[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6095882,"mediaKeyId","2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec","parentId",2835889,"title","Hillsborough hearing officer reviews a batch of lot‑standard and accessory‑dwelling variances","audioSeconds",2096,"startMs",3760000,"endMs",5856000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec&start=3760&end=5856","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec/thumbnail_3760000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6095882/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Hillsborough-hearing-officer-reviews-a-batch-of-lotstandard-and-accessorydwelling-variances","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095882-e9d4f8f39bd06bb7e0340ebaf172b53a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177682&Signature=jI6KoT82El0e89PEeHUkUl7KR2ooVpyjiSRROJ4HwMSUpzhRT4DW6SMpuowwiwaFy7mLpRUM7n8nxU08b1W~-fSXUEjw-3ThNgWPjV0NRpW24DYYR2tE3wJDZABcuy-j7dtKVhc0J2ADPXLE1XrZXO15T4POzi0ex4cD2OfJTWWdRZeaEtxVRLCVp875AHHbQoc9qh~KIuH-d-XBNqefYuSwsz9i-1WT97G5UJoFegI1UIt2KFdsThaa7mG0AjRm-PqugjyFG5lMrGgED1UaJolK4sNM4XYNlsicD239SyRVPd2JVBni6mE8Xv8kNc4XTh0XK8RCx8DDRSyA~Z8teA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hillsborough County, FL ","date","2025-04-01T18:26:23.38Z","article","HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Land Use Hearing Officer on March 31 considered a series of variances across several category H agenda items, including townhome setback adjustments, buffer reductions for a drive‑through ice cream shop, accessory‑structure height and setback requests, and a one‑story reduction request in the Citrus Park Village overlay.

Notable requests and testimony included:

- Ryan Homes / Fairway Palms (variance 250257): Todd Ambedon, the engineer of record for the builder, said two pie‑shaped lots created a side yard encroachment when an 8‑foot lanai was added to paired villa units. He said replatting was an alternative but would be less desirable, and quantified the encroachment as about 7 square feet (less than 1% of a roughly 815‑square‑foot buffer yard). Staff presented findings recommending review and the applicant argued the product could not be developed as designed without the variance.

- Drive‑through ice cream shop (variance 250277): Northside Engineering described a very narrow parcel with constrained vehicular maneuvering where the applicant owns adjacent parcels, built a car wash and now seeks to construct an ice cream drive‑through. The applicant asked to eliminate the six‑foot landscape buffer required between drive aisles and parking areas because the site lacks sufficient width.

- Bruce Duncan (variance 205307): The applicant requested a reduced rear setback to site a taller accessory structure (to house equipment and a hoist for vehicle work) on a long, narrow property. The applicant said adjacent parcels and low likelihood of nearby development meant the proposed location posed minimal impact; staff noted the lot is a legal nonconforming lot.

- Silver Corner LLC (variance 250342): Owner Carlyn Newman requested a waiver of the Citrus Park Village overlay requirement that buildings fronting Gunn Highway be two‑story. Newman said market and financing considerations — and requirements for additional parking tied to added floor area — made a two‑story build impractical; she proposed a single‑story building with architectural treatment to appear two‑story, similar to nearby developments.

- Charles Sochi (variance 205361) and accessory dwelling requests: Applicants sought variances to allow accessory dwelling units and to regularize an existing mobile home located inside required front/rear setbacks, citing existing structures, septic and well locations and wet area constraints. Owner Theodore Favino spoke in support of a proposed ADU to house a family member.

- Wilbert Malthus / Olsens (variance 250484): The applicants asked to increase the maximum living area allowed for an accessory dwelling from 900 to 1,024 square feet; staff confirmed the lot size and principal dwelling area meet the LDC thresholds that permit a variance request and said the unit is already present and the permit under review adds the extra area.

In each case county staff presented findings specific to the LDC sections cited (lot setbacks, CPV overlay story requirements, parking landscape buffers, and accessory dwelling limits) and answered clarifying questions from the hearing officer. Public comment was limited; where neighbors appeared they generally supported applicants or there was no public opposition.

The hearing officer closed these H‑section hearings; written decisions and findings will be filed with the clerk within the standard decision window.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Land Use Hearing Officer - 3.31.25","oneSentenceSummary","A set of variances covering lot setbacks, story requirements, parking buffers and accessory dwellings were presented; applicants cited lot geometry, narrow parcels, septic locations and wetland constraints as practical difficulties. The hearing officer closed the records for decisions.","taxTitle","Hillsborough County, Florida","taxId",2865,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095884,"Hearing officer reviews modifications to Navigator Academy charter school plan in Wimauma",613,6091000,6704000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec&start=6091&end=6704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec/thumbnail_6091000.jpg","/articles/6095884/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Hearing-officer-reviews-modifications-to-Navigator-Academy-charter-school-plan-in-Wimauma","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095884-0233036d334fba3e9985bfc96b6abe30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177682&Signature=mXzBIkUCyYBBeEPCr~zB0q7tHLZTk6qo7NgufoBoQKsLI~yMUJCFCq1ZeJ4tbjNKFb1uYtA4b2KD2cmxyK5Pmu7zvlgNACT~h4uB8hIRUU05l109gYNdBNGTq53ACKnlhzURqkgAD2DNUgtrXQ9k5FUW60SjcVYu5pgogI6obRBuVMzF33qU5NjSoy2AL6uxHoSY~wh1BKMi~Vaq-hUyzaQU0A1NPfySZzGsC-bmcGpFZUlEZJiChNaRX95UW3BppevqdclEP4XWbPOjCDSMual4-w7oKRQRtmIV0s1MYurPfVyM3UAtsBkkQKbCmGrBDCyrSR37kq30pBdVmzS4pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Land Use Hearing Officer on March 31 heard proposed modifications to a previously approved special use for Navigator Academy of Leadership South Shore, a public charter school planned in the Wimauma area.

Todd Pressman, representing the applicant, said the school would remain limited to 50 classrooms and a maximum enrollment of 1,000 students, K–8, as originally approved on March 18, 2024. The current application requests a 2,000‑square‑foot increase in building area (from 65,000 to 67,000 square feet) with no increase in student population, minor adjustments to site setbacks, addition of a drop‑off canopy and a design exception modification to Bishop Road’s typical section. Pressman said the canopy is a small strip along the front of the building and that circulation, wetland conservation and playground locations remain unchanged.

Sam Ball of Development Services reviewed staff findings and noted the subject parcel covers 18.48 acres with approximately 11.66 acres of wetlands. Ball recommended approval subject to conditions, noting the 2,000‑square‑foot increase would not change the classroom count or student capacity and would not have significant impacts on adjacent areas because the playground is placed behind the school and surrounded by wetlands and retention areas.

Alexis Marriott of Planning Commission staff said the project is located in the Wimauma Village Residential 2 future land use category and that planning commission staff found the proposed modifications consistent with the unincorporated Hillsborough County comprehensive plan, subject to Development Services’ conditions.

No public speakers registered opposition at the hearing. The land use hearing officer closed the hearing; staff will file recommended conditions and the hearing officer will issue a written decision within the standard period for land use hearing officer orders.","Navigator Academy sought minor building‑site modifications to a previously approved special use permit for a K–8 charter school; county staff and planning commission staff found the changes approvable and the hearing record was closed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095887,"Multiple sign‑setback and size variances reviewed for Apollo Beach developments",891,1852000,2743000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec&start=1852&end=2743","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec/thumbnail_1852000.jpg","/articles/6095887/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Multiple-signsetback-and-size-variances-reviewed-for-Apollo-Beach-developments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095887-9c2b7326a892b5d38db79dc4069b2498/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177682&Signature=FBQ43l6OiULPRCURIHuV5S5CJU~kRBCRGdS0n5wr6GyhUZkc~LUO5ReYnqAxNpCF4eGpDAi4bIJhxrMLCR9fNSwZ7EpmrU4eDkey5RfwY1kfFOwLFn3PaBxcO6CV4AAIcFNlfWxXXvGBtjmkVmefrSk1i1MTIvJc8g87tZAEq~6TSBvC0tBEkTO9OuuFxBFlMr1VMLAr1PtOajpy83xJSRXAAsVzpQF9VwLfYSfQsV8JzdWPHLHrdqFt2VyfGoEqNhoqTTey0lfcUmy3AeWI0apBPoPe-GGmjXbgXPEwRRZ85KKvm1yrGwMMyqKBfN8p0jmqbldOW8-X-brvTH3P6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Land Use Hearing Officer considered multiple sign variance requests affecting townhome developments and a large mixed‑use site in Apollo Beach on March 31.

Two residential entry sign variances were presented for small townhome projects. Michelle Montalbano of Development Services summarized the technical requests: Chelsea Court Community Association asked for a three‑foot side yard setback and a nine‑foot front yard setback for a proposed 8‑foot monument sign (requesting variances from LDC section 7.03); applicant representative Lance Ollie said the property’s geometry leaves no practicable location for the sign and offered photos and plats to illustrate limited common area and narrow frontages.

A nearly identical request was presented for a separate townhome development represented by Zach Davis on behalf of the home builder Ashton Woods. Davis said wetlands and overlapping right‑of‑way/property setbacks restricted placement and that the proposed sign placement was the only feasible option.

Three variances related to monument signage on a Walmart‑anchored development were also heard. Sam Ball of Development Services reviewed two cases involving larger aggregate sign areas and reduced monument setbacks near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Brander Mill Road in Apollo Beach. The applicant’s attorney, Todd Pressman, said the requests were driven by limited access points imposed by FDOT and the need for visibility of fuel‑price signage for motorists on the high‑speed arterial. “The desire and hope and need as people are looking at signage is to provide a minimal visibility for the gas price and gas signage,” Pressman told the hearing.

Pressman said prior variances had approved significant sign area and that the current applications propose additional square footage for the gas‑price portion of the monument and minor reductions in front setbacks. He submitted an architect’s letter and site graphics addressing sightlines and right‑of‑way depth.

No members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearings; staff indicated documentation was complete for the townhome requests and that prior approvals existed for the larger monument signs. The hearing officer closed each of the sign variance public hearings; written decisions will be issued and filed with the clerk within the period specified for land use hearing officer orders.

The sign variance requests cited LDC setback and sign area limits (LDC §7.03 and related sections) and relied on site‑specific constraints — narrow common areas for the townhome signs and restricted access/visibility for the Walmart monument signs — as the practical difficulties supporting variances.","Several sign variances were heard for new residential entries and large commercial monuments in Apollo Beach, including townhome entry signs and monument signs for a Walmart‑anchored development; applicants cited site geometry and FDOT access limits as hardships.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6095889,"Land use hearing officer hears after‑the‑fact wetland setback variance for Lutz property",866,994000,1860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec&start=994&end=1860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2835889-05b865d321678ec67a774bd6ed4f9eec/thumbnail_994000.jpg","/articles/6095889/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Land-use-hearing-officer-hears-afterthefact-wetland-setback-variance-for-Lutz-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6095889-806680768ca6fc77fc0ffc7062653128/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177682&Signature=HOyk~jKtRSBi8HCdhyk~MGUv0d9bAjwcMTbxGB7A-GoaXpCRLQjZzGjIhWrj3oF47mPE3G46fCSrfRO2KGCMZJddTK7dsF6~5UhlLrF88vvliyy0eKG3lnqc9XHYlYQCFY7o6GYbVSXSkiBMukDqjhgDSUanQ-s9QxYKxfVzFaazYm1f4cxCq7xjoAiV~qABxhwBKClGwvCp4~bINbd0xp2ALc0LyIdFpIrwAwysNe9sY7bNwb-W0uPTKLgjvAgTLS0INwV33fzblfONUZ7aGmJfHSY5-CUcCDl7nqOTtmXaxiYL1oYIU9DSYQ29KGmQUnp5DewFSj5Wh4qyMMT1WA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Lutz property owner asked the Hillsborough County Land Use Hearing Officer on March 31 to grant a variance for a storage building constructed inside a 30‑foot wetland conservation setback.

The applicant, Raul Hernandez, told the hearing that he built the storage unit for family belongings and now needs a variance so he can obtain a building permit for the structure. “The variant is being asked because there was a storage unit that was built on the property to store family stuff, etcetera, and he needs the variance so he can require the building permit to move forward,” the interpreter said on behalf of Hernandez.

County natural resources staff described the request as an after‑the‑fact encroachment into the wetland conservation area setback for Wetland B. Wayne Doyen of Hillsborough County Natural Resources explained that the applicant seeks a maximum encroachment of 19.6 feet into the required 30‑foot setback, leaving about 10.6 feet of wetland setback remaining, and that the applicant provided a compensation planting plan dated Jan. 8, 2025.

Neighbors who said they live adjacent to Hernandez’s parcel spoke in support. James Hall, who said he lives at 1110 Lake Charles Circle, described the lot layout and said the area where the shed was placed is narrow and bordered by ponds, one of which he described as man‑made and often dry. “The best place for him to place his storage unit was straight back on that 1 piece of property,” Hall said. Donald Renner, who said he lives two doors north of the applicant, and other neighbors including Sarah and Richard Pope also spoke in support, saying Hernandez improved the property.

No one registered opposition during the public comment portion of the hearing. County Development Services had no additional comments at the close of testimony.

The land use hearing officer closed the public hearing on variance WS25‑341 and indicated she will issue a written decision to be filed with the clerk of the Board of County Commissioners within 15 working days of the hearing. The hearing record will be the basis for any future appeal to the land use appeals board.

Because this was an after‑the‑fact request, staff noted the applicant supplied a compensation planting plan and that the proposal was limited to Wetland B; the hearing officer asked clarifying questions about Wetland A and B locations during the presentation.

A written decision will indicate whether the officer finds the variance criteria satisfied and, if approved, will include any conditions and findings of fact.

Hernandez and neighbors were asked to sign the hearing record with the clerk before leaving the hearing room.","A Lutz homeowner asked the Land Use Hearing Officer for a variance after building a storage structure inside a 30‑foot wetland conservation setback; neighbors spoke in support and the hearing record will be closed for decision.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hillsborough hearing officer reviews a batch of lot‑standard and accessory‑dwelling variances

Hearing officer reviews modifications to Navigator Academy charter school plan in Wimauma

Multiple sign‑setback and size variances reviewed for Apollo Beach developments

Land use hearing officer hears after‑the‑fact wetland setback variance for Lutz property