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Hearing officer hears several other variances and two alcohol‑permit requests; staff recommends approval with conditions for restaurant and hotel permits
Summary
Among other items, the officer heard requests for mechanical‑equipment and generator setbacks, a 7‑foot fence request, ground‑mounted solar setbacks, and two special-use alcohol permits (Home2 Suites and Ferndelero Pizzeria); staff supported the hotel permit and recommended a restaurant permit subject to rescinding an older license.
The Feb. 9 Hillsborough County land use hearing officer considered a number of additional variance and special‑use requests, summarized below.
Mechanical equipment and generator setback (variance 260256). George Davis asked for a minor variance to permit a whole‑house generator and mechanical equipment to sit closer to the side yard than otherwise allowed; staff noted many existing units in the subdivision were already in similar locations and the generator would be no more intrusive than existing equipment.
Fence height (variance 260345). Beth Kalichik requested a one‑foot increase to allow a 7‑foot fence on a sloped lot for privacy and security; staff noted 6 feet is typical and the officer questioned whether non‑structural alternatives (cameras, landscaping) had been considered. Kalichik emphasized security and privacy needs tied to an incline that allows sight lines into neighbors’ yards.
Ground‑mounted solar (variance 260379). Peter Goins’ representative requested variances to locate a ground‑mounted solar array where tree shading and existing structures prevent a code‑compliant location; the applicant said the requested placement would optimize solar performance while minimizing neighbor impacts.
Other small variances. The hearing also included a routine request to include shared‑driveway easements in lot‑area calculations (see separate article), and other minor lot‑standard variances. Staff indicated no major outstanding issues for the less‑contested items; most records were closed at hearing and the officer will issue written decisions.
Special‑use alcohol permits. Azeem Sajju presented for Home2 Suites Hotel (4COP) seeking on‑premises and package sales; Jared Follin of Development Services supported a separation waiver because the active hotel footprint is 88 feet from the nearest residential zoning and buffered by fencing. For Ferndelero Pizzeria (4COPRX), Terry Haley requested a waiver from the 150‑foot separation requirement and staff noted a scrivener’s error in the draft report (distance is 150 ft, not 250 ft); staff recommended approval subject to rescinding a prior permit that existed in the same legal description.
No final votes were taken at the hearing; the hearing officer will issue written decisions within 15 working days for items heard today.
