Commercial-Locational Criteria Study

Project Overview

Planning Commission staff is in the process of updating the Commercial-Locational Criteria Policies, Objective 22, in the Future of Hillsborough: Comprehensive Plan for Unincorporated Hillsborough County. The purpose of this study is to provide an analysis of the current Commercial-Locational Criteria and analyze best practices resulting in updated policy for the Unincorporated Hillsborough Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Element. This study will update the frameworks for allowing non-residential development in residential land use categories and balance the changing demands for retail and non-residential uses in residential areas based upon the continued need to prevent strip commercial along major roadways.

Public Meetings

Join us on Thursday, June 2 at 6 pm for the third Virtual Community Meeting regarding the update to the Commercial Locational Criteria within the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan. Register here for the virtual meeting.

Scope of the Study

Evaluate the current structure of the Commercial-Locational Criteria (CLC) of the Future Land Use Element and the Livable Communities Element in the Unincorporated Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan
Obtain meaningful input from community stakeholders
Review best practices for commercial development in residential areas
Recommend changes to the Commercial-Locational Criteria and any associated Comprehensive Plan policies

Phase 1

Study Kickoff

Began Fall 2021

Phase 2

Public Outreach

Fall 2021 – Winter 2021

Phase 3

Comprehensive Plan Policy Recommendations

2022

Public Engagement

Your perspective will greatly benefit the potential success of the Commercial-Locational Criteria project. Your input is important to the success of this study, please check out the opportunities below.

The third Community Meeting will be held on June 2nd at 6:00 pm. This is a virtual meeting. Register.

The second Community Meeting occurred on January 20th at 5:30 pm. This was a hybrid meeting with the in-person component at the Saunders Library conference room (Ada T. Payne Community Room). Click here to view the recording.

A Planning Commission Briefing occurred on November 4th at 1 pm. View the recording.

The first Community Meeting occurred on November 1st at 6 pm. A recording of the virtual workshop is available. Use the password HillsboroughCLC and view the recording.

Stakeholder interviews concluded in October. We requested local stakeholders to attend a meeting to help us identify issues and opportunities related to the location of neighborhood-serving commercial uses in areas designated for residential use on the unincorporated Hillsborough County’s Future Land Use Map.

All of the meeting notes, recordings, and presentations can be found in the Past Presentations & Events section at the bottom of the page.

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive email updates on this project.

Social Pinpoint

This website is the study’s official online hub for community input. The survey and posting on the community idea wall has closed. However, the community wall comments are available for your review.

Please use the following link to the project web page for more information: https://smeinc.mysocialpinpoint.com/hillsborough_clc

Draft Language

Planning Commission staff have hired a consultant, S&ME, to provide recommendations in updating the existing outdated language of the Commercial-Locational Criteria policies. A series of stakeholder interviews, virtual community meetings, an online survey, interactive project website, and Commissioner interviews have been used to gather input. A total of five drafts will be produced based on community, Commissioner, and staff input before the final language is adopted. All drafts will be listed on this project website.

Draft #1 Commercial-Locational Criteria

Draft #2 Commercial-Locational Criteria

Draft #3 Commercial-Locational Criteria

FAQ

Q: Why is this study being conducted?

A: This study will update the existing outdated language of the Commercial-Locational Criteria policies to reflect the changed current commercial retail environment. The study also provides opportunities to ensure a more successful transition of intensity along intersections and corridors for residential and non-residential uses.

Q: What are the geographic boundaries of this study?

A: This study will encompass the Unincorporated portion of Hillsborough County.

Q: What will be produced by this study?

A: This study will result in policy recommendations for the Future Land Use Element of the Future of Hillsborough: Comprehensive Plan for Unincorporated Hillsborough County. These recommendations will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration and potentially result in amendments to the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan. Any final policy changes are at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners.

Q: When will this study be concluded?

A: The study has a contract end date of October 2022, after which Planning Commission staff will integrate the deliverables as appropriate into the Future Land Use Element update. Any final policy changes are at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners.

Q: How can I stay involved?

A: Get updates on this project by signing up for email updates. Scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/HillsboroughCLC to learn more about the project. View the draft policy language on this website. Staff’s contact information is below to receive your valuable input.