City of St. Petersburg
City of St. Petersburg Planning & Development Services / SWFWMD
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Site Development Permit with Stormwater Compliance / SWFWMD ERP
- Submit To
- City of St. Petersburg Planning & Development Services / SWFWMD
- Lead Time
- City review 2–4 weeks; SWFWMD ERP review 4–8 weeks
- Application Method
- City permits via St. Petersburg Development Review Services; SWFWMD ERP via ePermitting portal
- Fee
- City permit fees per project scope; SWFWMD ERP fee $500–$8,000+
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; stormwater treatment required per SWFWMD ERP and City Code for projects exceeding thresholds
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Pre- vs. post-development discharge rate matching for 25-year/24-hour storm; first 1 inch of runoff treatment per SWFWMD; wet detention ponds common
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with FDEP Generic Permit and Florida surface water quality standards; Tampa Bay protections apply
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan; Stormwater Management Plan per SWFWMD ERP
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Plans must be prepared by a Florida-registered PE. St. Petersburg's peninsula location means most runoff reaches Tampa Bay.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City conducts construction-phase stormwater inspections. Post-construction systems require maintenance entity and annual inspections per SWFWMD.
- Inspector Qualification
- No state-specific certification required; CPESC/CESSWI recognized
Special Overlay Zones
Tampa Bay / Boca Ciega Bay Coastal Zone
Trigger: Properties draining to Tampa Bay or Boca Ciega Bay (virtually entire city)
Restriction: Enhanced water quality treatment to support Tampa Bay estuary; nutrient reduction BMPs; Boca Ciega Bay is an Aquatic Preserve with stricter protections
Flood Zone / Coastal High Hazard Area
Trigger: Properties in FEMA VE, AE, or coastal high hazard zones (significant portion of city)
Restriction: Elevated construction; coastal setback requirements; no fill in floodway; sea level rise considerations in stormwater design
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- SWFWMD ERP Applicant's Handbook Volume II / City of St. Petersburg Engineering Design Standards
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
St. Petersburg occupies a peninsula between Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay, meaning virtually all stormwater eventually reaches estuarine waters. The city's flat terrain and high water table make wet detention the dominant BMP approach. Sea level rise is an increasing factor in stormwater system design.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the FDEP state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of St. Petersburg Planning & Development Services / SWFWMD and the agency website before beginning construction.