St. Pete Beach workshop approves revisions to Pass‑a‑Grille overlay and 8th Avenue CRD standards; alley rule eased

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — On Jan. 28, 2025, the St. Pete Beach City Commission and the Historic Preservation Board held a joint workshop to review proposed amendments to two sections of the city’s land development code: Division 20 (Pass‑a‑Grille Historic Overlay District) and Division 40 (Community Redevelopment District — 8th Avenue), city planner Brandon Berry said.

The changes are intended to strengthen design standards and review procedures to better preserve historic buildings, guide compatible new development, and limit large consolidated development that would alter the district character. Staff and board members discussed requirements including mandatory “build to” standards for qualifying lots, rear driveway access when properties abut alleys, a new 80‑foot maximum building length, and clarifications about how 35‑foot height limits will be measured.

City planner Brandon Berry said the amendments would require many applicants to build to the overlay — which allows reduced setbacks in exchange for design controls — and would tighten design review. He told the joint meeting the amendments would not change the city’s historic preservation ordinance (Division…