Beach City Hikes Development Charges

St. Pete Beach commissioners approved new fee structures for major development projects at their Oct. 27 meeting. The changes target larger constructions that require more staff time to review.

The board unanimously approved the final reading of an ordinance that revises planning and zoning fees. The new rules create three fee tiers for conditional-use permits and two tiers for hardship variances. Each fee is based on the project's size and the amount of work city staff must perform to review it.

The highest tier applies to large or complex projects. This category includes hotels and lodging taller than 50 feet or with more than 30 units per buildable acre. It also covers commercial projects larger than 25,000 square feet. Applicants in this top tier will pay $3,500. They will pay an additional $900 if the Planning Board must review the application. Current conditional-use fees generally range from $500 to $1,000.

Commissioners stated that the city should not price small businesses out of the permit process. They said big developers should cover more of the cost associated with reviewing their plans. The new tiers provide cheaper options for smaller projects.

In a separate 4-1 vote, commissioners raised the monthly rent for a commercial boat slip at Merry Pier. The rent for Offshore Hustler, a fishing charter, increased from $500 to $700. Offshore Hustler had previously paid its rent to a former leaseholder rather than directly to the city. Another business is leaving the pier, making Offshore Hustler the only commercial operator left under the old arrangement.

City staff proposed a month-to-month agreement while officials decide on a long-term plan. Options for the future include asking businesses to submit proposals or having the city manage the lease itself. District 4 Commissioner Jon Maldonado proposed $875 a month, or $25 per foot. The board settled on $700, or $20 per foot. Some commissioners said the city could earn more under a permanent agreement but backed the immediate increase.

Commissioners also approved a conditional-use permit to upgrade Lift Station 4 near the Wharf Restaurant and Pass-a-Grille Marina. The station serves Pass-a-Grille south of 21st Avenue and takes in wastewater from Lift Station 5. Staff estimated the project will cost about $500,000. About $375,000 of that amount will go toward flood protection. The board approved the permit with staff’s recommendations to keep the station’s platform size, location, and height. They also recommended removing the fence, moving a curb, removing part of a raised median, and relocating signs.

The next St. Pete Beach City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m.