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Council overturns zoning denial, approves fourplex in West Tampa to preserve housing stock
Summary
Council overturned the zoning administrator’s denial and approved a special-use waiver for 2901 North Albany Ave., allowing an existing fourplex to continue operation after the petitioner presented evidence the building complies with dimensional and overlay standards; council stressed rehabilitation of existing stock supports housing needs.
Tampa City Council voted to overturn the zoning administrator's denial and approve a special-use (SU-1) request for 2901 North Albany Avenue, allowing the existing fourplex to be reestablished and renovated as affordable housing.
Laura Marley, zoning coordinator, presented the staff report noting the petition did not meet a requirement that SU-1 multifamily properties have direct access to an arterial or collector road, but that the application met dimensional and overlay standards for the West Tampa Urban Village. Applicant agent Catherine Coyle described the property's history and said the owner purchased the building in December 2024 intending to renovate and rent to working‑class households at affordable levels. Coyle said the building has four separate electric meters and a single water meter split among units; site improvements include alley paving, added shade trees and an ADA space.
Councilmembers emphasized policy language encouraging rehabilitation and recycling of existing building stock. A motion to overturn the zoning administrator's decision found competent, substantial evidence to waive the arterial-access requirement; the motion passed unanimously. Council scheduled second reading and adoption for Jan. 8, 2026.
