Mayor, City Council To Close Loophole Requiring New Sidewalks

TAMPA, FL — At the request of Mayor Jane Castor, the Tampa City Council has taken the first step toward approving an amendment to city codes that would require developers to build more sidewalks in the city.

At a meeting of the Tampa City Council on Thursday, council members voted 6-1 to adopt new code language that will require developers to either build a sidewalk in front of a new home or pay into the city's sidewalk trust fund, so the city can build it.

A second vote on the amendment is set for Dec. 2.

Although the city's current code requires construction of sidewalks with most new construction, there are some exceptions that allow developers to avoid contributing to the fund or building a sidewalk.

Homes on local roads, homes without a sidewalk on the block or homes with no sidewalks within three blocks do not have to build sidewalks or pay into the fund. Castor said this is a loophole that needs to be closed for the safety of the residents.

According to Vik Bihde, city mobility director, the city is lacking more than 1,300 miles of sidewalk along its streets.

Under the proposed code change, builders would have to either build a sidewalk in front of new construction or pay from $29 to $75 per linear foot to the sidewalk fund.

“Exemptions in the code mean too often no sidewalks are installed and no payment is made into that fund,” Janet Scherberger, president of Walk/Bike Tampa, a local nonprofit and advocacy group, told the council. “The proposal before you today closes that loophole and will mean miles of new sidewalks in Tampa each year.”

Scherberger said, in 2020, the loophole caused the city to lose $1.2 million in sidewalk funding.

During a news conference with Castor, Emily Hinsdale of Walk/Bike Tampa said they're simply asking developers to pay their fair share to ensure the public's safety.

"We are asking for developers to either build a new sidewalk or pay into the sidewalk fund," Hinsdale said. "If you have a gorgeous oak in your front yard, or a ditch that makes it hard to build a sidewalk, don't worry. You don't have to cut down the tree for a sidewalk. Just pay into the fund."

Hinsdale estimates that changing the code could result in 8 miles of new sidewalks being constructed in the city each year.

Castor said the code amendment is in keeping with the city's Vision Zero goals. Vision Zero is part of a global initiative to reach zero traffic deaths and injuries on roadways. Building more sidewalks is an important step toward achieving that goal, Castor said.

“An average of 44 people are killed each year on Tampa streets and 289 are severely injured,” Scherberger said. “The sidewalks won’t eliminate all those deaths and injuries, but it’s an important tool for making our streets safer.”

Among the council members in favor of the code change was John Dingfelder who said he's previously asked staff to look into ways to fill the legal loophole.

“I’m thrilled that the mayor and administration are supportive of this council effort," he said.

Council member Guido Maniscalco said the code amendment is long overdue.

“We embrace Vision Zero. But we don’t put our money where our mouth is," he said. “This will actually contribute to pedestrian safety — the safety of people in wheelchairs, people on bicycles.”

Council member Bill Carlson agreed.

“The city council has been working with the community on this for about two years,” he said. “This policy change will help fill some much-needed gaps to make our neighborhoods safer. But longer term, we need to increase the city’s budget for sidewalks and to make neighborhoods and quality of life our top priority.”

Like this article? Sign up for our newsletter and get it delivered every weekday. It's free!

Council member Charlie Miranda cast the dissenting vote against the code change.

Castor said she was grateful for the council's support.

"I want to thank the city council members who have come forward in support of removing these loopholes," Castor said. "They know this is an issue that impacts the safety of neighborhoods across the entire city and is a no-brainer for a community where pedestrian safety is a top priority."

She noted that she's not alone in her concern. Among the neighborhood associations, community groups and other organizations that support closing this loophole are the Gandy Civic Association, Virginia Park Neighborhood Association, Palma Ceia Neighborhood Association, Golf View Neighborhood Association, MacFarlane Park Civic Association, North Hyde Park Civic Association, Tampa Heights Neighborhood Association, Southeast, Seminole Heights Civic Association, Community Enrichment Laboratory, iP, New Tampa Rotary Club, Tampa General Hospital, Sidewalk Stompers, Tampa Homeowners Association of Neighborhoods and the Transportation Planning Organization.

See related stories:

• Crosswalk Murals Aren't Just Art; They Help Slow Down Drivers
• Colorful Tampa School Crosswalk Features Popular Book Titles
• Safe Routes To School Program Focuses On Challenges For Students
• Tampa Unveils Initiative To Make Crosswalks Safer