Model dwelling units and preconstruction sales offices.
Tampa City Code § 27-282.2
in effectSec. 27-282.2. - Model dwelling units and preconstruction sales offices.
(a) In any residential district where residential dwelling units are allowed, the developers or their agents may operate one (1) model dwelling unit as a sales office for the specific project under construction, subject to the following restrictions:
(1) The model dwelling unit shall meet all district requirements for lot and yard dimensions.
(2) Signs shall not be illuminated after 9:30 p.m.
(3) The model dwelling unit shall not be used for any business activity later than 9:30 p.m.
(4) A subdivision having three (3) or less model dwelling units shall provide two (2) independently functional parking spaces per unit. A subdivision having four (4) or more model dwelling units shall provide an off-street parking lot within three hundred (300) feet of the sales office with a minimum of five (5) spaces for four (4) model units plus one additional space for each additional model. Due to the temporary nature of the parking lot, the parking area shall be treated with a suitable temporary surface.
(5) The model dwelling unit shall not be used as a means to sell similar units located elsewhere in the city.
(6) The model dwelling unit shall be discontinued when the specific residential project is sold out and shall comply with regulations generally applicable within the district.
Model dwelling units may be erected or displayed in districts that exclude residential uses, provided that such models shall not be used for residential purposes, but only for display as a means to sell homes in districts in which they are permitted and provided that all other requirements of the district in which the model dwelling unit is erected shall be met.
(b) In those zoning districts where multi-family dwelling uses are permitted, a temporary structure may be used as a preconstruction sales office for the purpose of displaying a typical dwelling unit arrangement, subject to the following restrictions:
(1) The structure shall be limited to one (1) story in height.
(2) The structure shall be appropriately landscaped and shall be subject to the requirements of section 27-284.
(3) The structure shall be subject to the same front setback requirements as the principal structure to be erected and shall otherwise be subject to all setback requirements for this district.
(4) Adequate off-street parking facilities and access driveways shall be developed only within those locations approved for such facilities in conjunction with the permanent apartment structure, and no additional parking areas or access driveways shall be permitted.
(5) Signs shall be permitted only in accordance with the regulations set forth for such use within the district.
(6) The structure shall comply fully with all existing building codes and ordinances of the city.
(7) The structure shall be completely and totally removed within six (6) months from the date of the issuance of a building permit for same or upon the completion of the permanent residential dwelling structure, whichever date is later.
(8) In the event that the structure should not be removed or demolished by the owner or other parties in interest within the terms of this subsection, the city, acting through its building official, is authorized to vacate, demolish or remove, either with city forces or by independent contractor submitting the lowest and best bid, any such building or structure. The city shall assess the entire cost of such vacation, demolition or removal against the owner or other parties in interest.
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_ARTVISURE_DIV2RESPUS_S27-282.2MODWUNPRSAOFFetched: 10/28/2026