May 2021 – Planning Commission staff is working with Hillsborough County subject matter experts to prepare updates to three sections of the plan – Coastal Management, Solid Waste, and Recreation and Open Space – as part of the April 2021 cycle of plan amendments. Learn about each section update and how to register for the virtual public meetings in the links below. Visit the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan project page to learn more about the overall update.

Coastal Management

The Coastal Management Section, a component of the overall Unincorporated Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan update, is moving forward as part of the April cycle of plan amendments. The Coastal Management Section serves to update the Coastal Management Element (CME) of the Unincorporated Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan. This section provides a framework for the protection of natural coastal resources, human life, and property from a natural disaster. Coastal Management maps within the Comprehensive Plan are also being updated as part of this process.

By providing plan and policy direction for development activities in the Coastal Planning Area of Hillsborough County, the Coastal Management Section will help ensure that:

• Development in the coastal area does not adversely impact public accessibility to the coast
• Adequate public hurricane shelter space is available to coastal inhabitants
• Levels of service on evacuation routes are maintained
• Water-dependent and water-related land uses are given priority on the coast
• Public decisions will include consideration of coastal hazards in the land use decision-making process.

The update is a collaboration between the Planning Commission and stakeholders composed of staff from the Development Services Department, Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department, Office of Innovation and Resiliency and the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission.

The public is invited to provide feedback and comments on the draft language, which can be viewed on the Coastal Management Section project page.  A Virtual Public Engagement Kickoff Meeting on the proposed update is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 at 6 pm. The public will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions in a virtual format. The public is also encouraged to submit questions and comments in advance through the submission form on the project page.

View the Recreation and Open Space Section article.

View the Solid Waste Section article.