Flood Zones: Pinellas Park vs St. Petersburg
How do flood zones rules compare between Pinellas Park, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Any development in a flood zone within Pinellas Park requires a city floodplain permit. The city's Land Development Code Article 8 implements FEMA NFIP elevation, construction, and substantial improvement standards based on FIRM-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas.
View full Pinellas Park rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
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 →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pinellas Park | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Local Code | LDC Article 8 Floodplain | - |
| Elevation Certificate | Required for SFHA construction | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% market value trigger | - |
| NFIP Participation | City enforces FEMA standards | - |
| Permit Office | Community Development Division | - |
| 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.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Do I need a permit to build in a Pinellas Park flood zone?
Yes. Any development in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area within the city requires a floodplain permit and elevation certificate per Land Development Code Article 8.
What is the substantial improvement rule?
If improvements or repairs equal or exceed 50% of the structure's pre-improvement market value, the entire structure must be brought into full floodplain compliance, including elevation.
How can I find my flood zone?
Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or Pinellas County Flood Map Service Center, and confirm with Pinellas Park's Community Planning Division at 727-369-5631.
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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