The Jacksonville City Council has approved an amendment to the Zoning Code, revising regulations for drive-in and drive-through facilities in the Downtown Overlay Zone. Previously, such facilities were only allowed if located entirely within an enclosed structure, such as a parking garage. The amendment now permits drive-throughs where the service window is contiguous to and accessed from an improved vehicle use area (e.g., a parking lot) that is not a commercial surface lot, provided the lot existed before 2014. This change applies to the Brooklyn, NorthCore, Central Core, Sports & Entertainment, and Working Waterfront districts, ensuring a more flexible approach to business operations while maintaining urban design standards.
This amendment modernizes Jacksonville’s zoning code by offering more flexibility for businesses seeking to operate drive-throughs in the downtown area. It balances economic development with urban planning objectives, fostering business growth while maintaining pedestrian-friendly environments.