News Summary
The City of Jacksonville has introduced an 8-point plan to enhance its civil plan review process, led by Mayor Donna Deegan. Targeting reductions in review times and complexities, the plan aims to assist developers by increasing resources, leveraging technology, and improving public engagement. Feedback has been gathered from local organizations, with the city expecting to shift to a digital platform by Fall 2025, significantly accelerating permit approvals for various construction projects.
Jacksonville Implements 8-Point Plan to Improve Civil Plan Review Process
The City of Jacksonville has announced a new initiative aimed at improving the civil plan review process, which is crucial for various development projects. The plan, unveiled by Mayor Donna Deegan on May 1, 2025, outlines steps intended to streamline reviews essential for new constructions, major renovations, and significant infrastructure undertakings. The effort comes in light of ongoing challenges developers face, including lengthy review times and overly complex procedures.
The civil plan review process assesses horizontal construction elements within development submissions, and it applies to a broad range of projects that covers everything from road construction to parking facilities. The average duration to obtain a building permit in Jacksonville has decreased from approximately 100 days to 40 days, yet significant improvements are still deemed necessary.
Key Components of the 8-Point Plan
The 8-point plan includes various strategies focused on enhancing efficiency. Key elements involve:
- Increasing personnel and resources dedicated to the civil plan review.
- Educating the developer community to improve understanding of requirements and processes.
- Innovating technological solutions including moving the application process to the JAXEPICS online portal.
- Implementing a potential “express lane” for expedited reviews, available at an additional fee.
- Training and certifying private professionals to conduct plan reviews under a new provider program.
- Utilizing artificial intelligence to identify common mistakes in applications and create a comprehensive FAQ resource for developers.
- Hosting three public forums to discuss the changes and gather additional professional feedback.
- Targeting a reduction in current civil plan review times from 6 to 8 months to approximately 30 to 60 days.
Engagement with the Development Community
The city has engaged with local organizations such as the North Florida Builders Association and the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association to gain insights and feedback on the existing review process. Developer Toney Sleiman, who has been vocal about frustrations with the lengthy permitting processes, has expressed cautious optimism after discussions regarding the new approach. The planned public forums, taking place on May 12, 13, and 15, are intended to foster further dialogue between city officials and the development community.
Future Outlook
By fall 2025, the City of Jacksonville aims to have the civil plan review processes available online through the JAXEPICS portal, marking a significant transition from traditional paper submissions to a digital format. This move is expected to expedite the review process significantly, helping to alleviate bottlenecks that have plagued developers for years.
Jacksonville’s ongoing efforts to develop its downtown area are also reflected in projects like Pearl Square, which signifies a broader commitment to improving local infrastructure and real estate investments. The successful implementation of the 8-point plan is a critical step in supporting future growth and development in the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Controversy Erupts Over New Chick-fil-A in North Jacksonville
Two New Hotels Planned in West Jacksonville
Pearl Square Project Set to Transform Downtown Jacksonville
Mahmoud Khalil Faces Deportation Over Pro-Palestinian Activism
New Medical School Planned by Jacksonville University
Concerns Grow Over Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail Development
New Warehouses and Airport Commerce Center to Boost North Jacksonville
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils New Efficiency Task Force
Jacksonville’s New Amazon Distribution Facility
Additional Resources
- News 4 Jax: Mayor Deegan Announces Efforts to Streamline Civil Plan Review Process
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Deegan Unveils Strategy to Quicken City’s Development Review Process
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Gateway Jax Preparing Lighthouse Garage Downtown for Commercial Space
- Wikipedia: Civil Engineering
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Engineering
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
