§ 27-39. General functions, powers and duties.

In general, the board shall have the following general functions, powers and duties:

(1)

With the prior approval of the city council, the board may use consultants as technical support to fulfill its functions and duties.

(2)

The board shall monitor and oversee the operation, effectiveness and status of this Code and recommend amendments to the city council that are consistent with the comprehensive plan.

(3)

Specifically, the board shall have the following functions, powers, and duties for long-range planning within the city:

a.

The board shall review information necessary to assess the amount, direction, and type of development to be expected in the city.

b.

Upon request by the city council, the board shall provide advice about specific planning, zoning, development, historic preservation, and land use issues and policies.

c.

The board shall keep the city council and the general public informed and advised on the planning, zoning, development, historic preservation, and land use issues and policies of the city.

d.

The board shall carry out the functions of a local planning agency pursuant to the requirements of F.S. Ch. 163, including, without limitation, conducting public hearings, gathering information necessary for the drafting, establishment, amendment, and maintenance of the various elements of the comprehensive plan and provisions of this Code. See F.S. § 163.3174.

e.

The board may make or obtain special studies on the location, condition and adequacy of specific facilities of the city, including, but not limited to housing, commercial and industrial facilities, parks, playgrounds, beaches, and other recreational facilities, schools, public buildings, public and private utilities, transportation, and parking.

f.

The board shall review redevelopment plans prepared under F.S. Ch. 163, pt. III, as may be proposed.

g.

The board shall recommend to the city council plans for the replanning, reconstruction, or redevelopment of any area or district which may be destroyed, in whole or in part, or seriously damaged by hurricane, fire, earthquake, flood, or other disaster.

h.

The board shall perform other lawful duties, as may be assigned by the city council.

(4)

The board shall review and recommend to city council; approval, approval with conditions, or denial of applications for:

a.

Preliminary development plans;

b.

Special exceptions; and

c.

Variances for property located in the C-1, C-2, C-3, conservation and CBD zoning districts.

(5)

The board shall make a final decision for all variances for property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 zoning districts.

(6)

The board shall make a final decision for all administrative appeals.

(7)

The board shall have the following functions, powers, and duties for historic preservation within the city:

a.

The board shall work with the Jacksonville Historic Landmarks Commission in assisting property owners of historically significant structures in applying for and utilizing state and federal assistance programs.

b.

The board shall work with residents to nominate historically significant structures for state and federal designation.

c.

The board shall advise the city council concerning the effects of local government actions on cultural resources.

d.

The board shall advise property owners and city departments concerning the proper protection, maintenance, enhancement, and preservation of cultural resources.

(Ord. No. 2004-10, § 1, 10-4-04; Ord. No. 2010-14, § 7, 9-7-10)