1. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

By :Dennis Kline, Principal Planner

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, also known as CPTED, is a design-based crime prevention method that has been in effect since February 1 for new site development projects that were submitted after that date.  These regulations can be found in Section 6.03.11 of the Land Development Code.  It is based on the simple theory that proper design and effective use of the physical environment can help reduce the incidence and fear of crime.  If you review these requirements, you may find that your proposed site design already meets these standards and nothing new will be required.  It is just a matter of identifying on the site development plan the strategy utilized to demonstrate compliance.

A minimum of one strategy from each of the four categories of Natural Surveillance, Natural Access Control, Territorial Reinforcement, and Maintenance/Management, is required to be chosen.

Natural Surveillance is used to reduce criminal opportunities.  Some typical techniques are ensuring that on-site parking areas and other public areas are well-lit, installing signage which directs people to and from the building and parking areas, and, if parking garages are used, the entryways, stairwells, and elevators are located on the perimeter to allow view from the streets and sidewalks.

Natural Access Control is used to increase the visibility in and around the business.  Some typical techniques include windows facing the parking areas and street, limiting the height of shelves and displays inside the business, and, limiting the advertising on windows which reduces the view into the store. Other techniques include lighting the entrances and delivery areas with lights mounted on the building.  Also, buildings and landscaping should be designed to preclude areas where individuals can hide or hinder visibility.

Territorial Reinforcement is used to distinguish between private and public areas.  Some typical techniques include the use of landscaping and special pavement markings, public areas that are identified through welcome and directional signage, and low fences, made of wrought iron, pickets, and aluminum, with gates that identify entrances and direct pedestrian traffic to the property’s ingress and egress.

Maintenance and Management is used to address the impacts of chosen materials by reducing overgrown landscaping and inoperative lighting.  Typical techniques include the use of low-maintenance landscaping and lighting as well as having lighting fixtures at easily accessible heights to allow for maintenance and replacement.  This also includes the posting of information of whom to contact when maintenance is needed.

The CPTED technique that is being used must be provided and shown on the construction plan, which is new for the site development process, but codifies a practice that has been in effect for quite some time.

For more information, visit the Site & Subdivision Permitting webpage of the Planning & Growth Management Department.

2. Hillsborough County Mobility Fee Policy Meetings

Hillsborough County is holding a series of open facilitated meetings to discuss the County’s proposed Mobility Fee policy for transportation concurrency for new development, and to develop a recommendation for the County Commission.  The next few meetings are scheduled on Jan. 29 at 9:30 a.m., Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m. and Mar. 26 at 1:30 p.m. in the County Center, 26th Floor Conference Room A & B, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., downtown Tampa. The meeting is open to the public and an opportunity to comment will be provided.

Hillsborough County staff has been monitoring the recommendations by the Florida Department of Community Affairs as required by Senate Bill 360, and methodologies being proposed by the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR).  To address unique challenges facing Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County is exploring alternative approaches to calculating and implementing the Mobility Fee.

Under the current transportation concurrency system, the capacity of the roadway is reserved for new development, for a period of time, on a first-come, first-served basis. The new developments are required to mitigate their impacts only when the roadway capacity is exceeded in its area of influence. On the other hand, the mobility fee would be paid by all new development based on the consumption of transportation infrastructure and the location of the development.

A technical committee meeting has been reviewing the process since September as a first step to establish a method to calculate the mobility fee.  The technical committee includes representatives from the Planning & Growth Management Department, Public Works Department, County Attorney, Planning Commission, Florida Department of Transportation, City of Tampa, HART, and industry experts.  The technical committee will continue to meet during these policy meetings.

For more information or to provide comments or ask questions, visit the Mobility Fee webpages or call (813) 276-8428.