Coastal Development: Pinellas Park vs St. Petersburg
How do coastal development rules compare between Pinellas Park, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Although Pinellas Park is inland along Tampa Bay tributaries, portions of the city fall within the Coastal Storm Area as defined by the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan, restricting density increases and high-intensity uses within Category 1 storm surge zones.
View full Pinellas Park rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg coastal properties must comply with Section 16.40.050 floodplain rules, the Florida Coastal Construction Control Line under FS 161.053, and the Pinellas County Coastal High Hazard Area policies.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pinellas Park | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| CSA Density Cap | 5.0 dwelling units per gross acre | - |
| Density Bonuses | Prohibited within CHHA | - |
| Local Code | LDC Article 8 Floodplain | - |
| Storm Model | SLOSH Category 1 surge | - |
| Coordination | Pinellas County Comp Plan | - |
| Local rule | - | Sec. 16.40.050 |
| State CCCL statute | - | Fla. Stat. 161.053 |
| V-Zone | - | Coastal High Hazard Area |
| Permit | - | FDEP plus City required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Is Pinellas Park considered coastal?
Pinellas Park is inland but parts of the city sit within Pinellas County's Coastal Storm Area due to Category 1 SLOSH storm surge projections, triggering coastal management rules.
Can I increase density on a CSA-zoned lot?
Generally no. The county Comprehensive Plan caps Future Land Use Map amendments at 5.0 dwelling units per gross acre within the Coastal Storm Area, with no density bonuses inside CHHA.
How do I check if my property is in the CSA?
Use the Pinellas County Flood Map Service Center and Plan Pinellas coastal management maps to verify CSA, CHHA, and FEMA flood zone designations.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I build a beach house seaward of the CCCL in St. Petersburg?
Only with a Florida DEP CCCL permit under Fla. Stat. 161.053 plus a City of St. Petersburg building permit meeting Section 16.40.050 elevation and design rules.
What is the elevation requirement for V-Zone construction in St. Petersburg?
New buildings must be elevated on piles or columns with the lowest horizontal structural member at or above the Base Flood Elevation plus the City freeboard set in Section 16.40.050.
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