Record Setting Permit Activity Leads to Reduced Permitting Fees
The city of St. Petersburg has had record breaking development for the last three consecutive years. In Fiscal Year 2017 (October 1 to September 30), the City issued 31,169 permits with a total construction value of $671,721,149.
In response to development growth, St. Petersburg has new revised construction permit fees that are significantly reduced. The new Fee Schedule includes a reduction in permit fees for smaller, and presumably, more affordable single-family residences. To promote affordable housing development, a flat fee of $250.00 was created for single-family residential properties that are less than 1400 sf in size. By comparison, under the previous fee schedule, a new 1200 sf home with a construction value of $100,000 was being charged $787.50 in permit fees.
To promote the City’s sustainability initiative, permit fees involving energy conservation improvements were also reduced. This includes replacing older mechanical equipment (air conditioners and water heaters) with more efficient units. Also included are reducing permit fees for installing solar water heaters, solar pool heaters, and photo voltaic systems.
In addition to the overall 10-12% reduction of 35 varying permitting fees, the revised Fee Schedule was also reorganized to make it easier for applicants and staff to calculate fees.