In Opposition to Proposed Amendments to Chapter 22, Section 22-103
(City Council Items 48 and 59)

To:  Tampa City Council
       City of Tampa

Re: Second Reading – March 26, 2026
Proposed Amendments to Sidewalk Requirements (Section 22-103)

 We, the undersigned residents and property owners of Culbreath Bayou, respectfully submit this petition in opposition to the proposed amendments to Chapter 22, Section 22-103 of the City Code, as presented under Council Items 48 and 59.

The proposed changes would remove or significantly modify the existing provision that exempts properties from constructing sidewalks when there is no existing sidewalk to which a new segment can connect.

If adopted, this amendment would require isolated sidewalk construction during redevelopment, even where no functional sidewalk network exists.

Statement of Opposition
Culbreath Bayou is a fully built-out, established residential neighborhood characterized by:

• No existing sidewalk infrastructure
• A self-contained circular roadway system
• Low traffic volumes and minimal through traffic
• Wide residential streets historically shared safely by pedestrians and vehicles
• No documented pattern of pedestrian-vehicle incidents
• No planned City sidewalk projects that would create connectivity

The proposed ordinance would result in:

• Isolated, non-connected sidewalk segments
• Disruption to drainage systems, landscaping, and right-of-way conditions
• Increased construction burdens placed on individual homeowners
• Minimal measurable public safety or mobility benefit
• Gradual alteration of established neighborhood character without comprehensive planning
• The removal of the “no existing sidewalk to connect to” provision effectively eliminates context-sensitive decision-making for neighborhoods like ours

Our Position
We respectfully request that:

The existing exemption language in Section 22-103(c)(1) remain in place; OR
Culbreath Bayou be granted a formal area-based determination recognizing that sidewalk construction is not practical or contextually appropriate within this neighborhood.  We believe infrastructure decisions should be based on connectivity, safety data, and comprehensive planning — not incremental parcel-by-parcel mandates that create disconnected infrastructure.

Conclusion
This petition reflects the collective position of the undersigned residents of Culbreath Bayou.  We respectfully ask the Council to vote NO on the proposed amendments as currently drafted at the March 26, 2026 Second Reading.