The City of Jacksonville has launched a pilot program called Express Lane Permitting to speed up the permitting process for developers and builders. Mayor Donna Deegan announced the program earlier this week, saying it is designed to reduce the time needed for construction and commercial projects, according to the Jax Daily Record.
As part of the pilot, a permitting process for a new grocery store at the Atlantic North shopping center was completed in 19 days. Developer Toney Sleiman of Sleiman Enterprises told Action News Jax that permitting has been a consistent delay for projects and noted that small businesses should not have to wait months for permits.
Public Works Director Nina Sickler said the city’s eight-point improvement plan, which includes Express Lane Permitting, has already reduced review times. Residential permits are averaging eight days for the first review and commercial permits are averaging 13 days, improvements from May, she told News4Jax. Plans are also being developed to integrate artificial intelligence into the permitting process.
Officials have not yet decided on the fee for Express Lane Permitting. Sickler told the Jax Daily Record that the city is considering rates similar to a Texas program, possibly $200 per hour per reviewer.
