Tampa asks for public's help to rewrite development codes

The city of Tampa is beginning a two-year review aimed at rewriting its land development code to make it more useful to residents and to address needs brought about by growth.

The city says the process will update the current set of regulations that govern how land can be used and developed.

A big part of the push is to get input from residents and that will start Sept. 16 with the first of several public events to discuss potential changes. The city has also posted an online survey for residents.

In a statement, Abbye Feeley, the city’s interim administrator for development and economic opportunity, says getting the public’s input is “vital” to the process.

That’s because the land code affects everything from protecting buildings to improving walkability.

“As we develop a code that can meet the demands of our growing city, the public's participation will ensure the update will make Tampa a better place for our residents, a better place to do business, and a place where all our neighborhoods can thrive,” Feeley says.

The public’s take is just one step in the process to update the development code, which regulates land use, growth and development.

Among the stated goals of the effort are:

• To restructure the code so that it “is more logical and easier to understand.”
• To make sure more photos, diagrams and illustration are included to “visually demonstrate key code provisions.”
• To remove ambiguity and provide predictably by using more precise language
• To establish development standards to improve quality, including tree planting and landscaping requirements.