Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Hillsborough County Land Use Hearing Officer (LUHO) convened on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the County Center, Tampa, Florida. Presiding Officer Susan Finch led the public hearing to accept evidence and testimony on multiple variance applications. No final decisions were made during the hearing; the Hearing Officer will file written recommendations and decisions by October 26, 2026.
F.1. VAR-WS 26-1383 – Jason Kendall (Wetland Setback & Lot Development Variance) Staff (Wayne Doyen and Sierra James) presented the request for a variance permitting a 27.9-foot encroachment into the 30-foot wetland conservation area setback and a 2.5-foot reduction to the 25-foot front yard setback. The applicant, Jason Kendall, stated the plat failed to show the wetland, leaving a buildable area depth of only 13.6 feet. A similar variance was approved for a neighboring property in 2024. No public testimony was offered.
G.1. VAR 26-1381 – Anchor Sign Inc (Sign Variance) Staff reported on a request to reduce the front setback by 2.5 feet and the side setback by 4 feet to upgrade an existing monument sign to an LED cabinet in the same location. The applicant argued no alternative location exists on the lot. No public testimony.
G.2. VAR 26-1412 – PV-Ruskin 19 LLC (Sign Variance) The applicant requested a variance to allow an additional ground sign on US 41 and increase sign area from 50 to 100 square feet per face. The applicant stated the unified sign plan for the multi-lot commercial development would reduce visual clutter and provide wayfinding for motorists on high-speed roadways. No public testimony.
H.1. VAR 26-1227 – Jersy Montevecchi (Fence Height Variance) The applicant requested a 2-foot variance (to 8 feet) to the standard 6-foot fence height limit. Montevecchi testified that the neighboring home is elevated on cement blocks due to chronic flooding, creating an overlooking window line into her yard.
H.2. VAR 26-1309 – Flobert Lubin (Accessory Dwelling Variance) The applicant requested a 4.5-foot variance to the 15-foot side yard setback for a completed accessory dwelling. Lubin stated an architect error caused the encroachment and the structure passed all inspections. No public testimony.
H.3. VAR 26-1360 – Janet Marks (Accessory Structure Variance) The applicant requested a variance of 10 feet 11 inches to the 15-foot side yard setback for a proposed detached garage, constrained by a pool, well, and drainage easement.
H.4. VAR 26-1388 – Northside Engineering Inc (Sidewalk Variance) Staff found the applicant failed to meet the variance criteria. The applicant requested a waiver of the sidewalk requirement for a 7,500-square-foot warehouse addition. The contractor admitted the sidewalk was shown on the approved plans to expedite the permit, with the plan to request a variance later. No public testimony.
H.5. VAR 26-1389 – Luisa I Alonso (Lot Development Standards Variance) The applicant requested a variance of 5 feet 3 inches to the 20-foot front yard setback for an enclosed rear addition for a family member with special needs. The property is subject to a pending code violation.
H.7. VAR 26-1413 – Aaron DeSha (Accessory Structure Variance) The applicant requested a variance of 1.2 feet to the 25-foot side setback for a large accessory structure. DeSha stated the building is now used for agricultural storage. He acknowledged operating an unpermitted Brazilian jiu-jitsu business but stated it has ceased.
Right now, so we'll go out, we'll assess the situation. I mean, look at it, these dogs are like garbage. I mean, that's just about Did you see those facts through there? She was very upset about losing all of our cats. Uh, she she called me up uh a few times in tears. I need my photos. I need to be able to paint this picture for the judge so that he sees what I see. Good morning. Could you please stand excuse me for the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much. Please have a seat. Good morning, everyone. I want to welcome you to the October 5th, 2026 land use hearing officer hearing. My name is Susan Finch, and I will be presiding as the hearing officer over today's cases. Let me start by introducing Miss Colleen Marshall. She is with the Development Services Department. She'll introduce other staff members that will participate in today's hearing as well as go over any off-the-agenda changes that we have. Ms. Marshall. Good morning, Colleen Marshall Development Services. To my left is Jared Delfino of the Hillsborough County County Attorney's Office. Carmen Mason Development Services staff is joining us virtually. During the course of the hearing, a number of other planners will be presenting their findings for various cases when we introduced for each item. Agenda item page eight, item H six, uh variants twenty-six thirteen ninety-one. Um the applicant submit Patel uh DHRUV development, and staff is requesting a continuance to the November 9th, 2026 um Luho hearing. Okay. Uh let me make sure. Is there anyone in the audience uh in person or online that was here to speak to agenda item H six? It's on page eight and it's variants two six-one three nine one. Anyone that was here to address that item. Yes, this is Celeste Murphy Girling. I am an attorney for Drube Development. Uh I was unaware of the agreement to a continuance, so I signed up for to speak, but uh we will not be speaking today due to the continuance. Okay, thank you so much. Just for the record, that's being continued to the November 9th, 2026 land use hearing officer hearing at nine AM. Ma'am. Uh could you identify yourself for the record and your address? Uh yes, my name is Celeste Murphy Gurling. My address is twenty six hundred East Robinson Street, Orlando, Florida, three two eight zero three. Thank