Surface Parking Regulations

Commercial and Temporary Surface Parking Lot Certification

Definitions

Ordinance 2010-901-E (PDF 67K) provides the clarification for commercial surface parking lots, temporary surface parking lots, and accessory parking lots as defined in Section 656 of the Zoning Code:

1. Commercial Surface Parking Lots
   • Parking facility that provides parking, in whole or the majority part, as a commercial enterprise of four (4) or more motor vehicles for a fee on a first-come, first-served basis or by hourly or monthly contract.
   • Not primarily tied to uses associated with an accessory lot.
   • Does not include commercial parking garages.
   • If a parking lot has a mix of dedicated spaces for a particular use or uses and general first-come, first-served spaces, if such general spaces represent a majority of the available parking spaces, it shall be considered a commercial surface parking lot.
2. Temporary Surface Parking Lots
   • Special events such as sporting events, theatrical performances, boat and car shows, or other events that last no longer than three days in duration.
   • Staging area parking for construction projects that last no longer than the schedule of construction or two years, whichever is less.
3. Accessory Surface Parking Lots
   • Ties the majority of parking for a specific use or uses, to exclusive use by customers, users or employees of a particular business or location.
   • If ownership is separate from business or location, evidence of a long term lease indicating lot is accessory to business or location must be submitted.

Application for Certification Required for Commercial and Temporary Surface Lots within Downtown Zoning Overlay Districts

Operators of commercial surface parking lots within the permitted Downtown Zoning Overlay Districts (as defined by Jacksonville Zoning Code, Section 656.361.6 - Downtown Zoning Overlay Districts) shall be required by Ordinance 2010-901-E to file a certificate application with the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Downtown Development Review Board (JEDC DDRB) staff. 

Certification Process

1. Commercial Surface Parking Lots
   • Pursuant to Section 656.361.5, applicants for new commercial parking lots will be required to obtain a zoning exception, if appropriate, prior to submittal of the application to the DDRB staff.  DDRB staff will review the application and conduct a field inspection of the surface parking lot prior to issuance of a certificate to determine whether the commercial surface parking lot complies with the provisions of this chapter and approved plans.
   • Application:  As a part of application submittal, applicants shall be required to submit an accurate, scaled, and dimensioned site plan sealed by a licensed architect, landscape architect, or registered engineer and elevation drawing(s).  Site plans and elevation drawing(s) must be shown to be consistent with the design standards set forth in Sections 656.361.16 and 656.316.17.  If a commercial parking lot owner cannot comply with the Streetscape Standards, requirements for pedestrian access; an alternate pedestrian linkage plan may be proposed to the JEDC staff or seek modification from the DDRB.
   • Applicants shall submit required site plans and elevations on 8 ½” x 11” sized electronic copies to jklement@coj.net in .PDF format.  If the size of the site and scale is not appropriate for digital submission, staff will assist in the determination of acceptable hard copy deliverables. 
   • Certificates:  Certificates issued pursuant to this chapter shall be personal to the owner and shall not be transferable.  Certificates are valid for the duration of the operation by the applicant of record.  Certificates must be amended in the following instances:
     • During or following the year in which additional landscaping or screening compliance is required under Section 656.361.17.
     • If a change in the surface parking lot renders the previously submitted site plan or elevation drawing inaccurate. 
     • Change of ownership for the record.
2. Temporary Surface Parking Lots                                                                                       
   • Pursuant to Section 656.361.26, all temporary surface parking lots shall only be allowed and authorized upon a positive finding by the DDRB staff that such use or uses as proposed will not be detrimental to the health, safety, convenience or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity, or injurious to property, improvements or potential development in the vicinity. 
   • Application:  Submittal to include size and shape of proposed site on a scaled site plan.

Compliance Dates for Existing Downtown Surface Parking Lots

1. Commercial Surface Parking Lots - within permitted Downtown Zoning Overlay Districts are required to meet certifying criteria pursuant to Sections 656.361.16 and 656.361.17 prior to January 1, 2014.  Certifying criteria pursuant to Section 656.361.24 must be met prior to January 1, 2012.
2. Temporary Surface Parking Lots – it is recommended that applicants submit information 30 days prior to event date so as to facilitate review and approval for certificate issuance.

1. Commercial Surface Parking Lots

Vacant Lot Regulations

Prior to January 1, 2014, all undeveloped lots, including lots not used as a surface parking lot, shall meet minimum standards as identified in Section 656.361.25(a)-(f).  If a lot has a building, structure or use that requires demolition, the lot shall also be subject to these regulations.

Forms and Guidelines

117 West Duval Street, Suite 275, Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 630-1858