Zoning Guide

Jacksonville Setbacks & Height Limits — Residential Zones

Last updated: Verified:

Fact-checked against current Jacksonville Code of Ordinances §656.305 on September 20, 2026.

Jacksonville's low-density residential standards depend on the exact RLD district. Section 656.305 lists separate minimum lot dimensions, yards, maximum lot coverage, and maximum height for each district.

Current RLD District Standards

For principal residential development, the current §656.305 table includes:

Zone Front Yard Side Yard Rear Yard Max. Height Max. Lot Coverage
RLD-120 25 ft 7.5 ft 10 ft 35 ft 25%
RLD-100A 25 ft 7.5 ft 10 ft 35 ft 40%
RLD-100B 20 ft 7.5 ft 10 ft 35 ft 40%
RLD-90 20 ft 5 ft 10 ft 35 ft 45%
RLD-80 20 ft 5 ft 10 ft 35 ft 45%
RLD-70 20 ft 5 ft 10 ft 35 ft 45%
RLD-60 20 ft 5 ft 10 ft 35 ft 50%
RLD-50 20 ft 5 ft 10 ft 35 ft 50%
RLD-40 20 ft 3 ft 10 ft 35 ft 50%

The previous version incorrectly grouped RLD-60 and RLD-70 under 25-ft front and 7.5-ft side yards. Current §656.305 lists 20-ft front and 5-ft side yards for both.

Special Conditions Still Matter

The district table is not the complete zoning analysis. Corner lots, lots affected by recorded plats or easements, Planned Unit Developments, overlays, and use-specific provisions can add or alter requirements.

RLD-TND and RLD-TNH also have their own provisions and should not be inferred from the conventional RLD rows above.

Accessory Structures and ADUs

Accessory structures and accessory dwelling units are subject to additional provisions in Chapter 656. The City's current ADU criteria include placement and size restrictions, and an ADU cannot simply be evaluated by copying the principal-house yard table.

District eligibility should be confirmed from the current code before assuming that a particular attached or detached ADU form is allowed.

For ADU-specific information, see the Jacksonville ADU rules page.

How to Check a Property

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district with Jacksonville's official mapping.
  2. Read §656.305 for the exact RLD district.
  3. Check use-specific and accessory-structure provisions.
  4. Check PUD, historic, airport, coastal, floodplain, and other applicable controls.
  5. Verify the result with Jacksonville Planning & Development or the Zoning Section before relying on a design dimension.

Official Sources

This guide is informational only. The current code and parcel-specific approvals control. Verify current requirements before design, permitting, purchase, or construction decisions.

More about Jacksonville Zoning

Building Permits — Cost & TimelineADU Rules in Jacksonville, Florida

Sources

  1. Jacksonville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 656 — Zoning Code·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  2. City of Jacksonville Planning & Development Department·jacksonville.gov·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  3. Jacksonville Zoning Section·jacksonville.gov·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  4. Jacksonville JaxGIS Duval Property Map·maps.coj.net·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link

FAQ

What are the setback requirements in Jacksonville?
Setbacks in Jacksonville vary by zoning district. For typical single-family residential zones (RLD-60 and RLD-70), expect a front setback of 25 ft, side setbacks of 7.5 ft, and a rear setback of 10 ft (Chapter 656, §656.305). Always verify your specific zone using the JaxGIS Duval Property Map linked in this guide.
What is the maximum building height in Jacksonville residential zones?
Maximum building height in Jacksonville's RLD residential districts is generally 35 ft, measured from average grade to the highest point of the roof. Specific limits are set in Chapter 656 of the Jacksonville Code of Ordinances and may be modified by overlay districts, airport zones, or coastal regulations.
How is lot coverage calculated in Jacksonville?
Lot coverage is the percentage of the lot covered by buildings. RLD residential zones in Jacksonville typically allow up to 50% lot coverage (Chapter 656, §656.305). Driveways and uncovered patios are usually excluded — check the zoning code definition for your district.
Do these setbacks apply to ADUs in Jacksonville?
ADUs built under Jacksonville's 'Keeping Our Families Together Act' (Ordinance 2022-0448-E) are subject to the underlying zoning setbacks and must be located behind the primary home. The ADU cannot exceed the height of the primary residence and is capped at 750 sq ft or 25% of the main home, whichever is smaller. See the Jacksonville ADU rules page for details.