Jacksonville, FL Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (2026)

Jacksonville's Building Inspection Division (BID) requires permits for outdoor kitchens that include any of the following: a gas line extension from the home or a new propane line to a fixed appliance (governed by Code Ch. 343 and the Florida Fuel Gas Code), permanent electrical wiring for outlets or lighting (NEC and Florida Building Code - Electrical), water and drain plumbing for sinks (Florida Plumbing Code), or a permanent roof, pergola, or attached structure (Florida Building Code - Building). Permit application is online through JaxEPICS at https://jaxepics.coj.net/. Submittals require a site plan showing setbacks from property lines and the primary structure, an elevation showing height (often capped at 10-15 ft for accessory structures depending on zone), structural details for any roof, and MEP plans. Jacksonville is in Wind Zone 130 mph (Risk Category II); all roofs, pergolas, and shade structures must be engineered to Florida Building Code Section 1609 wind-load requirements. Setbacks for accessory structures are typically 5 ft from side/rear property lines under Zoning Code Ch. 656 Pt. 3, but vary by district. Fire-code clearance under NFPA 1 still applies. Freestanding portable grills with no permanent utility connections generally do not require a permit.