Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Development Code Accessory Structures topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Temple Terrace council backs streamlining shed permits, asks staff to align rules with Hillsborough County
Summary
At a Feb. 27 work session, City of Temple Terrace council members signaled consensus to simplify permit rules for small sheds and clarify placement rules for accessory structures and side‑yard pools, directing staff to draft public guidance and consider administrative approvals in constrained lots.
Temple Terrace council members agreed Feb. 27 to streamline rules for small yard sheds and to clarify where accessory structures such as sheds, pools and pool enclosures can be placed on residential lots.
The change of emphasis came during a Community Development presentation led by Greg Pauley, community development director, who asked council for guidance on which sections of the land development code to prioritize. “My goal this morning is hopefully spark some, creative and, in some cases, innovative conversation with regards to our current land development code,” Pauley said.
Why it matters: Residents and contractors frequently report confusion about when a shed requires a building permit. Staff and council said simplifying the rule will reduce permit-related complaints, lower enforcement time and make doing business easier for owners and local contractors.
What council discussed and directed - Permit threshold: Council members said they favor matching Hillsborough County’s more streamlined approach for small sheds. Several council members and the city manager said they prefer a simple size threshold rather than different rules for preassembled versus site‑built units. Councilmember Chambers described the problem: homeowners buy kit sheds, assemble them, then learn a permit is required. - Legal department view: Ernest Mueller of the city’s legal department advised that permits help ensure setback and attachment requirements are met, saying the city “should have permits for all sheds” so owners understand required placement and anchoring for wind safety. - Public guidance: Council asked staff to produce a clear “cheat‑sheet” or quick‑reference web page and handouts so residents and contractors know setback and anchoring requirements before buying or assembling sheds. - Side‑yard accessory structures: Council directed staff to research allowing certain accessory uses (sheds, pools, screened enclosures) in side yards under defined conditions instead of requiring a variance to the Board of Adjustment. Staff explained existing dimensional rules would still apply, including a 5‑foot minimum from property lines to accessory structures and a 3‑foot minimum between a principal structure and a detached accessory structure.
Supporting details and constraints - Current practice and comparators: Staff noted Hillsborough County does not require permits for sheds 150 square feet or smaller, while City of Tampa’s threshold cited in the discussion was 120 square feet. Council repeatedly cited the desire for consistency with neighboring jurisdictions to reduce confusion among contractors who work across jurisdictions. - Access and safety: Council emphasized that any side‑yard allowance must preserve clear access for emergency responders and maintenance; staff confirmed existing clear‑path requirements would remain in place.
What’s next: Staff will draft code amendments and public guidance reflecting the council’s direction to align small‑shed permit thresholds with Hillsborough County’s approach, produce quick‑reference materials for the public, and research objective criteria to allow administrative approval for side‑yard accessory structures in constrained lots. The council asked that the resulting draft come back in a future workshop for further review.
