Know Your Role in the Rezoning Process

Zoning is the basic means of land use control employed by local governments in the United States. If a property owner wants to change the uses that are allowed on their property, they must seek a modification to the underlying zoning district. A change in the zoning (rezoning) requires a noticed public hearing with approval by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Citizens interested in participating or commenting on a zoning change should become familiar with the rezoning process and how to effectively participate in that process. To assist, the Planning and Growth Management Department has made available two brochures entitled “Having Your Say in the Rezoning Process” and “How to be Heard on Rezonings.” These brochures provide valuable information about the rezoning process and advice on how citizens can effectively participate. Copies of these brochures can be can be picked up at the Planning and Growth Management Department on the 20th Floor of the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33601 or obtained online by clicking on the links above.

Neighborhood Bill of Rights

In recognition of the fact that citizens have an interest in participating in the planning process and development issues which affect them, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners created a Neighborhood Bill of Rights program. This program provides for notice of any zoning change to all registered Neighborhood Association/Civic Associations located within a mile of the rezoning. For more information on having your neighborhood placed on the notice registry and/or to find out if your neighborhood is on the registry, please contact the Office of Neighborhood Relations at (813) 272-5860 or visit the Office of Neighborhood Relations’ website.

Verify Before You Buy

Although there is no legal requirement for verification of proper zoning prior to the filing of a property deed and/or selling of property, a prospective buyer should always verify that a property has proper zoning and/or subdivision approval before purchasing.  All too often, staff has had to inform a person that building permits cannot be issued because the property they just purchased does not conform to the minimum requirements of the underlying zoning district and/or does not comply with the applicable Hillsborough County subdivision regulations.   In some instances, the parcel is of such a configuration that it cannot even be rezoned or subdivided to fix the problem.   To avoid this potentially costly problem, before you buy, please contact the Planning and Growth Management Department at (813) 272-5920.

Visit the Planning/Zoning Division Website For More Information

Fast Facts

There are 51 different zoning districts for which a property in unincorporated Hillsborough County could be zoned. 

Hillsborough County Zoning Districts Map