Coastal Development: St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs
How do coastal development rules compare between St. Petersburg, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | St. Petersburg | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Local rule | Sec. 16.40.050 | - |
| State CCCL statute | Fla. Stat. 161.053 | - |
| V-Zone | Coastal High Hazard Area | - |
| Permit | FDEP plus City required | - |
| 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.
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.
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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