Commission approves first reading of ordinance changing front-setback rules for three Hillsborough Isle lots

The City Commission approved on first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 24 of the city's code to change front-setback allowances for three non-waterfront lots in the Hillsborough Isle subdivision.

Consulting city planner Dave Dixon said the amendment removes a prior restriction that limited front-setback structures to garages and would instead allow any permitted primary or accessory structure, subject to two new criteria: parking arrangements must avoid backing out onto Lighthouse Drive (vehicles must be able to back into the lot) and total lot coverage for primary and accessory structures would be capped at 40% to limit overbuilding.

"This is that ordinance amending front setbacks for 3 non waterfront lots in the Hillsborough Isle Subdivision... 1, that vehicles are prohibited to not only back out on the Lighthouse Drive but also to back into the lot... And 2, the maximum of 40% of that lot can be covered by all primary or accessory structures," Dave Dixon said in his presentation. Planning and zoning recommended approval with the two added conditions, he said.

Commissioners asked whether deed restrictions would be required and staff replied that deed restrictions would not be applied by the city to privately owned property, but approvals would still require planning and zoning conditional-use review and orders would be recorded as public records. The ordinance was read aloud and advanced with an unnumbered first reading; commissioners voted 5–0 to approve the reading and send the matter forward.

The change applies only to the three identified lots and includes the new operational criteria cited by staff. Additional specifics and recorded orders will be entered through the planning and zoning and conditional-use processes that apply to the properties.