Coastal Development: Seminole vs St. Petersburg
How do coastal development rules compare between Seminole, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Seminole and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
Although the City of Seminole is inland of barrier islands, portions near Long Bayou and Boca Ciega Bay sit within the Coastal High Hazard Area and are governed by the Land Development Code, Florida Building Code, and Florida Statute Chapter 161.
View full Seminole 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 | Seminole | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Local authority | Land Development Code Subpart B | - |
| State law | F.S. Chapter 161 | - |
| Building code | FBC for V/Coastal A Zones | - |
| Mapped hazard | FEMA CHHA | - |
| Waterfront permits | FDEP and USACE | - |
| 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.
Seminole FAQ
Is Seminole subject to coastal construction control line rules?
Seminole has no Gulf-front beach, so the F.S. 161.053 Coastal Construction Control Line does not apply. Coastal High Hazard Area and FEMA flood zone rules still govern waterfront and bayfront construction.
Do I need a permit to build a dock in Seminole?
Yes. Dock work in Seminole requires a city building permit plus FDEP Environmental Resource Permit and possible US Army Corps of Engineers authorization for in-water construction below mean high water.
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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