Call to action! Letters needed for 5-27-25 LUHO

On Tuesday, May 27th, the variance request for the unpermitted wall and landscaping on Cosme Rd. goes in front of the Land Use Hearing officer.

We ask that you email your opposition to this variance. This is a rogue builder who cut down 20 oak trees, leveled the land, built a wall – all without permits.

There has been 8 months of continued permit violations, a stop work order issued and continued site visits by county officials from various divisions.

Now they want a variance for the unpermitted wall and want the county to accept Queen Palms as shade trees while they continue permit violations.

These letters need to be sent as soon as possible!  

Please send an email to Hearings@HCFLGov.net

Subject line:  Please deny VAR 25-0598

Below is a sample letter you can use. (Or write your own) You must type your name and address at the end.

Dear Hearing Master,

I am writing to express my opposition to VARIANCE 25-0598 to approve an unpermitted wall at Gunn/Hwy and Cosme Rd and a Variance to Landscaping Requirements in the Keystone-Odessa rural community. 

There have 8 months of multiple code violations for this property. The first complaint was filed on 9-4-2025 when the owner cut down trees (a total of (20) Oak trees totaling 388” DBH), leveled the land and beginning construction to build a wall around the property. All without permits.

The Keystone-Odessa Community plan that addresses fencing and walls in Section 3.08.08 of the Hillsborough County land development code; specifically, § 3.08.06. Design

B. Fences and Walls

1. Fences and walls in agricultural and residential districts shall comply with Article VI of this Code. However, all fences and walls in residential developments that are constructed, owned and/or maintained by the developer, homeowners association or similar entity shall be limited to the following designs and materials, except where otherwise required by Section 3.08.08:

a. Split rail, three-board, four-board, horse wire with single board, or other natural wood fencing, with a minimum spacing of four feet between posts and 12 inches between horizontal members.

b. Masonry columns with spanning members comprised of metal, wood or other similar materials. The base below the spanning members shall be a maximum of two feet in height above ground level. Columns shall be a maximum of three feet in width and shall be spaced at least four feet apart. The base and columns shall be encased in brick or stone and the spanning members shall have a maximum opacity of 50 percent.

c. Green or black chain link fencing. Attachment of slats or other nonvegetative screening to the fence shall be prohibited.

d. Notwithstanding the provisions above, if a fence or wall is located along a Designated Scenic Roadway, the setback, buffering and screening of the fence or wall shall be regulated by Article VI of this Code.

This property is on Gunn Hwy; the Designated Scenic Roadway in Keystone-Odessa.

This variance request is inconsistent with surrounding development.  

It is not compatible with the neighboring homes, nor does it preserve the character of the rural Keystone-Odessa community.

Any and all unique hardships or practical difficulties shown by the owner are self-imposed.

This property is still in violation for unpermitted land alterations. Unpermitted removal of a protected tree per LDC 4.01 and defined in 11.02. due to unpermitted removal of (20) Oak trees totaling 388” DBH (Diameter at 4.5-feet above ground).

Please deny VARIANCE 25-0598.