NEFBA’s Government Affairs Committee: The next Government Affairs meeting is 8:30 a.m., Thursday, March 23, at the NEFBA offices, 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100.
Human Rights Ordinance: The city of Jacksonville approved the expansion of its Human Rights Ordinance to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of nine characterizations such as race, age, gender and religion already protected from discrimination. Under the expanded law, businesses are prohibited from discriminating against gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender persons in the context of employment, public accommodations and housing, with some exceptions. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees and religious organizations would be exempt from the law’s employment discrimination prohibitions, as they are with the other nine protected classes. The small business exemption does not apply to public accommodations or housing discrimination.
Duval County issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
New school approved: The Clay County School Board unanimously approved the construction of a new elementary school in the OakLeaf area for an estimated cost of $20 million to $25 million. Despite the system operating at 79 percent capacity, school board officials said the new school is needed to replace older portables and to ease future overcrowding in OakLeaf-area elementary schools. The school was originally planned to be built in 2021.
Impact fees: The Clay County Commission contracted with Tindale-Oliver Associates, for a term not to exceed 12 weeks and at a cost of $122,375, to conduct the impact fee study necessary to reinstate the impact fee in Clay County.
Builders Council: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Land development code update: The St. Johns County Commission is considering several items for possible changes to the Land Development Code including measurement of fence height when on or near a grade change or erected atop a retaining wall and allowing storm water ponds to account for a specified percentage of open requirements within a Planned Unit Development.
Builders Council: Leona Brown, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Baker County issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Conditional Use & Variance Board: Nassau County is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Conditional Use & Variance Board, representing District Three. The board conducts public hearings and decides on applications for variances from the literal application of the zoning code when specific standards for review are found to be met. They also conduct public hearings and decide on applications for conditional use. If you have questions regarding the board, please contact the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity at (904) 530-6300.
Builders Council: Palmer Kuder, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Sales & Marketing Council Director/Nassau Builders Council/E-Council
Palmer Kuder, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Events Coordinator/Remodelers Council/Education
Corey Hacker, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Member Services Director
Hans Krieg, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Governmental Affairs Director/Clay Builders Council/Young Professionals
Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355