Written determinations by the zoning administrator or applicable code authority, as set forth in this chapter, generally; types; processes; limitations.
Tampa City Code § 27-53
in effectSec. 27-53. - Written determinations by the zoning administrator or applicable code authority, as set forth in this chapter, generally; types; processes; limitations.
(a) Types of written determinations. The zoning administrator, applicable code authority as set forth in this chapter, or designee shall have the authority to render a written determination on the following after filing the appropriate application and payment of the required fee:
(1) Certification:
a. Request regarding the zoning classification of a particular parcel and associated permitted uses, based on the Official Zoning Atlas and Zoning Code in effect at the time of the application;
b. Request for reasonable accommodations related to a specific building, structure, or development, subject to section 27-62;
(2) Interpretation—Request regarding the general meaning of a Code provision, the effect of a Code provision on a specific property, or whether a proposed use or a proposed site plan (which has not been submitted for approval) complies with Zoning Code requirements;
(3) Vested rights in accordance with this chapter; and
(4) Non-conforming status, in accordance with this chapter.
Written communication by the zoning administrator to the mayor and city administration, city council, appointed boards, commissions, special magistrates and hearing officers, city staff and the legal department shall not be considered a written determination pursuant to this section.
(b) Processes for written determinations. An application for a written determination must be submitted in writing to the zoning administrator through one (1) of the following processes:
(1) Formal decision;
(2) Certification; or
(3) Advisory opinion.
All applications must be complete and applicable fees shall be paid at time of submittal of any application for written determination.
(c) Limitations on written determinations. An application for written determination shall be limited as follows:
(1) Under no circumstances is the zoning administrator permitted to grant exceptions to the actual meaning of any clause, standard or regulation contained in this chapter to any person making application to excavate, construct, move, alter or use either a building, structure, or land.
(2) The zoning administrator is not permitted to make changes to this chapter or to vary the terms of this chapter in carrying out their duties, except as specifically set forth in this chapter. Due to that limitation on the zoning administrator's authority, a written determination shall not be construed as a waiver of any provisions of this chapter.
(3) Interpretations shall not be given to any person based solely on hypothetical facts.
(4) A decision approving the interpretation proposed in the application shall not authorize the establishment of the use nor the development, construction, reconstruction, alteration or moving of any building or structure. It shall merely authorize the preparation, filing and processing of applications for any approvals and permits that may be required by the city's Land Development Code.
(5) If conflict occurs between the requirements of the Land Development Code and the standards adopted as part of a planned development, development agreement, site plan or annexation agreement, the requirements of the Land Development Code shall prevail.
(6) The zoning administrator or designee shall base an interpretation on three (3) considerations:
a. The defined or common meaning of the words or provision.
b. The general purpose of the provision as expressed in the provision.
c. The logical or likely meaning of the provision viewed in relation to the Comprehensive Plan.
(7) The zoning administrator may issue a written determination when the applicant demonstrates compliance with the imposed conditions of this chapter, but shall not consider whether the use or the permit would violate contractual or other arrangements (including, but not by way of limitation, restrictive covenants) among private parties.
(Ord. No. 2018-150, § 1, 10-4-2018)
Source: City of Tampa, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/tampa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH27ZOLADE_ARTIIADGEPR_DIV1ESADOFDUPR_S27-53WRDEZOADAPCOAUSEFOCHGETYPRLIFetched: 10/28/2026