Help Prevent the Loss of San Marco's Charm and Character.

The Problem:

Developers are trying to get around San Marco's height and density standards. If allowed, this will set a precedent for future development.

The Solution:

Legally fight for standards already set in place by the San Marco Overlay. This is our last chance as a precedent will be set!

How You Can Help:

Please take a stand by donating to our legal fees. We have submitted two appeals, and with your help, can keep San Marco historic character intact for future generations.

If 200 can give $200, all legal fees will be paid in full!

RSSM Website

What's this About?

On February 25th the Jacksonville City Council, led by area council member LeAnna Cumber, approved an eleventh-hour amendment allowing a developer to build a 50' apartment complex in the heart of San Marco. As you can see above, the building is too tall and completely out of scale for the area.

Using a new "Weighted Height Average" calculation concocted by the developer, which has never been used in Jacksonville, the development goes against the 35' height limit, the City zoning code, the San Marco Neighborhood Action Plan, as well as the San Marco Overlay, which sets standards for development in the area. If allowed, the building will be the tallest building in San Marco. Imagine an apartment complex being the center attraction to Historic San Marco!

To preserve the character of the area Right Size San Marco and residents have filed two appeals to challenge the City's action.

One appeal was to the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) which can be downloaded here. If successful, it will stop this project from deteriorating the character of San Marco. More importantly, it will protect the standards of the San Marco Overlay and future developments. The ruling is expected in 2021.

We also filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the Fourth Judicial Circuit in Duval County. Since winning the DOAH appeal will trump the Certiorari, this is on hold until a DOAH ruling is made. This document is less technical and highlights why we are taking these actions against the city.

Before deciding to appeal, Right Size San Marco consulted four separate law firms. All concluded that the community has an excellent basis to challenge the City Council action.

Why have zoning laws and Overlays when the Planning Department and City Council can spot zone and give developers precisely what they want, whenever they want? Help save San Marco's character by donating today.

Download Appeals

To understand why we believe the City is purposely trying to circumvent the San Marco Overlay in favor of the developers, please read the Certiorari (it's less technical) and the DOAH appeal.

CERTIORARI APPEAL DOAH APPEAL