Florida Construction News staff writer

The City of Tampa’s planning department is holding two public meetings focused on the future of accessory dwelling units.

Staff is bringing forward changes to the Tampa Land Development Code related to accessory dwelling units.

Participants will learn more about existing ADU policies, followed by an open discussion on Feb. 22 at the Spring Hill Community Center, 1000 E. Eskimo Ave. and on Mar. 12 at the City Center at Hanna Avenue, 2555 E. Hanna Ave. Both meetings start at 6 p.m.

Tampa’s current code allows ADUs to be constructed in Seminole Heights, the area around Lowry Park, the East Tampa Overlay, and the Tampa Heights Overlay. Everywhere else in the city, ADUs may only be created for a family member and are called extended family residences (EFR) and have slightly different requirements. The main residence must be owner-occupied. Other developments and use regulations apply.

ADUs and EFRs are considered “special uses” which means they are permitted only if a Special Use application is submitted and all the special use criteria can be met on the specific site.

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