St. Petersburg Could Expand Middle Density Zoning

A proposed zoning change would allow up to four units on almost 3,000 additional parcels.

1 minute read

March 7, 2023, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of St. Petersburg, Florida coast with downtown skyline in background

Noah Densmore / St. Petersburg, Florida

The St. Petersburg City Council is moving forward with a proposal to permit denser housing development, reports Veronica Brezina in St. Pete Catalyst.

According to Brezina, “The language in the first reading of the city-initiated Neighborhood Traditional Mixed Residential (NTM-1) zoning application calls for an increase in the building density, allowing up to four units on nearly 3,000 parcels across the city.”

City councilmembers pushed back on neighborhood associations who oppose the move out of concern for “neighborhood character,” adding that “the proposed zoning change does list specific requirements related to the parking, setbacks, alleyways, facades and roads.”

Supporters of the measure argue that more housing is crucial in a county where one-third of families spend over 40 percent of their income on housing and professionals such as firefighters and teachers are increasingly pushed out. Anthony Close of urban development blog St. Pete Rising, pointed out in a public meeting that NTM-1 zoning would only apply to under 3 percent of the city’s lots.

The city council will take up the issue again on March 23.

Friday, March 3, 2023 in St. Pete Catalyst

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight