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City updates affordable‑housing site‑plan rules to reflect state law; allows certain church properties to host workforce housing
Summary
Council unanimously adopted code amendments to incorporate recent state changes affecting mixed‑use and affordable/workforce housing site plan rules, including language to allow certain church‑owned properties to propose affordable housing (YIGBY provisions), tighter impervious‑surface definitions and administrative demolition review.
The City Council adopted amendments to Chapter 17.5 to align Saint Petersburg's affordable housing site plan approval process with recent state legislation (Live Local Act updates). Planning director Derek Kilborn explained the changes are largely implementation language to mirror state allowances and preemptions and to clarify where mixed‑use and affordable workforce housing proposals may be considered.
Key provisions adopted include definitions and mapping allowances for mixed‑use zoning categories (corridor commercial/traditional and corridor residential categories), updated impervious surface handling and lot‑coverage rules as they relate to site plan review, parameters for mixed‑use projects (a minimum residential share of 65% and allowance up to 90% where appropriate), and administrative review requirements for demolition permits. The amendments also add language that enables certain projects on properties with a house of public worship (commonly described as "Yes in God's Backyard" or YIGBY) to be considered for affordable workforce housing — the city noted it would be among the first municipalities to codify this update.
Kilborn said the city will begin required annual reporting in November 2026 listing projects proposed and any litigation involving the new allowances. Council approved the ordinance unanimously.
