The City of Jacksonville's Commitment to its Neighborhoods Consolidated City of Jacksonville
Neighborhood Bill of Rights
Jacksonville's many and varied
neighborhoods are the lifeblood of the community.
The city's neighborhood, civic and
homeowner groups connect residents with their neighborhoods and each other, and
provide an important opportunity for communication between residents and city
government.
Because citizens and taxpayers should
have the right to be well informed and expect prompt, fair and courteous
treatment from the city at all times, City Council Member Eric Smith introduced
legislation (Ordinance 95-247-106) that established a formal policy clearly
setting the standard of conduct that neighborhood organizations should expect
from every city employee.
As set forth by this ordinance, every
organized, officially recognized neighborhood in the City of Jacksonville has
the right to expect and receive the following from the officials, employees and
agencies of the City of Jacksonville:
Prompt, courteous, informed responses to all questions
regarding city business. Replies, if only to report that inquiries
or research are under way and a full response will be forthcoming at a
later time, should be made within one working day of the original
neighborhood contact.
Advance notification of any city-related public works
or utility project taking place within or adjacent to a neighborhood (e.g.
road paving; water, sewer or drainage work; traffic signal installation or
removal; park renovation or substantial maintenance; land purchases,
etc.), including the day(s) and probable length of any street closures,
utility interruptions, or other adverse impacts on the neighborhood, and
the name and phone number of the city representative most knowledgeable
and able to immediately answer questions during the course of the work.
Notification of the submission of any application for
rezoning, zoning or land use variance or exception, Development of Regional
Impact (DRI) or Planned Unit Development (PUD) application, or other
significant land use action; a clear explanation of the date, time and
place of all applicable public hearings and other opportunities for public
input on the application; and a clear explanation of the type of testimony
that is allowable and relevant from neighborhood organizations and
residents.
Opportunity for formal input into the annual budget
process, including the opportunity to express preferred city government
priorities, suggested capital improvement projects, and other statements
that fairly represent the opinion of a majority of the neighborhood's
residents.
A timely personal response from its district council
member or that council member's aide to questions directed to the City
Council office.
The opportunity to participate in the
design of publicly funded projects within or adjacent to the neighborhood,
including the opportunity early in the planning process to express neighborhood
preferences about choice of location, materials, orientation, size, land use
intensity, and other features.
This Neighborhood Bill of Rights constitutes part of
the standard operating procedures of all city offices and agencies. It
must be observed to the greatest extent possible by all city officers,
employees and agencies as the formal expression of the city's duty to serve the
public effectively, responsively and courteously.
Tired of seeing garbage dumped
illegally in a nearby parking lot?
Concerned about stray dogs roaming your
neighborhood or mistreatment of pets?
Sick of seeing that abandoned car
parked across the street?
Wish property owners in your
neighborhood would clean up their overgrown lot?
JaxPride and the Jacksonville Sheriff's
Office can help you help your neighbors. Here is a list of numbers you
can call if you see a problem. Please have an exact address before you
call. The best way to solve a problem is to become involved.
Street drainage problems, dangerous sidewalk or broken
curb: 630-CITY
Garbage collection problems: 630-CITY
Illegal garbage dumping: 630-CITY
Street light out: 665-6000
Sanitary violations at homes/buildings: 630-CITY
Stray or injured animals: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00
p.m.: 387-8846; after hours: 630-CITY
To report cruelty to animals: 630-CITY
Abandoned car on private property: 630-CITY
Abandoned car on public property: 630-2196
Litter on street or sidewalk: 630-CITY
Overgrown lots, weed control: 630-CITY
Zoning permits: 630-1086
Licensing -- peddlers/occupational: 630-2080
State Attorney's Office: 630-2400
Jail: 630-5747
Parks and recreation: 630-5401
Tree trimming on power lines: 665-6000
City Council: 630-1377
For collection of appliances, water heaters, a/c
units: 630-CITY
