Jacksonville, Florida Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Jacksonville Zoning Overview
Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, with a 2020 Census population of 949,611 (the consolidated city-county had 1,009,833 residents). It is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. Jacksonville operates as a consolidated city-county government with Duval County, so city zoning regulations govern the entire county outside of the Beaches communities and Baldwin.
Jacksonville manages land use through Chapter 656 (Zoning Code) of its Code of Ordinances. Primary single-family residential districts include RLD-40, RLD-50, RLD-60, and RLD-70, where the number indicates the minimum lot width in feet. RLD-60 and RLD-70 both require front setbacks of 25 ft, side setbacks of 7.5 ft, and rear setbacks of 10 ft.
ADU Ordinance: "Keeping Our Families Together Act"
In November 2022, Jacksonville enacted Ordinance 2022-0448-E, legalizing ADUs in most single-family residential zones. Key requirements:
- ADU footprint: 25% of primary home or 750 sq ft, whichever is smaller
- Location: Must be behind the primary home
- Height: Cannot exceed height of primary residence
- Kitchen: Full kitchen with oven permitted
- Owner occupancy: Required — owner must live in either the primary home or ADU
- Rental minimum: 7 days (no short-term vacation rentals)
- Exceptions: Does not apply to Beaches communities, Baldwin, or HOA/deed-restricted communities
Development Process
Development in Jacksonville generally requires obtaining appropriate permits from the Planning & Development Department and Development Services Division. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Use the JaxGIS Duval Property Map at https://maps.coj.net/duvalProperty/ or call the Zoning Section at (904) 255-8300.
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
The Planning & Development Department is located at Ed Ball Building, 214 North Hogan Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Main phone: (904) 255-7800. Zoning Section: (904) 255-8300.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Jacksonville, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification using the JaxGIS Duval Property Map
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements in Chapter 656
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone (Jacksonville has significant flood-prone areas)
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply (especially relevant for ADU eligibility)
- Contact the planning department for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Jacksonville and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Jacksonville Planning & Development Department at (904) 255-7800 or through the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Jacksonville
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Florida
- Building Code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Florida Statutes §163.31771 (2020) requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family zoning districts. Jacksonville enacted Ordinance 2022-0448-E ('Keeping Our Families Together Act') in November 2022, legalizing ADUs in most single-family residential zones citywide.)
County — Duval County
- Role: Jacksonville is a consolidated city-county. The City of Jacksonville and Duval County are a consolidated government. County functions are performed by city departments. Property appraiser: dcpafl.org.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- HOAs are common in Florida. Check CC&Rs for additional restrictions beyond city zoning. Note: Jacksonville's ADU ordinance does not apply to neighborhoods in the Beaches, Baldwin, or any HOA or deed-restricted community where ADUs are explicitly prohibited.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- Varies — see Jacksonville Zoning Code §656.305
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 7.5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies — see §656.305
- Max Height
- Varies — see Jacksonville Zoning Code §656.305
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 7.5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies — see §656.306
- Max Height
- Varies — see Jacksonville Zoning Code §656.306
- Front Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Side Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Rear Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Jacksonville Zoning Code
- Max Height
- Varies — see Jacksonville Zoning Code
- Front Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Side Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Rear Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
ADU Rules in Jacksonville
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Jacksonville are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Jacksonville permit fees →