Coastal Development: Brandon vs Dover

Is my backyard pond a regulated wetland?

Possibly — staff-delineated wetlands include many residential drainage features. Check before grading.

What is the setback?

Typically 15–50 ft from wetland edge depending on classification.

Does Hillsborough County have a Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL)?

No. Florida's CCCL program under F.S. 161.053 covers 25 counties with Gulf or Atlantic sandy beaches. Hillsborough County's shoreline is on Tampa Bay, an estuary, so the CCCL does not apply here. Coastal development is regulated locally through Land Development Code Part 3.04.00 (Coastal High Hazard Area), the Construction Code in County Code Chapter 8, the 2023 Florida Building Code, ASCE 24, and FEMA NFIP standards, with the most restrictive provision controlling.

What can I build inside the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) in unincorporated Hillsborough County?

Single-family homes and most residential uses are allowed in the CHHA but must meet elevation, foundation, flood-vent, and material standards under the 2023 FBC, ASCE 24, and the County Construction Code. New hospitals, nursing homes, adult congregate living facilities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term acute care facilities are prohibited under Future Land Use Policy 6.01.8 because they house populations who cannot easily evacuate. Freestanding emergency rooms are exempt.

What documentation does Hillsborough County require for a coastal-area home?

Three elevation certificates (or signed/sealed site plans or foundation surveys) at construction-drawing submittal, after foundation, and before certificate of occupancy. V Zone, Coastal A Zone, and muck/organic soil parcels typically also require a geotechnical report by a Florida Registered Professional Engineer. Floodway parcels require a no-rise impact analysis, and commercial dry floodproofing requires a sealed Floodproofing Certificate. Submit to permitting@hcfl.gov via Hillsborough County Building Services.