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Jacksonville, FL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Ordinance Code § 654.129(b)
Lowest ratio
AGR district, 15% impervious
Highest ratio
CCBD downtown, 95% impervious
Typical RLD-60 lot
65% impervious surface allowed
Enforcing agency
Planning and Development Department

Summary

Jacksonville caps how much of a lot can be covered by buildings and pavement through a zoning-district impervious surface ratio table, ranging from 15% in agricultural areas to 95% downtown.

(b)All subdivisions shall be designed using the following impervious surface ratios: Zoning District Impervious Surface Ratio RR-Acre 30% RLD-120 35% RLD-100A 45% RLD-100B 45% RLD-90 50% RLD-80 50% RLD-70 55% RLD-60 65% RLD-50 65% RLD-40 70% ... RHD-A 85% ... CCBD 95% or as otherwise provided in Subpart H ... AGR 15%

Source: Jacksonville Zoning Code Chapter 656 § 656.401 — Performance Standards and Development Criteria (Lot Coverage)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Under Ordinance Code § 654.129(b), every subdivision and building lot in Duval County must meet a maximum impervious surface ratio set by its zoning district: the share of the lot that can be covered by structures, driveways, patios and other non-absorbent surfaces. Ratios run from 15% in agricultural (AGR) districts up through 30-75% across the low- and medium-density residential (RR, RLD, RMD) districts, 85% in high-density residential and most commercial/industrial districts, and 95% downtown (CCBD). Section 656.223(f) bars any structure from providing less impervious surface than section 654.129 requires, tying the zoning code's lot-coverage rule directly to this table. The Planning and Development Department reviews compliance at plat and building-permit stage.

Violations & Fines

Building without a permit that exceeds the district's impervious surface ratio triggers plan rejection or a stop-work order from the Planning and Development Department until the site plan is revised to comply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as impervious surface in Jacksonville?
Any surface that prevents water absorption, roofs, driveways, patios, and paved parking, counted against the maximum ratio set for the lot's zoning district under § 654.129.
What's the lot coverage limit for a typical Jacksonville single-family lot?
Zoning district sets the cap: RLD-70 allows 55%, RLD-60 and RLD-50 allow 65%, and RLD-40 allows 70% impervious coverage.

Sources & Official References

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