Many homebuyers and real estate professionals selling in Seminole heights are aware that there is at least one historic district, some are aware that there are two, some think all of Seminole Heights is a Historic District; then there is this strange thing called an Overlay District that almost no one knows about.

The only historic distict that involves Architectural Review Commission approval is the Seminole Heights Historic District because it is both a national and local district.  The local district has the rules and is somewhat larger than the national district boundaries.

The other district is Hampton Terrace.  This district is only national and does not yet have local district standards yet though the residents are working with the city to create the Hampton Terrace local district.  The creation of a local district is likely 12 to 18 months out.

Then there is the Seminole Heights Residential Overlay District.  The Seminole Heights Overlay District was initiated by the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association (OSHNA) through their Land Use committee.  The effort was joined by the Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association (SESHCA) and the South Seminole Heights Civic Association (SSHCA).  Working together these neighborhood organizations in cooperation with the City of Tampa developed the standards for the Seminole Heights Overlay District.  The district was established through ordinance by Tampa City Council and the Mayor of Tampa.  To view the specifics of the Ordinance you can go to: http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=10132&sid=9  The specifics are in Chapter 27-464.

As an older established neighborhood there was a desire to protect the historic character of the whole area. As an already developed community it was not possible to impose retroactive deed restrictions.  The ordinance accomplish that goal through zoning standards.

Though not complex, the standards can impact owner's plans for new construction and additions.  Not being advised of this prior to purchase can lead to very unhappy buyers.  The 11 items currently in the ordinance are:

1.The building fronts of all new residential structures shall be oriented towards the front yards of the zoning lot.

2.Front yard setbacks shall be determined by block averaging. The underlying zoning district shall define all other setback requirements.

3.Carports: One-story, unenclosed carports constructed as part of the principal structure ("portecochere") may be placed within three feet of the side yard property line.

4.Attached garages: The structural edge of the vehicular entrance to the garage, carport, or other vehicular storage area, when oriented to the front yard, shall be constructed no closer to the street than the front wall of the principal structure.

5.Fencing: The erection new of chain link fencing within the front yards of residentially zoned lots is prohibited.

6. Alley access: If an existing lot is adjacent to an open and used public alley, vehicular access to the site may be provided from the alley as the primary access point.

7. Roof pitch: Minimum roof pitch for new principal structures shall be a minimum of 6:12 (ratio of rise to run). Flat roofs with parapet walls shall be permitted on new principal structures. Roof pitches for additions which increase the gross square footage of the principal structure shall match the pitch of the existing roof.

8.Floor height: The finished floor height of all new principal structures shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches above the finish grade at the front building face.

9.Parking: No driveway shall be constructed from the road to the front yard face of the principal structure unless providing vehicular access to an attached garage or carport.

10.Accessory structure:  The maximum height of an accessory structure shall be twenty-two (22) feet six (6) inches (can be exceptions).

11.Ribbon driveways: Single car "ribbon driveways" may be constructed at a minimum overall width of nine (9) feet with six (6) feet wide apron flares on the right-of-way.

The standards are not that complex but imagine someone paying to install a chain link fence and being told they have to pull it back out.  Or imagine someone paying an Architect to draw plans to build on the lot they just bought and not being able to proceed because the roof pitch or floor elevations did not comply.