What ADU can you build in your St Petersburg backyard?
Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.
The quick answer
St Petersburg ADU rules at a glance
- Max ADU size
Up to 800 sq ft, and smaller than your main home - Owner-occupancy
Not required — you can rent both units - Short-term rentals
Restricted — long-term rentals only in most zones - Where it's allowed
Eligibility varies by zoning district — check your address to confirm yours
ADU Rules in St Petersburg, Florida
We've researched St Petersburg's ADU rules so you don't have to. Here's what matters most — the facts that determine whether your project is possible, and how much it will cost.
- ADU up to 800 sq ft or 67% of the main home, whichever is less (LDR §16.50.010)
- No owner-occupancy requirement; NT/NS districts (not NT-3)
- Long-term rental allowed; no short-term/transient rental (30-day minimum)
Last verified: 2026-07-15
Backyard ADUs like this are being built across St Petersburg — here's how to do it right.
What St Petersburg's zoning may allow for an ADU
St. Petersburg allows one ADU per single-family home, up to 800 sq ft (or 67% of the main home, whichever is less), in its NT and NS districts (not NT-3). There is no owner-occupancy requirement, and the ADU may be rented long-term but not as a short-term/transient rental (30-day minimum).
Zoning allowance
One ADU is permitted per single-family dwelling where allowed by the Use Matrix — the NT (Neighborhood Traditional) and NS (Neighborhood Suburban) districts and others meeting the minimum lot area; NT-3 does not permit ADUs (LDR §16.50.010).
Size limits
A St. Petersburg ADU may not exceed 800 sq ft, and all areas under roof may not exceed 67% of the principal dwelling's floor area (LDR §16.50.010.5.2). Minimum lot area is 4,500 sq ft (NT) or 10,000 sq ft (NS, or 4,500 on an alley).
Lot + setbacks
Setbacks, lot coverage, and minimum lot size for an accessory dwelling vary by zoning district. Confirm the exact figures with the jurisdiction's planning department (see the verified size and district notes above).
Height + coverage
Height and lot-coverage limits vary by zoning district. Confirm current limits with local planning.
Parking
Parking requirements for an accessory dwelling vary by district; typically one additional space. Confirm with local planning.
Rental / occupancy
There is no owner-occupancy requirement. The ADU may be rented long-term but may not be used as a transient accommodation — short-term rentals (under 30 days) are prohibited in residential districts (LDR §16.50.010.4(4)).
Permit process
An accessory dwelling is permitted through the jurisdiction's standard building-permit / zoning-review process. Contact the local planning or building department for current requirements.
ADU Size Calculator (67% formula, 800 sq ft cap)
| Primary Home Size | Max ADU Size |
|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | 800 sq ft |
| 1,800 sq ft | 800 sq ft |
| 1,200 sq ft (cap triggers) | 800 sq ft (max) |
Whichever is smaller: 67% of primary OR 800 sq ft hard cap. 800 sq ft or 67% of the principal dwelling, whichever is less; NT lots ≥4,500 sq ft, NS lots ≥10,000 sq ft; NT-3 excluded
Building limits and rental rules, side by side
These figures are based on the best available data for St Petersburg and should be confirmed with the city's planning department before you commit to a design or a rental strategy — local ordinances change and vary by parcel.
Building Limits
- Max Size:800 sq ft or 67% (lesser)
- Detached Allowed?Check with city
Rental Rules
Short-Term Rentals Prohibited: Minimum 30-day stay required in St Petersburg.
Here's exactly what you'll pay — and how to avoid the fees that catch most homeowners off guard
Most homeowners spend 3–4 weeks piecing this together on their own. We've mapped the full St Petersburg permit process step by step — so you know exactly what's coming, and what to prepare.
Step 1: Pre-Application Zoning Check
- Where:
- St Petersburg Planning Department
- What to bring:
- Property address and parcel ID, preliminary site sketch, lot survey
- Timeline:
- No appointment fee — call ahead to confirm office hours
- Cost:
- No fee for initial inquiry
Step 2: Submit Permit Application
- Where:
- St Petersburg Planning Department — contact for portal link
- What to bring:
- Architectural plans, site plan, boundary survey, energy compliance docs
- Timeline:
- Contact planning to confirm current review timelines
- Cost:
- Contact planning for current fee schedule
Step 3: Plan Review & Revisions
- Where:
- St Petersburg Planning Department
- What to bring:
- Responses to any correction letters; revised drawings if required
- Timeline:
- Plan for one or more review cycles — timeline varies by submission completeness
- Cost:
- No additional fee for standard resubmittal
Step 4: Construction & Inspections
- Where:
- St Petersburg Building Department
- What to bring:
- Approved permit set must be on-site at all times during construction
- Timeline:
- Schedule inspections as each phase of work is completed
- Cost:
- Included in permit fee
Eligible Zones in St Petersburg
ADUs may be permitted in these zoning districts, but eligibility depends on your specific parcel and the current local ordinance. Confirm your parcel and rules with St Petersburg Planning before relying on this — most homeowners can check their zone at the county GIS portal in a few minutes.
St Petersburg neighborhoods where ADU permits are being filed — is your street next?
St Petersburg ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most often from St Petersburg homeowners. If yours isn't here, our ADU Zoning Experts can answer it directly.
Can I build an ADU in St Petersburg, Florida?
One ADU is permitted per single-family dwelling where allowed by the Use Matrix — the NT (Neighborhood Traditional) and NS (Neighborhood Suburban) districts and others meeting the minimum lot area; NT-3 does not permit ADUs (LDR §16.50.010).
What is the maximum ADU size in St Petersburg?
A St. Petersburg ADU may not exceed 800 sq ft, and all areas under roof may not exceed 67% of the principal dwelling's floor area (LDR §16.50.010.5.2). Minimum lot area is 4,500 sq ft (NT) or 10,000 sq ft (NS, or 4,500 on an alley).
Do I need to be an owner-occupant to build an ADU in St Petersburg?
There is no owner-occupancy requirement. The ADU may be rented long-term but may not be used as a transient accommodation — short-term rentals (under 30 days) are prohibited in residential districts (LDR §16.50.010.4(4)).
Can I use my St Petersburg ADU as an Airbnb?
Short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited in St Petersburg. The minimum rental period is 30 days.
How do I get an ADU permit in St Petersburg?
An accessory dwelling is permitted through the jurisdiction's standard building-permit / zoning-review process. Contact the local planning or building department for current requirements.
Nearby Cities — ADU Rules
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Serving homeowners in 33701, 33703, 33704, 33705, 33706, 33707, 33708, 33710, 33711, 33712, 33713, 33714, 33715, 33716 and surrounding St Petersburg zip codes.
This page provides general information based on current ordinances and publicly available data as of 2026-07-15. Zoning rules change — verify all requirements with your local planning department before making financial commitments.