Tampa, Florida Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Tampa, Florida Zoning & Land Use Guide
Tampa is the seat of Hillsborough County and the largest city in the Tampa Bay area, with a 2020 Census population of 414,547. The city manages land use through Chapter 27 (Zoning and Land Development) of the City of Tampa Code of Ordinances.
Tampa uses a distinctive RS (Residential Single-Family) district numbering system — RS-50, RS-60, RS-75, RS-100, and RS-150 — where the number generally reflects the minimum lot width in feet. The City Planning Department fosters a multi-disciplinary approach to growth, development, and redevelopment supporting the city's Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow (T3) Strategy.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Tampa and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Tampa Development Coordination Division or the official municipal code before making development decisions.
City Planning Department Contact
- City Planning Phone: 813-274-7724 (City Planning Department)
- Development & Growth Management: 813-274-3100 (site plans, zoning, permits, building code)
- Development Coordination Division (Zoning): 813-274-8403
- Address: 2555 East Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 (Development Coordination)
- City Planning Address: 306 E. Jackson St., 3rd Floor East, Tampa, FL 33602
- Office Hours: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Residential Zoning Districts
Tampa's single-family zoning districts are established in Chapter 27, §27-156 (Official Schedule of District Regulations). The RS series provides for detached residential housing at varying lot sizes:
| District | Lot Width | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RS-50 | 50 ft | Smallest lot size in the RS series |
| RS-60 | 60 ft | Minimum 6,000 sq ft lot area |
| RS-75 | 75 ft | Low-density; front porches subject to front setback |
| RS-100 | 100 ft | Low-density, similar to RS-150 with smaller lots |
| RS-150 | 150 ft | Spacious-lot single-family; most restrictive RS district |
For the specific numerical setback values (front, rear, interior side, and street side) for each RS district, consult §27-156 directly in Chapter 27 of the Tampa Code of Ordinances. Contact the Development Coordination Division at 813-274-8403 for the most current information.
Setback Provisions (Chapter 27)
- Architectural features (cornices, eaves, gutters, bay windows, balconies) may project up to 3 ft into required front, corner, and rear yards
- Only cornices, eaves, gutters, and decorative molding may encroach up to 3 ft into side yard setbacks
- Equipment, tanks, filters, stairways, and enclosed floor space must meet principal structure setbacks
- Special street setbacks may apply — see §27-160
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Tampa permits full ADUs in eight designated neighborhoods (October 2024 expansion): Seminole Heights, East Tampa Overlay, Tampa Heights Overlay, Lowry Park Central, Sulphur Springs, Temple Crest, Wellswood, and portions of Riverside Heights — on properties zoned RS-50, RS-60, SH-RS, or in qualifying overlay districts.
Citywide, ADUs may only be created as Extended Family Residences (EFRs) for extended family members.
Key ADU rules:
- All ADUs require a Special Use permit (approved before building permit; annual renewal required)
- Maximum size: 950 sq ft
- Owner occupancy: Required on the property (either unit)
- Parking: One off-street space required for the ADU
- Utilities: Separate utility meters required for water, electric, and gas
- Short-term rentals under 7 days are prohibited
- ADUs are exempt from traditional density calculations
Contact Development & Growth Management at 813-274-3100 or visit tampa.gov/city-planning/accessory-dwelling-units.
Zoning Maps
Tampa's interactive zoning map is available at: tampa.gov/development-coordination/zoning/maps
Search by address or folio number. Maps are updated monthly; data refreshed every 24 hours. A downloadable Zoning Atlas is also available at tampa.gov/document/downloadable-zoning-atlas-complete-set-13211.
Development Process
Development in Tampa generally requires:
- Zoning Verification — Use the interactive zoning map or contact Development Coordination at 813-274-8403
- Pre-Application Consultation — Recommended for entitlement, rezoning, or variance applications
- Entitlement / Special Use Application — Required for ADUs, rezonings, variances, and certain uses
- Site Plan Review — Required for commercial, multi-family, and many projects; processed by the Development Coordination Division
- Building Permit — Apply through Development & Growth Management at 813-274-3100
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Tampa:
- Identify the exact RS district number — Tampa's RS-50 through RS-150 have different dimensional standards
- Review §27-156 for the Official Schedule of District Regulations for your specific RS district
- Check for overlay districts (Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, East Tampa, etc.) that may modify base zoning standards
- Determine if the property is in a FEMA flood zone — Tampa has significant flood risk areas
- ADUs require a Special Use permit; confirm eligibility and neighborhood designation before planning
- Confirm HOA or deed restrictions — private HOA restrictions are not preempted by city zoning
Official Resources
- City Planning Department: tampa.gov/city-planning — 813-274-7724
- Zoning Maps (Interactive): tampa.gov/zoning/maps
- ADU Information: tampa.gov/ADUs
- Municipal Code: library.municode.com/fl/tampa
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Tampa
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Florida
- Building Code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Florida Statutes §163.31771 (2020) requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family zoning districts.)
County — Hillsborough County
- Role: County provides property records, tax assessment, and governs unincorporated areas.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- HOAs are common in Florida. Check CC&Rs for additional restrictions beyond city zoning.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Max Height
- 35 ft (typical residential)
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft (minimum 60 ft width)
- Max Height
- 35 ft (typical residential)
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Max Height
- 35 ft (typical residential)
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Max Height
- 35 ft (typical residential)
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Max Height
- 35 ft (typical residential)
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27, §27-156
ADU Rules in Tampa
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Tampa are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Tampa permit fees →