Minor changes to be approved by zoning administrator; substantial deviations require action by city council.
Tampa City Code § 27-128
in effectSec. 27-128. - Minor changes to be approved by zoning administrator; substantial deviations require action by city council.
(a) A special use may be developed only in accordance with the plans approved by the zoning administrator or city council. Further, the variance review board or the Architectural Review Commission (in historic districts, generally, or landmark sites) or the Barrio Latino Commission (in the Ybor City Historic District) may not vary requirements in a plan approved by city council, unless such plan provides otherwise. However, the zoning administrator is authorized to approve minor changes in the approved plans of special uses, as long as they are in harmony with action by the city council, but the zoning administrator shall not have the power to approve changes that constitute a substantial deviation. A substantial deviation shall be handled as a new application and shall be resubmitted to the zoning administrator of city council pursuant to 27-127. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in the City of Tampa Code, the zoning administrator shall not approve minor changes or deviations under this section in or to the approved plans of, or otherwise apply to this section to, a S-1 special use relating in any way to constitutionally protected first amendment activity.
(b) The following changes, amendments or modifications shall constitute a substantial deviation:
(1) Any increase in intensity of use. An increase in intensity of use shall include, but not be limited to more than a five (5) percent increase in usable floor area, more than a five (5) percent increase in number of dwelling or lodging units, or more than a five (5) percent increase in outside land area devoted to sales, displays or demonstrations.
(2) Any change in parking areas resulting in an increase or reduction of five (5) percent or more in the number of spaces approved.
(3) Structural alterations significantly affecting the basic size, form, style, ornamentation and the like of the building as shown on the approved plan.
(4) Any reduction in the amount of open space resulting in a decrease of more than five (5) percent of open space or any change in location of open space, recreation facilities or landscape screens.
(5) A change in use.
(6) Substantial changes in pedestrian or vehicular access or circulation including, but not limited to, a change in location of driveways which are determined to have negative effect on abutting property.
(7) Any change in a condition required by the city council or the zoning administrator as part of the special use approval.
(8) Reduction in approved setbacks by more than five (5) percent from any structure to perimeter property lines or a reduction in the separation of residential structures which results in a lesser separation than is required by section 27-162 by more than five (5) percent.
(9) Any change which renders the special use in nonconformance with any requirements or provisions of the land development code.
(c) The zoning administrator shall, before making a determination as to whether a proposed action is a substantial deviation, consult with the city legal department where necessary and any other applicable departments and shall review the record of the proceedings or the original application for approval of the special use permit.
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_DIV5SPUSPEPR_S27-128MICHBEAPZOADSUDEREACCOFetched: 10/28/2026