St. Petersburg, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Section 25-273(b) states: 'No person shall construct, operate, maintain or allow to exist a building or structure or appurtenance thereto which encroaches in whole or in part into, under, or over any public rights-of-way, or easements, within the City without having a current minor easement permit issued by the POD in accordance with this section,' with narrow carve-outs for approved incidental architectural details, approved underground foundations, or structures where air rights have already been vacated. Under § 25-273(a), the permit exists to let the City authorize minor encroachments, prior structures occupying the right-of-way by right or error, new minor accessory structures like docks, entry features or decorative paving, and minor private utilities, where a full right-of-way vacation isn't practical.

Section 25-273(c) requires the applicant to pay a City Council-set application fee, and § 25-273(d) lets the POD or Council attach conditions, including a hold-harmless and indemnity agreement, a duty to restore any disturbed street or sidewalk to standard, and a requirement to relocate or remove the encroachment on City demand for utility work or other public need. Structures built into a right-of-way under this permit can't sit within four feet of the curb face and must meet Chapter 16's intersection-visibility standards. Under § 25-273(e), the permit is 'deemed a license and not an easement or other property interest' and lasts only for the useful life of the structure; the POD can terminate it for good cause on 30 days' written notice, and denials or terminations are appealable to City Council under Chapter 16 procedures.