Sec. 27-284.3.3. - Landscaped area and tree planting requirements.
(a) Buffers and screening between specific use types. In order to reduce the impacts of a new or expanded use of land on adjacent existing uses, which are of a significantly different character, certain buffering and screening shall be required, as set forth in Table 284.3.3, under "Buffer/Screen," below.
(1) A buffer consists of a horizontal distance from a property line, which shall only be occupied by permitted screening, drainage (stormwater) areas, utilities (excluding solid waste storage facilities) and landscaping materials.
(2) Compliance with Buffer/Screen (Table 284.3.3 - A.4, B.4, C.4) is required in all cases of new construction, change of use, or expansion of use or structure, subject to the following exceptions:
a. Addition to an existing structure, which increases the intensity of, or is a change of use, which is less than or equal to five hundred (500) square feet or five (5) percent, whichever is less. This exemption may be exercised only once during the life of the building.
b. In cases where an addition or change of use exceeds five hundred (500) square feet or five (5) percent, and where a fifteen-foot buffer would now be required, the buffer may include the loading area, only when no alternative location exists. In such cases, the six-foot high masonry wall is required.
(3) Alternative design exceptions to the applicable "Buffer/Screen" standards set forth in Table 284.3.3 (A.4, B.4, C.4) below, may be considered by the designated reviewing official, pursuant to section 27-60.
(b) Landscaped area. The following minimum amount of landscaped area and recommended trees shall be required for the following land uses:
TABLE 284.3.3 LANDSCAPED AREAS, PLANTINGS, BUFFERS AND SCREENING
KEY [7] | UFA: Usable floor area | VDA: Vehicle display area VUA: Vehicular use area | LA: Landscaped area MIN: Minimum | SF: Square feet OC: On center
REQUIRED LANDSCAPED AREAS, PLANTINGS, BUFFERS AND SCREENING MATERIALS BY YARD/USE [1, 3, 4, 5, 14, 15]
(A) Group A Uses
(A.1) Specific Use Type [8] | (A.2) MIN Landscaped Area | (A.3) MIN Required Trees [10] | (A.4) Buffer/Screen between Certain Uses (see (E) below) [8, 9]
Adjacent Use | Buffer Width
SINGLE-FAMILY USES
Single-family detached; two-family | 25% of parcel | 1 per 2,000 SF of parcel (exclude area of building footprint(s), publicly contributed/platted wetlands) | Single-family detached; two-family; | 0'
Single-family semi-detached/attached; | 0'
Other Group A principal use; | 0'
1 per 4,000 SF of parcel (rate applies to parcels with overall credit on Tree Retention-Mitigation Equivalency Table, see section 27-284.4.1) | Multi-family uses; | 0'
Group B uses; | 0'
Group C uses; | 0'
Single-family semi-detached/attached, with VUA [11] | 350 SF per townhouse | 1 per 1,500 SF of parcel (exclude area of building footprint(s), VUA, publicly contributed/platted wetlands) | Single-family detached; two-family; | 5'
Single-family semi-detached/attached; | 0'
Other Group A principal use: | 5'
Single-family semi-detached/attached, without VUA | 350 SF per townhouse | 1 per 1,500 SF of parcel (exclude area of building footprint(s), publicly contributed/platted wetlands) | Multi-family uses; | 0'
Any Group B use; | 0'
Auto repair/maintenance/storage, light manufacturing, supply yard; | 0'
Any other Group C use; | 0'
MULTI-FAMILY USES
Multi-family with VUA [11] | 350 SF per unit (MIN 50% shall be part of common space, easily accessible to all units) | 1 per 1,500 SF of parcel (exclude area of building footprint(s), VUA, publicly contributed/platted wetlands)
Multi-family without VUA | 750 SF per unit (MIN 50% shall be part of common space, easily accessible to all units) | 1 per 1,500 SF of parcel (exclude area of building footprint(s), publicly contributed/platted wetlands) | Single-family detached; two-family use; | 5'
Single-family semi-detached/attached; | 5'
Multiple-family (≥6 stories) with VUA | 30% of parcel (exclude area of building footprint(s), publicly contributed/platted wetlands; MIN 50% shall be part of common space, easily accessible to all units) | 1 per 1,500 SF of parcel (exclude area of building footprint(s), VUA, publicly contributed/platted wetlands) | Other Group A principal use; | 5'
Multi-family uses; | 0'
Any Group B use | 10'
Auto repair/maintenance/storage, light manufacturing, supply yard; | 15'
Any Other Group C use: | 15'
Multiple-family (≥6 stories) without VUA | 30% of parcel (exclude area of building footprint(s), publicly contributed/platted wetlands; MIN 50% shall be part of common space, easily accessible to all units) | 1 per 1,500 SF of parcel (exclude area of publicly contributed/platted wetlands)
OTHER GROUP A USES
Any other Group A use [8] | (a) Refer to (D) for VUA, as applicable | (a) Refer to (D) VUA, as applicable | Other Group A principal use: | 0'
(b) Refer to A.4 Buffer/Screen standards, as applicable | (b) Refer to A.4 buffer/Screen standards, as applicable | Single-family detached; two-family; | 5'
Single-family semidetached/attached; | 5'
Other Group A principal use; | 0'
Multi-family uses; | 5'
Any Group B use; | 10'
Auto repair/maintenance/storage, light manufacturing, supply yard: | 15'
Any other Group C use: | 15'
(B) Group B uses
(B.1) Specific Use Type [8] | (B.2) MIN Landscaped Area | (B.3) MIN Required Trees [10] | (B.4) Buffer/Screen between Certain Uses (see (E) below) [8, 9]
Adjacent Use | Buffer Width
Any other Group B Use [8] | (a) Refer to (D) for VUA, as applicable | (a) Refer to (D) VUA, as applicable | Single-family detached; two-family; | 10'
(b) Refer to A.4 Buffer/Screen standards, as applicable | (b) Refer to A.4 Buffer/Screen standards, as applicable | Single-family semi-detached/attached; | 10'
Other Group A principal use: | 10'
Multi-family uses; | 10'
Any Group B use; | 0'
Auto repair/maintenance/storage, light manufacturing, supply yard; | 15'
Any other Group C use: | 10'
(C) Group C Uses
(C.1) Specific Use Type [8] | (C.2) MIN Landscaped Area | (C.3) MIN Required Trees [10] | (C.4) Buffer/Screen between Certain Uses (see (E) below) [8, 9]
Adjacent Use | Buffer Width
Any other Group C Use [8] | (a) Refer to (D) for VUA, as applicable | (a) Refer to (D) VUA, as applicable | Single-family detached; two-family; | 15'
Single-family semi-detached/attached; | 15'
Other Group A principal use; | 15'
Multi-family uses; | 15'
Any Group B use; | 10'
(b) Refer to A.4 Buffer/Screen standards, as applicable | (b) Refer to A.4 Buffer/Screen standards, as applicable | Auto repair/maintenance/storage, light manufacturing, supply yard; | 0'
Any other Group C use; | 0'
(D) VUA; VDA
(D.1) Specific Use Type [8] | (D.2) MIN Landscaped Area | (D.3) MIN Required Trees [10] | (D.4) Buffer/Screen between Certain Uses (see (E) below) [8, 9]
Adjacent Use | Buffer Width
Expanding existing nonresidential with VUA: >25%, but <50% | Same as VUA standards below | Same as VUA (b) below [16] | Refer to Buffer/Screen standards for Group A, B, C uses, as applicable
VUA | (a) ≥50% of required trees shall be planted interior to VUA [16] | (a) 1 per 1,500 SF of VUA on a parcel [16] | Refer to Buffer/Screen standards for Group A, B, C uses, as applicable
(b) Remainder of required trees shall be planted in any other required LA/buffer on the parcel | (b) 1 per 40' of VUA frontage along right-of-way
(c) Interior VUA trees not required for sites with <10 spaces | (c) 1 per 5,000 SF of loading docks on a parcel
(d) Planting required for loading docks shall: | (d) 1 per 1,500 SF of VDA
1. Be placed outside of loading dock around its perimeter | (e) 1 per 40' of VDA frontage along right-of-way
2. Planting required for loading docks owned/leased by Tampa Port Authority shall be exempt
(e) VUA's perimeter LA adjacent to any right-of-way:
1. MIN width: 8'
2. Hedge/shrub:
i. MIN 2' tall at time of planting
ii. Shall reach 30" within 12 months after install
iii. Shall run entire length of frontage along right-of-way
iv. If a fence/wall is located in this area, 1 shrub/vine is required every 10' of screen
3. Tree: MIN 1 per 40'
(f) LA's shall not be separated by >20 lineal (side-by-side) parking spaces, nor by an average of >10 lineal (side-by-side) parking spaces for the entire VUA
(g) ≥20% of VUA shall be landscaped
(h) Parking structures screened to 80% opaque from outside view with respect to stationary vehicles
(i) In no instance shall any required LA be encroached upon by any type of parked or moving vehicle, boat, mobile home, travel trailer or heavy construction equipment | (a) 1 per 1,500 SF of VUA on a parcel (exclude loading docks)
Parking islands shall be a minimum of 13' wide, front of curb to front of curb.
VDA | (a) ≥50% of required trees shall be planted interior to VUA (b) Remainder of required trees shall be planted in any other required LA/buffer on the parcel (c) VDA's shall be separated from all public right(s)-of-way: same as VUA (e) above | Same as VUA standards above
(E) Buffer Standards between Certain Uses by Buffer Dimension (see A.4, B.4, C.4)
(1) 5' buffer | 1. A row of evergreen type 2 or type 3 trees such as ligustrum, podocarpus, red cedar or holly which are planted twenty (20) feet on center. Trees shall be a minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) feet in height with four- to six-foot spread and thirty (30) gallons at planting. Type 2 trees shall be 3" caliper or greater with a minimum crown diameter greater than or equal to 28" and a container volume greater than or equal to 45 gallons. Type 3 trees shall be 3" (if single-trunked) or greater with a minimum crown diameter of 42" and a container volume greater than or equal to 45 gallons.
2. A row of evergreen shrubs between trees such as viburnum, ligustrum, holly or juniper planted five (5) feet on center. Shrubs shall be, spreading, globose, or columnar shrubs (as defined in Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants). Buffer shrubs shall have a minimum container size of seven (7) gallons, with a minimum height of thirty (30) to thirty-six (36) inches high and twenty-four to thirty-six-inch spread (multi-stemmed) at planting. The spread and spacing for each shrub type is as follows: globose: twenty (20) inch minimum average spread (MAS) at forty-eight (48) inches on center (OC), upright spreading: eighteen (18) inches MAS at forty-two (42) inches OC, upright: twelve (12) inches MAS at thirty-six (36) inches OC< columnar; nine (9) inches MAS at thirty (30) inches OC>
3. Lawn, low-growing evergreen shrubs, evergreen ground cover or rock mulch covering the balance of the buffer.
(2) 10' buffer | Same as 5' buffer above.
(3) 15' buffer | 1. A row of evergreen type 1 or type 2 trees which are planted twenty (20) feet on center. Trees shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet in height. Type 1 trees shall be 3" caliper or greater with a minimum crown diameter greater than or equal to 54" and a container volume greater than or equal to 45 gallons. Type 2 trees shall be 3" (if single-trunked) or greater with a minimum crown diameter of 28" and a container volume greater than or equal to 45 gallons.
2. Lawn, low-growing evergreen shrubs, evergreen ground cover, covering the balance of the buffer; and
3. A finished masonry wall located within the required buffer, such wall to be a minimum height of six (6) feet above finished grade. The wall may be placed at the property line. For purposes of this section, a finished masonry wall includes but is not limited to stucco, brick or any other decorative cover or finish. In cases where the required wall will be located within the protective radius of a protected or grand tree that is required to be preserved, and cannot be constructed with a stem wall or similar construction method to avoid conflict with that radius, the applicant may install a solid PVC fence, except in local historic districts, at a minimum of six (6) feet above finished grade, in lieu of the masonry wall;
4. For uses in Group B and C, property lines abutting right-of-way across from residentially zoned property shall be buffered as follows:
a. Property lines along the front/main entrance of the building shall be landscaped according to B.1—B.3 and/or C.1—C.3.
b. Property lines along the side or rear walls of the building shall be buffered with a six-foot high finished masonry wall or a five-foot wide landscaping buffer as provided in section 27-284(2)a. above. This buffer does not apply to point of ingress and egress for driveways or pedestrian accessways.
NOTES:
[1] Refer to City of Tampa Tree Matrix (refer to section 27-284.3.2) and Technical Manual for allowable species, required planting sizes, required planting methods, and general landscaping regulations.
[2] To be used in locations where no pavement or walkways are located.
[3] Required compliance for new construction; required compliance if expansion of UFA is a MIN of twenty-five (25) percent of existing UFA.
[4] If expanding VUA, required compliance for newly expanded area.
[5] Type 2 or 3 species, designated for planting in proximity to overhead electrical lines, may be planted in lieu of required type(s), where such lines are present (refer to City Tree Matrix section 27-284.3.2).
[6] The wall may be placed at the property line. A finished masonry wall includes but is not limited to: stucco, brick or any other decorative cover or finish. In cases where the required wall will be located within the protective radius of a protected, specimen, or grand tree that is required to be preserved, and cannot be constructed with a stem wall or similar construction method to avoid conflict with that radius, the applicant may install a solid PVC fence, except in local historic districts, at a minimum of six (6) feet above finished grade, in lieu of the masonry wall.
[7] See also section 27-43 Definitions.
[8] Required buffer/screen between specific use types, by "use group," as identified in respective use tables, set forth in article III of this chapter. Additional Buffer/Screen requirements: Mechanical/air conditioning equipment, outdoor storage areas, solid waste facilities, and parking areas shall not be located within the required buffers.
[9] Retention of existing vegetation shall be maximized, to the extent practical, wherever such vegetation contributes to required buffering/screening, or to the preservation of non-hazardous, protected, specimen, and/or grand trees.
[10] Round up to the next whole number when calculating total required trees.
[11] Development shall also comply with applicable VUA landscaped area and buffer/screen requirements.
[12] Alternative VUA landscape designs may be considered, pursuant to section 27-60, if the alternative design preserves existing protected, specimen, and/or grand trees, or will result in significant water usage savings. The natural resources coordinator shall consult with the zoning administrator/planning and urban design manager, as applicable, prior to rendering a decision.
[13] LA between adjacent parcel, VUA's, and VDA's not required where:
i. VUA abuts existing durable landscape screen and LA on abutting parcel; and,
ii. The existing screen may be used to satisfy the requirements of this section provided all applicable standards of this division are met.
[14] Landscaped Areas/Buffers in Yards. For the purpose of this section, LA's and buffers may be included within required yards of a parcel.
[15] Public service facilities and infrastructure. All development and land uses that require installation of any public or private utility facilities or infrastructure, including but not limited to backflow preventers, electrical substations, pump stations, fire service detectors, check valves, large meter installations and/or other above ground pipe fixtures, shall provide landscaping with a screen, a vault enclosure, or underground placement. This provision shall not apply to above ground fuel storage tanks on parcels developed principally for petroleum bulk storage and processing, except as required above and when abutting a public use facility.
[16] Tree(s) to be planted shall be either "medium" or "large," Type 1, 2, or 3 trees.
(Ord. No. 2019-54, § 33(Exh. A), 4-18-2019; Ord. No. 2020-166, § 47, 12-17-2020; Ord. No. 2022-169, § 5, 10-6-2022; Ord. No. 2025-141, § 10, 12-4-2025)
