Hillsborough County commissioners on June 10 approved a major modification to an existing planned development in Ruskin, reducing the allowed commercial square footage from 56,000 to 49,000 and adding restrictions on permitted uses, a trip cap and pedestrian improvements.

Michael Brooks, legal representative for the property owner, told the board the PD dates to 2007 and changes in standards — including greater flood-plain compensation and open-space requirements — meant the originally approved plan no longer functioned as designed. The modification reduces the total nonresidential square footage while keeping circulation and roadway connections consistent with prior approvals.

Planning commission staff said the site lies in the Office Commercial 20 future land use category and is within the Ruskin community plan and the South Shore area-wide systems plan. Staff said the reduction still meets the intensity expected in the plan category, and noted the applicant proposes sidewalks, pedestrian connectivity and a right-of-way trail amenity consistent with the community’s mixed-use town-center vision.

The zoning hearing master found the modification compatible with surrounding residential and commercial patterns and recommended approval. No testimony in opposition was provided at the hearing.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the modification; conditions approved with the project require adherence to the adopted trip cap, turning-movement restrictions and provision of pedestrian facilities.