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Council amends San Marco overlay to restore historic front‑yard setbacks in Alford Park subdivision
Summary
The committee approved ordinance 2025‑0009 to update front‑yard setback lines for lots platted in Alford Park (San Marco), aligning the code with original lot lines measured to the public right‑of‑way so existing houses can be reconstructed on their historic footprints.
Jacksonville City Council approved ordinance 2025‑0009, amending section 656.399.7 of the Municipal Code to adjust overlay development setback lines for lots in the Alford Park subdivision (San Marco).
Planning staff said Alford Park was platted in December 1938 and many dwellings were constructed around 1939. The ordinance updates front‑yard setback measurements so that, where appropriate, reconstruction of dwellings can occur on their historic footprints by measuring setbacks to the right‑of‑way rather than the pavement edge. Staff said the change corrects a measurement error that made current setbacks too restrictive and does not conflict with the Comprehensive Plan; planning staff recommended approval. Laurie Boyer, a property owner and former councilmember, told the committee the amendment “is really a correcting an error” and that it codifies historic locations and reduces undue restriction on reconstruction.
San Marco Preservation Society representatives (Sherry Weber and others) spoke in support. The committee adopted a minor amendment to insert subpart and chapter titles and to correct a street name from “Arcadia Avenue” to “Arcadia Place.” The amended bill passed by a recorded vote of seven yeas, zero nays.
The ordinance updates overlay setback rules for specific lots in Alford Park so existing houses can be rebuilt on their original footprints consistent with the neighborhood’s historic pattern.
