Seminole vs Tarpon Springs
How do coastal development rules compare between Seminole, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
Seminole and Tarpon Springs 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 →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Tarpon Springs adopted Ordinance 2022-24 amending Land Development Code Article IX, Section 149.01, requiring elevated construction standards in the Coastal High Hazard Area, including 3 feet above FEMA BFE or the 500-year elevation, whichever is higher.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Seminole | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code section | - | LDC Article IX § 149.01 |
| Multi-family CHHA | - | BFE+3 ft or 500-yr |
| Single-family AE-11 | - | 12 ft minimum |
| Multi-family AE-11 | - | 14 ft minimum |
| Floodproofing | - | Not allowed for dwellings |
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.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
How high must a new Tarpon Springs home be elevated in the CHHA?
Single-family detached homes in AE-11 must reach 12 feet, AE-12 must reach 13 feet, and multi-family residential must meet BFE plus 3 feet or the 500-year elevation, whichever is higher.
Can I floodproof instead of elevating my Tarpon Springs home?
No. Dry or wet floodproofing is not permitted for residential dwellings under § 149.01. Residential structures in the CHHA must be elevated to the required levels.
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