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Plant City homeowner seeks variance to finish ADA cottage for adult daughter
Summary
Daniel Highsmith requested an accessory‑dwelling setback variance to legalize and complete an ADA‑compliant cottage for his 21‑year‑old daughter, citing contractor abandonment and medical need; neighbors expressed support and staff called the lot a legal nonconforming parcel.
A Plant City homeowner told the Hillsborough County Land Use Hearing Officer on Nov. 17 he needs a setback variance to complete an ADA‑compliant accessory dwelling for his adult daughter.
Daniel Highsmith said the existing 16‑by‑20 wood utility building (constructed in 2004) is already in place and he seeks only setback relief to finish the conversion into a livable, accessible cottage for his daughter, Haley, who suffered a massive stroke at 17. "My request is not to expand or intrude further, but only to allow me to complete this structure's habitable space under the proper code standards," Highsmith said. He added that the general contractor abandoned the job after receiving $59,000 and left the structure roughly 70% complete.
Logan McCaig of Development Services explained the variance (25‑51445) would provide relief from principal‑building side‑setback standards for the ASC‑1 district; staff also noted the property is a legal nonconforming lot per a recent nonconforming‑lot review. Highsmith said his immediate neighbors have expressed support for the project and that the work would bring the existing structure into compliance with residential code and create an ADA‑accessible dwelling.
No members of the public rose to oppose the request, and staff had nothing further. Highsmith was present by phone and emphasized the request is intended to provide safe, independent housing for his daughter rather than to increase density or profit from the property.
The hearing officer closed the application record; a written decision will follow within the administrative timeframe.
