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🌍 Environmental Rules/Flood Zones

Flood Zones: Dunedin vs St. Petersburg

How do flood zones rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?

Dunedin and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.

Dunedin, FL

Pinellas County

Heavy Restrictions

Dunedin's Chapter 105 floodplain regulations apply to construction in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. New buildings and substantial improvements must meet base flood elevation, freeboard, and the FEMA 50% rule for renovations.

View full Dunedin rules β†’

St. Petersburg, FL

Pinellas County

Heavy Restrictions

St. Petersburg enforces FEMA flood zones and a substantial improvement 49 percent rule under Section 16.40.050, requiring elevation or floodproofing of substantially damaged or improved structures.

View full St. Petersburg rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDunedinSt. Petersburg
Code chapterChapter 105 Division 4-
AuthorityBuilding Official as Floodplain Administrator-
Maps usedFEMA FIRM panels-
FEMA 50% ruleTriggers full compliance-
V-zonePile foundations required-
Code section-Sec. 16.40.050
Substantial improvement-49% of market value
Map source-FEMA FIRM
Required cert-Elevation Certificate

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Dunedin FAQ

What is the FEMA 50% rule in Dunedin?

If repairs or improvements equal or exceed 50% of a building's market value, the entire structure must be brought up to current floodplain standards including base flood elevation.

Do I need a permit to build in a flood zone?

Yes. Any construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a Dunedin floodplain development permit and must meet base flood elevation, freeboard, and design requirements.

St. Petersburg FAQ

What is the St. Petersburg 49 percent rule?

If improvement or repair costs reach 49 percent of a structure's pre-work market value, Section 16.40.050 requires the full structure to be brought up to current flood standards including elevation.

How do I find my St. Petersburg flood zone?

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps adopted under Section 16.40.050 set the zone. The City Floodplain Manager and the FEMA Map Service Center can confirm the zone and Base Flood Elevation.

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