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Tampa City Council overturns zoning denial for 2312 West Grace Street
Summary
The council voted to overturn a staff denial and approve a special-use permit allowing a single-family detached dwelling at 2312 West Grace Street after hearing staff and petitioner testimony; the motion passed 6–0 with one abstention and one recusal.
Tampa City Council voted to overturn a zoning administrator’s denial and approve a petition to allow a single-family detached dwelling at 2312 West Grace Street.
At a review hearing, Camaria Pettis-Mackle of the city legal department told the council this was a de novo review under city code section 27-61 and that councilors were “sitting in the shoes of the zoning administrator,” meaning they could accept new evidence before deciding. Laura Marley, land development coordinator, summarized staff’s reason for denial: the code requires two adjacent residential uses and the property had only one, which is why “staff denied the request.”
The petitioner, who identified himself in the hearing as Steve Mechanik, said the immediate street pattern shows residential uses in practice and requested council approval, noting the applicant plans to improve the alley to provide rear access. “We respectfully request your approval,” Mechanik told the council, adding that alley improvements and the surrounding residential character support the application.
Council member Guido Maniscalco moved to overturn the zoning administrator’s denial, arguing the petitioner had presented “competent and substantial evidence” that the requested use fits the surrounding residential character; the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak. Chair Alan Clendenin called a roll call; Bill Carlson, Guido Maniscalco, Lynn Hurtak, Naya Young, Luis Viera and Alan Clendenin voted yes. Charlie Miranda recused himself earlier in the hearing; the clerk recorded the motion as carried with Miranda abstaining.
Why it matters: staff had applied a strict code test requiring two adjacent residential uses; councilors who voted to overturn said the on-the-ground pattern and the petitioner’s planned alley improvements justify a special-use allowance in this location. Because this was a de novo review, the council acted as the zoning administrator and replaced the staff decision with its own determination.
Next steps: With the council’s vote to overturn, the special-use application is approved per the council motion. The record indicates the council expects administrative follow-up and reporting back to the dais as needed.
