A bill that would limit public hearings and take some decision-making on zoning deviations from elected officials with the stated intent of speeding development is set to come under consideration by Jacksonville City Council.
Ordinance 2026-0364, introduced by Council member Rory Diamond, allows for the city’s Planning Department to grant applications for administrative zoning deviations without a currently required public hearing and with eased requirements for approval.
In a text message, Diamond said the ordinance was designed to address Jacksonville’s need for affordable housing by speeding up approvals for infill residential projects…