Accessory Structures in St. Petersburg, FL (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for St. Petersburg, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
St. Petersburg permits accessory dwelling units in many residential districts under Land Development Regulations Sec. 16.50.010, with size, lot, parking, and design rules expanded by Ordinance 509-H.
St. Petersburg Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsFla. SB 184 (2025) - Housing / Accessory Dwelling Units
requiring, rather than authorizing, local governments to adopt, by a specified date, an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in certain areas; authorizing a local government to provide a density bonus incentive to landowners who make certain real property donations to assist in the provision of affordable housing for military families; requiring the Office of Program Policy Analysis and ...
ADU Permits
St. Petersburg permits accessory dwelling units in most single-family and multi-family residential zoning districts under the Land Development Regulations (City Code Chapter 16). ADUs are subject to size, parking, owner-occupancy, and design standards, plus full Florida Building Code 8th Edition compliance. Florida HB 1031 (2024) codified at Fla. Stat. §163.31771 created a statewide ADU enabling framework that encourages — but does not preempt — local standards. Permits flow through the Construction Services and Permitting Department at the Municipal Services Center.
St. Petersburg FL ADU Permits (LDR Chapter 16 Accessory Dwelling Units)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
St. Petersburg assesses impact fees and utility connection charges on new residential construction including ADUs, although ADU charges are typically scaled to size and existing utility service. Florida Statute §163.31801 (the Florida Impact Fee Act) governs all municipal impact fees and caps annual increases under HB 337 (2021). Pinellas County also levies a school impact fee assessed at the county level. ADUs sharing existing utility connections with the primary dwelling often see substantially reduced water and wastewater charges.
St. Petersburg FL ADU Impact Fees (Capped by Fla. Stat. §163.31801)
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
St. Petersburg's Land Development Regulations (City Code Chapter 16) condition ADU approval in single-family residential districts on owner occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the ADU. The condition is intended to prevent single-family lots from operating as de facto investor duplexes. Florida HB 1031 (2024) at Fla. Stat. §163.31771 encourages but does not preempt municipal owner-occupancy conditions. Pinellas County homestead status is the standard proof of compliance.
St. Petersburg FL ADU Owner-Occupancy (LDR Chapter 16 Conditions)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Florida Statute §509.032(7) preempts local government regulation of vacation rentals — St. Petersburg cannot ban short-term rentals or impose duration-based zoning restrictions adopted after June 1, 2011. The city operates a Vacation Rental Registration Program within the preempted scope, requiring annual registration, designation of a local responsible party, and remittance of taxes. Long-term ADU rentals remain subject to the LDR Chapter 16 owner-occupancy condition in single-family districts. Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax of 6% applies to all stays under six months.
St. Petersburg FL ADU Rental Restrictions (FS 509.032(7) STR Preemption + Local Registration)
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
St. Petersburg regulates sheds under Land Development Regulations Sec. 16.50.020 and Sec. 16.60.050, allowing one exempt shed up to 100 square feet and 10 feet tall in side or rear yards.
St. Petersburg Shed Permit and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
St. Petersburg requires permits for garage-to-living-space conversions under Sec. 16.50.010 and Sec. 16.50.011, with parking, density, and Florida Building Code compliance reviewed at submittal.
St. Petersburg Garage Conversion Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
St. Petersburg permits one carport per single-family lot under Land Development Regulations Sec. 16.50.020, exempt from full design standards but subject to setback, height, and permit rules.
St. Petersburg Carport Placement and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes in St. Petersburg are reviewed as either accessory dwelling units under Sec. 16.50.010 or accessory living space under Sec. 16.50.011, and must meet Florida Building Code minimums.
St. Petersburg Tiny Home Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Pinellas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement St. Petersburg city rules.
Accessory Structures in Pinellas County →