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St. Pete Beach adopts broad land‑development code updates addressing nonconforming structures, stair encroachments
Summary
The City Commission adopted Ordinance 2026.01, which consolidates updates to multiple land development code sections (front‑yard stair encroachments, nonconforming uses/structures, equipment set‑backs and related definitions). Commissioners debated whether to preserve a 7‑foot stair encroachment for new construction and ultimately approved the ordinance at final reading.
At its Jan. 27 meeting the St. Pete Beach City Commission approved Ordinance 2026.01 on final reading, a consolidation and update of multiple land development code sections intended to bring local rules into closer alignment with Chapter 98 of the city code and the Florida Building Code.
What the ordinance does: The ordinance amends provisions covering front‑yard stair encroachments, retention of specified nonconforming balcony footprints, standards for nonconforming accessory structures after substantial improvement, equipment setback standards, and other code clarifications. Planning staff incorporated planning‑board recommendations: correcting a transparency percentage to 70% and changing the one‑year redevelopment clock for nonconforming density residences to be based on permit application rather than permit issuance.
Contested item — stair encroachment: Commissioners debated a planning‑board suggestion to remove an allowance for a seven‑foot front‑yard stair encroachment for new residential construction but preserve it for homeowners elevating or otherwise converting a ground floor to parking/storage. Mayor Petrillo and several commissioners said they wanted to keep the encroachment allowance for all forms of rebuilding as an incentive for property owners to reinvest after storm damage; staff noted the planning board condition and left the choice to the commission.
Vote and next steps: After discussion the commission adopted Ordinance 2026.01 on final reading by roll call. The ordinance includes the board’s technical corrections and the commission’s decisions on the stair encroachment issue as reflected in the final adopted text.
Why it matters: The ordinance is intended to modernize the land‑development code after decades without a comprehensive pass and to clarify how property owners can repair, elevate or rebuild in the floodplain and post‑storm recovery context. The changes affect homeowners, contractors, developers and permit reviewers and will guide rebuilding and permitting in coming months.
