Florida Construction News staff writer
Development in Jacksonville could become more efficient thanks to a new initiative unveiled by Mayor Donna Deegan, aimed at speeding up civil plan review and permitting processes.
An eight-point plan announced May 1 focuses on horizontal development—such as grading, drainage, water and sewer infrastructure, road modifications, and parking—to reduce delays and modernize outdated procedures.
“Time is money in business, and delays mean lost revenue for businesses, whether it is home sales, rental units, or retail space,” Deegan said, according to a report from the city’s official website.
The initiative, developed with input from city staff and industry organizations including the Northeast Florida Builders Association and the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, follows earlier efforts by Deegan’s administration to accelerate residential and commercial permitting. Average processing times for residential permits have dropped from 25 to eight days, and commercial permits from 30 to 15 days, according to the city.
Officials said the city will fully move civil plan review online through its JAXEPICS (Enterprise Permitting, Inspections and Compliance System) portal by fall 2025.
The strategy also calls for:
- potential introduction of an “express lane” for expedited reviews at an additional cost
- private provider program, where certified professionals could conduct reviews under contract with applicants
- use of artificial intelligence tools to help flag common errors in submissions
- development of a comprehensive FAQ to guide developers through the application process
Two components—the internal analysis of inefficiencies and the division’s transfer—have already been completed. The city plans to gather further feedback through a series of public forums scheduled for May 12, 13, and 15 at the Ed Ball Building downtown.
Public Works Director Nina Sickler said progress on the remaining elements is expected within 60 to 90 days.
