Downtown businesses now have much more leeway on the types of signage they’re allowed to display following an approved text amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance.
City planning staff first submitted an amendment proposing to reorganize and expand signage options for downtown businesses in October, but concern from council members and area business owners about the vagueness of the text led to council tabling the item.
Planning staff then met with business stakeholders in the downtown area on Dec. 3 to go over the proposal, which was revised and brought back to council during its meeting Tuesday.
As written previously, the UDO limited signage on secondary facades to channel-set lettering only.
“We’ve seen an interest in downtown revitalization, a renewed interest, (and) I know council’s made that a priority,” said Ryan King, Jacksonville planning and inspections director. “We finished up with the New Bridge streetscape, and we’ve seen a lot of synergy happening downtown, and we didn’t want to keep that from stifling that opportunity.”
King said there’s really no reason from the planning staff’s perspective to limit signage options.
Council approved the UDO text amendment during Tuesday’s meeting, permitting all types of signage with the exception of electronic message boards.
The amendment also increases the permitted size of primary entrance signs to 10 feet, rather than 5 feet. A sign of 10 feet or smaller would be exempt from needing a permit.
Council also approved two additional UDO text amendments Tuesday.
Tidewater Associates submitted an amendment proposing to adjust the area available for vehicular use in front of a dwelling, increasing the maximum size allowed for a parking space from 33% of the yard to 45%.
Also approved was the removal of penalties for UDO violations for parties that demonstrate a good faith effort to resolve the violation and have obtained full compliance.
The amendment removes the dollar amount listed for civil penalties in the UDO and refers to the adopted fee schedule, allowing for up to a 100% reduction of the fines accrued.
Two annexation ordinances were also approved by council following public hearings that saw no speakers.
On behalf of Thornwood LLC, Kimley-Horn submitted a petition for a voluntary annexation of a portion of land totaling 488.63 acres that is contiguous to the city limit boundaries.
The property is located at the end of Williamsburg Parkway, and the developer plans to build 843 single-family homes with an average value of $350,000 each.
On behalf of Skyline Land Holdings LLC, Tidewater Associates submitted a petition for a voluntary satellite annexation of one tract of land totaling 2.77 acres that is not contiguous to the city limits.
Located off Blue Creek School Road, the property abuts the Crestfield Point Apartments, which was added into the city limits through satellite annexation in 2020.
The developer plans to build 12 single-family homes with an average value of $265,000 each.
Public safety grant funding
Council also approved several items as part of Tuesday’s consent agenda.
The Jacksonville Police Department recently received notification that it’s been awarded funding from the 2025 Governor’s Crime Commission JAG grant.
The grant will be used to fund Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics on-site training for officers through the Police Executive Research Forum, a research-based approach proven to reduce the use of force-related incidents and injuries to residents and officers.
The grant will provide $210,483.81 in project funding, with no local match required.
JPD also recently received notification of a fiscal year 2027 Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant opportunity for equipment that will support the Bike Safe Program. Council authorized JPD to apply for the funding to purchase two replacement motorcycles.
The total estimated cost of one outfitted motorcycle is $35,000, and the grant would provide 50% of the funding, with a 50% match required from the city.
JPD also received notification of a fiscal year 2026 Governor’s Crime Commission grant opportunity for law enforcement equipment. Council authorized JPD to apply for the funding to contribute toward the replacement of mobile radios, as current radios are reaching end of life and will no longer be serviceable.
The Governor’s Crime Commission provides 100% of project funding and JPD expects to be able to replace six radios.