Citizen Advisory Boards

Jacksonville Boards, Commissions & Committees

The City of Jacksonville encourages citizen participation through service on the Boards, Commissions and Committees of the City. Most have a requirement to be a City resident and experience in the area the board considers is beneficial. Membership is appointed by the Mayor or City Council depending on the group’s by-laws.

Shadow membership is also available for those who may wish to ‘try out’ a group. Shadow members enjoy most of the rights of regular members but cannot vote.

To indicate your desire to serve on a group, please obtain a Citizen Participation Form. For more information please call the City Clerk’s office at 938-5224.

Beautification and Appearance Commission

The Beautification and Appearance Commission advises the City Council on matters involving the visual appearance of the City, including landscaping, signage and community clean up. The Commission also initiates and carries out community design and appearance projects. The City Tree Board is an official element of the Commission.

Board of Adjustment (Zoning)

The Board may grant variances from requirements of the Zoning Ordinance when there are practical difficulties or undue hardships involved in compliance. The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals from citizens concerning administrative decisions made by the Zoning Codes Officer.

Community Development Advisory Committee

The Community Development Advisory Committee serves as the Citizen’s forum to represent the views, ideas and opinions of citizens to the Community Development Division, City Council or the Mayor for appropriate action. The Committee recommends how Community Development Block Grant funds should be used.

Fire Safety Advisory Board

The purpose of the Fire Safety Advisory Board is to research and recommend methods to enhance and approve fire protection and life safety for the community. The board may also submit recommendations for revising and amending local ordinances pertaining to fire protection and life safety.

Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities

The principle objective of the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities is to improve and enhance the quality of life for disabled City residents. The Committee offers assistance in overcoming and resolving personal, social and vocational problems and promotes citizen awareness and understanding of the plight of disabled citizens. To access the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities Accessibility Complaint form, please click here. To access the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities Monthly Award Nomination Form, please click here .

Onslow Civic Affairs Committee

This board had begun as a City-only board, but was expanded to include all of Onslow County. The City of Jacksonville continues to have certain seats which are allocated for appointment by the City Council. The Board evaluates our community’s civic infrastructure using a civic rating index and recommends strategies for addressing community needs. In addition, the group is charged with Civic Education and advancing cooperative and collaborative efforts.

Planning Board

The Planning Board is responsible for advising the City Council on matters involving long-range community planning, comprehensive planning, zoning and development proposals.

Recreation and Parks Commission

The Recreation and Parks Commission advises the City Council on facilities, programs, activities and recreational needs of the Citizens of Jacksonville.

Recycling Advisory Board

The Recycling Advisory Board advises the City Council on different recycling issues. The Board promotes recycling awareness through innovative, educational and incentives programs.

Trails and Greenways Commission

The Trails and Greenways Commission advises the City Council on all aspects or bicycle and pedestrian trails and greenways within the City of Jacksonville.

Water and Sewer Advisory Board

The Water and Sewer Advisory Board advises the City Council on the condition, capacity and needs of the City's water and sewer system. The Board examines water supply, water distribution, sewage collection facilities, wastewater treatment and financing of major changes in the water and sewer system.