Council approves first reading to rezone 4911 E. 10th Ave from RM‑16 to RM‑24 to allow higher density

Sam Thomas, Development Coordination, introduced REZ‑25‑37, a Euclidean rezoning request to change 4911 East 10th Avenue from RM‑16 (residential multifamily) to RM‑24 to allow higher residential density. Planning staff described the site as a vacant, underutilized parcel in the Central Tampa Planning District within the Coastal planning area and the Community Commercial 35 future land use designation; they said RM‑24 is a compatible district in CC‑35 and that the change would support infill housing and the city’s housing goals.

Planning Commission staff (Danny Collins) told council the RM‑16 zoning currently allows fewer units on the site, while RM‑24 would allow greater density and that the request was consistent with comprehensive plan policies encouraging efficient use of land and additional housing choices. Staff noted infrastructure and development standards in the land development code must be met at permitting.

Annie (Yin) Feng, the owner representative and applicant, said the parcel is about 0.56 acres and that rezoning from RM‑16 to RM‑24 would increase the possible unit count from the current allowed figure to up to 13 units. Feng told council small multifamily developments under ten units often struggle to cover development costs and that adding five units made the project economically feasible while supporting infill development.

Council moved the ordinance on first reading; Councilman Carlson moved, Councilman Viera seconded, and the voice vote was recorded unanimous in favor. The council clerk set second reading and adoption for 10 a.m. Aug. 28 at Old City Hall, 315 East Kennedy Blvd. The item will return with any required plan revisions and applicable development standards to be addressed before building permit approval.