Mayor Jane Castor is spotlighting efforts to redo the city’s Land Development Code (LDC) through an effort called “Tampa Forward.”
In her weekly newsletter, Castor said the city “looks a little different every Monday morning” as new permits for development projects across the city transform into new or remodeled homes or businesses. She said the Tampa Forward effort aims to fix that by rewriting the city’s LDC.
“It hasn’t had a serious overhaul in decades. Through Tampa Forward, we’re fixing that,” Castor said in the newsletter.
The city launched the Tampa Forward effort in April 2024 and expects to complete the project in the second half of 2026, according to the city website. The first installment was released for public review earlier this year after discussions with city staff and an advisory team.
The current draft proposes changes meant to simplify existing zoning categories and create new mixed-use districts aimed at walkable development in neighborhoods, corridors and regional centers. It would also allow more “missing middle” housing types in some residential and multifamily districts, including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, cottage homes and courtyard multifamily, among many other changes.
The draft would reduce minimum parking requirements and add new development standards for building placement, pedestrian access, street trees, parking location and neighborhood compatibility.
The update comes as Tampa continues to grapple with rapid growth, housing demand, redevelopment pressure and neighborhood concerns.
The city is hosting its final public input meeting for the effort Monday evening and Castor encouraged residents to take part in the process.
“Your future neighbors definitely have opinions. You probably should too. I’ve watched this city grow from the inside my entire life. I want to make sure what we’re building next is something we’re all proud of,” Castor said.
