Sweeping South St. Pete zoning changes receive final approval

The St. Petersburg City Council's recent approval of transit-oriented zoning changes marks a significant step toward revitalizing the Warehouse Arts District, a historically underutilized area. After five years of studies and community input, the council unanimously approved amendments affecting a 58-acre zone, aimed at fostering multifamily redevelopment while preserving the district's creative character. Councilmember Gina Driscoll expressed optimism, noting that the changes will create "St. Pete’s next great neighborhood.

" The zoning changes include waiving parking requirements for projects meeting Target Employment Center criteria and eliminating certain density bonuses for workforce housing. While the new regulations support various industries, some developers, including Miami-based Joe Furst, raised concerns about restrictions on ground-floor commercial spaces, fearing it could hinder the area’s vibrancy. The council also agreed to modify how building space is calculated, removing loading docks and mechanical areas from the equation. As the city moves forward, food truck regulations remain a contentious issue, with officials cautioning about safety implications. Overall, the changes are anticipated to spur growth and attract new opportunities to the city.