Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

Accessory Dwelling Units are residential housing units that function as as a secondary use to a primary use on an existing property. They function as fully independent living quarters with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Examples are:

• “Mother-in-law" cottages
• Tiny Homes
• Garage apartments

ADUs are more affordable because they are smaller in size than a full-size home or apartment. Tampa’s code allows ADUs to be constructed in Seminole Heights and the area around Lowry Park. Everywhere else in the City, ADUs may only be created for a family member and are called Extended Family Residences (EFR). The main residence must be owner-occupied. Other developments and use regulations apply.

The City of Tampa conducted an online survey on the topic of Accessory Dwelling Units in the Spring of 2022. Approximately 1,000 responses were received.

• ADU Survey Results Summary – PDF
• ADU Survey Results Map – PDF
• ADU Survey Results Analysis – Excel

Staff is bringing forward changes to the Tampa Land Development Code related to Accessory Dwelling Units.

In late 2022, City Council requested staff to conduct additional community outreach on ADUs and bring back a revised proposal in the Spring of 2023.

As part of the ongoing community outreach effort, an additional survey is being conducted in July 2023. A link to the survey can be found here.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment 22-31:

The Planning Commission is processing an amendment to the Tampa Comprehensive Plan to cleanup inconsistent language and clarify the way the Comprehensive Plan describes Accessory Dwelling Units. This plan amendment will not affect the Land Development Code regulations related to ADUs (allowable areas, special use criteria, accessory structure regulations). Information on this plan amendment can be found by contacting the Planning Commission.

Maps:

• Existing Allowable Areas

Research & Resources:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ADU case study
• American Planning Association ADU information: https://www.planning.org/knowledgebase/accessorydwellings/
• Florida Housing Coalition ADU information: https://www.flhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ADU-Guidebook.pdf
• AARP ADU information: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus.html

Meetings:

Virtual Public Information Meeting – October 18 at 6:00 PM

• Public Information Meeting Presentation (includes unrelated code amendments) 

City Council Workshop – October 27 at 9:00 AM

• City presented the proposed changes at this meeting.
• Staff Presentation (includes unrelated code amendments)

­­­East Tampa CRA Community Advisory Committee - February 7, 2023 at 9:30 AM

• 2023 Outreach Presentation - East Tampa 

Davis Islands Civic Association Board Meeting – February 7, 2023 at 7:00 PM

• 2023 Outreach Presentation - Davis Islands

Hyde Park Neighborhood Meeting – February 27, 2023 at 6:30 pm- Kate Jackson Community Center

• Meeting Notes (PDF)