Tampa announces new housing guidelines

TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa city leaders announced changes to the city’s housing guidelines that they hope will alleviate the affordable housing shortage.

During a press conference on October 29, Mayor Jane Castor discussed the new rules for Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs. ADUs are often backyard homes known as mother-in-laws, granny flats, garage apartments, or tiny houses.

Mayor Jane Castor talks to residents about Tampa’s affordable housing crisis.

“We are approaching this from every possible angle and are doing everything we can to provide affordable housing for our community,” Castor said, adding that the city is in immediate need of 26,000 affordable housing units.

Here are the new guidelines adopted by the Tampa City Council in July:

ADU conversions can now be considered in legally non-compliant structures, provided the requirements of the Florida Building code.
Previously, the homeowner had to live in the main home. The homeowner can now live in the ADU or in the main home.
Expanded the geographic area where ADUs were permitted.

In the past, ADUs were only allowed in Tampa Heights, Seminole HeightsEast Tampa and Armenia Gardens Estates. Communities north and west of those neighborhoods are now included.

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