Jacksonville — The Neighborhoods Committee voted Nov. 3 to expand the city’s downtown sidewalk-café boundaries and clarify code references governing outdoor seating and service.

The council approved Bill 20-25-0772 with an amendment to revise code cross-references and clarify that sidewalk-cafe permits and ADA passage requirements remain in effect. The ordinance extends areas where restaurants and bars may apply to place tables and chairs on public sidewalks and ‘‘parklet’’-style sidewalk enhancements, but permits and ADA path-of-travel requirements still apply.

Why it matters: Supporters said the change provides regulatory clarity for businesses and aims to increase foot traffic downtown. Staff and DIA officials said the bill does not remove existing permitting steps; sidewalk cafes will still need a sidewalk-cafe permit and must maintain ADA clearance (typically at least 4 feet) along pedestrian routes.

Key points

Alan Reingold, representing general counsel, explained the amendment adds a reference to additional subsections of chapter 250 to make downtown sidewalk-cafe rules consistent with other parts of the code.

Alan Duvall of the Downtown Investment Authority said the revision will allow existing downtown sidewalk-cafe programs to function throughout a larger downtown footprint and to accommodate configurations where a pedestrian path separates the building façade from seating areas.

Public safety and permitting

Council members asked about liability and safety, and staff pointed to existing code provisions that address physical requirements for sidewalks and that sidewalk-cafe permits may contain conditions, including any Land Use & Zoning (LUZ) administrative deviations that might be required. Nina Sickler of Public Works confirmed ADA clearance requirements would remain enforced.

Vote and next steps

The amendment and the resulting ordinance were approved: recorded vote 6 yeas, 0 nays. The code changes are now part of the city’s regulatory framework governing downtown outdoor dining and will be implemented through existing permitting channels.

Provenance

Topic intro: Council opens discussion and amendment language is read: "...revise the change to section 15810154108b just to reference part a of chapter 250 as it relates to downtown sidewalks..." (01:07:48)

Topic finish: Council approves the ordinance as amended (01:18:43).