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Planning commission backs expansion of urban service area and land‑use change on Saffold Road in Wimauma area
Summary
Staff recommended and commissioners unanimously found HC/CPA 25‑27 and HC/CPA 25‑28 consistent with the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan, approving a roughly 19.94‑acre urban service area expansion and an associated change from Agricultural Rural 1/5 to Residential 4 along Saffold Road, which will allow higher residential density and require public water and sewer when developed.
On March 9, 2026, Planning Commission staff presented two associated Hillsborough County map amendments for land along Saffold Road in the Wimauma area and the commission voted unanimously to find both consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan.
Lilyann Linehan told commissioners HC/CPA 25‑27 would expand the urban service area to bring approximately 19.94 acres into the urban service area; staff said that designation would require at minimum connection to public water and sewer when development or subdivision occurs. HC/CPA 25‑28 would change the future land‑use designation from Agricultural Rural 1/5 to Residential 4 and is associated with the urban service area expansion.
Linehan said Residential 4 allows up to four dwelling units per gross acre and a maximum floor‑area‑ratio of 0.25. The staff presentation cited that, under the proposed designation, the site could be considered for up to 79 dwelling units (and noted 217,146 square feet of potential non‑residential use in the packet). Staff reviewed applicable FLU objectives and policies, found the proposal compatible with surrounding Residential 4 uses and consistent with Wimauma Village Community Plan goals promoting a range of housing types, and recommended the commission find both amendments consistent with the unincorporated Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about ownership and notifications; staff said owners were notified twice by certified mail and that signage was posted, and staff reported no formal objections. The property appraiser representative (Ms. Zornitta) noted valuations are generally based on zoning and existing use rather than future‑land‑use category, and staff clarified that entry into the urban service area does not automatically force utility hookup absent subdivision. There were no members of the public speaking on these items.
Commissioner Cona moved to find HC/CPA 25‑27 consistent; Commissioner Linkous seconded. The motion passed unanimously. For HC/CPA 25‑28, Commissioner Jemison moved to find the amendment consistent; Commissioner Louk seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The transcript references prior privately initiated amendments nearby and notes that two adjacent parcels had been approved by the Board of County Commissioners on January 15, 2026, but that maps in the presentation did not reflect that approval.
