Provident Partners seeks land use change to light industrial in TonotaSassa

Hillsborough County's Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 27, 2025, to discuss a privately initiated map amendment affecting approximately 15.64 acres in the rural area of the TonotaSassa Community Plan. The applicant seeks to change the future land use designation from residential categories to light industrial planned (LIP), a move that could significantly alter the character of the area.

The proposed amendment would allow for industrial uses such as processing, manufacturing, and warehousing, while eliminating the potential for residential development. Currently, the site is designated for up to 47 dwelling units and 1,170 square feet of non-residential space. If approved, the light industrial designation could permit nearly 511,000 square feet of non-residential uses, marking a substantial increase in commercial intensity.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the compatibility of the proposed LIP designation with the surrounding residential areas. The Planning Commission staff recommended that the amendment be found inconsistent with the Hillsborough County comprehensive plan, citing objectives related to rural land use and neighborhood development. They noted that the proposed industrial uses could disrupt the existing residential character and fail to provide a gradual transition between land use categories.

The applicant, represented by attorney Gina Grimes, argued against the staff's findings, asserting that the surrounding area includes various existing industrial uses and that the proposed amendment aligns with the community's development trends. Grimes emphasized that the site is served by county water and sewer, despite being outside the urban service area, and highlighted the potential for economic development in the region.

The Planning Commission's decision on this amendment will have significant implications for the TonotaSassa community, as it could pave the way for increased industrial activity while potentially displacing residential development. The commission will continue to evaluate the proposal, considering both community feedback and the broader impact on local land use.