Consulting Services for Downtown Overlay Zone and Downtown District Use

The purpose of this effort is to update the Downtown Overlay Zone and Downtown District Use and Form Regulations to improve clarity, consistency, and usability, and to support implementation through a companion, visually oriented Design Guidelines document. The Downtown Investment Authority (“DIA”) seeks professional services to update the Downtown Overlay Zone and Downtown District Use and Form Regulations, including Section 656.361 Subpart H of the City of Jacksonville Code of Ordinances, to improve clarity, consistency, and usability. This effort will focus on refining existing regulatory language to reduce ambiguity and better support implementation. As a companion to the regulatory update, the consultant shall prepare a simplified, visually oriented Design Guidelines document that illustrates and supports the updated ordinance. The Guidelines will serve as an implementation tool to clearly communicate regulatory expectations through diagrams, photographs, and concise explanations. This effort will also include targeted public engagement and stakeholder outreach, as well as a review of the Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) application process to identify opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, and efficiency. This effort will also consider how private development interfaces with the Riverwalk Park Design Criteria, which are currently being updated by the City, to ensure alignment between redevelopment activity and riverfront design expectations where applicable.