approval of new or newly sited single-family dwellings which do not comply with the requirements of § 656.432 shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator, or his designee to review compatibility of exterior appearance with the immediate neighborhood. In addition to such information listed above in § 656.433, such application shall include all other information determined necessary by the Zoning Administrator or his designee to make a determination that the dwelling is similar to and compatible in exterior appearance to other single-family dwellings in the immediate neighborhood. (b) Within seven working days of receipt of the application and required supporting materials, the Zoning Administrator or his designee shall make a determination as to compliance with the requirements of this Subpart C and shall notify the applicant in writing of such determination. (Ord. 2002-608-E, § 2; Ord. 2003-891-E, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 656.435 Criteria for determining similarity in exterior appearance.

Sec. 656.435. - Criteria for determining similarity in exterior appearance. All proposed single-family dwellings reviewed hereunder shall be compared with three out of the five residential dwellings in the immediate neighborhood, as defined in Section 656.431(d) above. For the purposes of this Section, if the immediate neighborhood consists of less than five residential dwellings, the proposed single-family dwelling shall be compared to one less than the total number of residential dwellings within 350 feet of the property line of the subject property. In order to be determined similar to and compatible in exterior appearance to other existing single-family dwellings, the proposed dwelling must: (a) Meet at least one of the following criteria: (1) Finished floor elevation: The finished floor elevation shall be compatible with the finished floor elevations in the immediate neighborhood, which may require site-specific engineering pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Florida Statutes and/or the Florida Administrative Code, and all piers and exposed tie-downs must be screened on all sides by a non-load-bearing facade stem wall. The facade stem wall shall consist of a masonry wall with a poured footer extending from ground level to the base of the structure; provided, however, that dwellings located in designated flood zones are exempt from this screening requirement; or (2) Roof pitch: The roof pitch shall be equal to or greater than the roof pitches in the immediate neighborhood; or (3) Roof materials: The dwelling shall have asphalt shingles, tile, slate, wood shakes, or wood shingles. Any other roof material shall be compared with the roof material in the immediate neighborhood. If those in the immediate neighborhood have utilized an alternate roof material, the roof material will be considered compatible; and (b) Meet all of the following criteria: (1) Permanent foundation: The dwelling shall have a load-bearing stem wall with continuous footing, a slab on grade, piers installed pursuant to Chapter 15-C, F.A.C., other foundation systems with exposed tie-downs, or other permanent foundation which complies with the criteria of the flood regulations in flood prone areas, permanent foundation as defined in Section 656.431(e), or foundation similar to the foundations in the immediate neighborhood, or a finished floor elevation compatible with the immediate neighborhood, which may require site-specific engineering pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Florida Statutes and/or the Florida Administrative Code. All piers and exposed tie-downs must be screened on all sides by a non-load-bearing facade stem wall. The facade stem wall shall consist of a masonry wall with a poured footer extending from ground level to the base of the structure; provided, however, that dwellings located in designated flood zones are exempt from this screening requirement. (2) Minimum dimensions of exterior facade: The dwelling shall comply with the projection requirements in Section 656.432(a)(2). (3) Site orientation of the structure: The dwelling shall be oriented on the lot so that its long axis is parallel with the street. A perpendicular or diagonal placement may be permitted if the dwelling complies with the perpendicular or diagonal placement projection requirements in Section 656.432(a)(2) above; provided, however, if the deficiency along the axis parallel to the street is less than ten percent, then landscaping may be used to cure the deficiency, as approved by the Zoning Administrator. (4) Minimum square footage requirements for primary structure. The minimum square footage of the living area of the dwelling shall be 850 square feet; provided, however, that the minimum square footage of the living area may be lowered by the Zoning Administrator if deemed to be substantially similar in size to other primary structures in the immediate neighborhood. (5) Exterior steps. Exterior steps, if any, must be permanently affixed to the foundation or facade stem wall. (6) Electric meter box. The electric meter box for each dwelling shall be permanently affixed to the dwelling. (Ord. 2002-608-E, § 2; Ord. 2003-891-E, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 656.436 Waivers, appeals.

Sec. 656.436. - Waivers, appeals. If an application submitted pursuant to Sections 656.434 and 656.435 is denied by the Zoning Administrator, the applicant may appeal to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is authorized to consider a waiver from these supplementary architectural and aesthetic regulations. Applications for waivers shall be in writing on the form prescribed by the Commission and filed with the Department together with the required number of copies and all required attachments. Upon receipt of the application, the Zoning Administrator shall determine whether the application is complete within five working days. If it is determined that the application is not complete, written notice shall be provided to the applicant specifying the deficiencies. The Zoning Administrator shall take no further action on the application until the deficiencies are remedied. When the application is determined to be complete, all fees must be paid as specified in Section 656.147. (a) The waiver may be granted if the Commission finds, based on competent substantial evidence, that the application meets all of the following criteria: (1) There are practical or economic difficulties in carrying out the strict letter of the regulation; (2) The request is not based exclusively upon the desire to reduce the cost of constructing or siting the single-family dwelling; (3) The proposed waiver will not substantially diminish property values in, nor alter the essential character of, the area surrounding the single-family dwelling and will not substantially interfere or injure the rights of others whose property would be affected by the waiver; (4) The proposed waiver will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, result in additional expense, the creation of nuisances or conflict with any other applicable law. (Ord. 2002-608-E, § 2)

Source: City of Jacksonville, Ordinance Code and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/jacksonville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITXVIILAUS_CH656ZOCO_PT4SURE_SPCARAERESIMIDWFetched: 10/27/2026