St. Pete Catalyst; Published By: Mark Parker
After several years of planning, discussions and meetings, the St. Petersburg City Council has enacted zoning changes that allow density increases on nearly 3,000 properties.
While administrators and council members realize the changes may not directly address the ongoing affordable housing crisis, they believe a measured approach to boost density will provide much-needed options for a growing city. The initiative passed 7-1 during the March 23 meeting, and homeowners in the city’s urban core can now build or create up to four units in areas traditionally reserved for single-family homes.
The new zoning rules are effective immediately and apply to 2,895 lots. Like the ordinance’s first reading, the final public hearing went well into the night, with the preponderance of residents again speaking against the proposal.
However, most city officials agreed that recent compromises helped address those concerns and that their worst fears were unfounded. The council also mandated that affected properties feature a five-foot setback.
“There’s so much fear-mongering around this topic,” said Council Chair Brandi Gabbard. “I want us to really focus on what the goal is, and the goal is creating more opportunity where all of our community can grow. Grow together, and grow together as neighbors who welcome each other.”
The new Neighborhood Traditional Mixed Residential (NTM-1) zoning rules apply to properties within 175 feet of “future major streets” and currently high-trafficked roads. They must also abut an alley. Read more
