Converting garage to ADU for STR in Tampa Fl

[Andre Crabb]

Hey BP!

Looking for some help on understanding zoning and what is allowed to do on my lot.

I just closed on my SFH which has a detached garage in the back. The garage has plumbing and electric.

Naturally my thought is to add a bathroom and convert the garage to a "tiny home" unit for STR.

Then I thought if I’m going to do the work for converting, it might make sense to double the structure in size and turn it into two units, and get two STRs out of it.

The zoning is “SH-RS”, and I’m not sure if what I’m envisioning is allowed.

Anyone here have any idea?

Thanks!

[Kristina Kuba]

@Rob White

You are running into a non conforming structure. Many of my investors have purchased non conforming properties in Tampa. Run the risk/reward on it. The nice thing about it is most overlay districts in Tampa allow you to build an ADU accessory dwelling unit in the back. That's the hack. Call the city zoning dept and ask if the parcel is in an ADU eligible zone. Now you can make that garage unit legal.

Now, let's address the duplex in the front. If the property burns down or a hurricane crushes it, you lose your duplex and you rebuild as a SFR with an ADU because the new zoning status is SFH. You go from 3 units to 2 units. Again, make sure you are comfortable with the risk/ reward on it and the numbers would work.

One solution is to put it under contract with an addendum that the seller must receive a “formal decision” thru city of Tampa with corrected “property use” with property appraiser prior to closing. If the current seller can show that the property was leased consistently and has the lease documents, the city might not ask much in order to sign off on this property to be grandfathered in as a duplex and update the “use” status. It is a case by case. This process can take between 60-90 days.

Lastly, if you are using a real estate agent that invests themselves, they should be educating you on this whole process as this is a common yet solvable situation.