St. Petersburg · ADU guide · 2026
ADUs in St. Petersburg — rules, costs, and what to expect.
St. Petersburg expanded its ADU ordinance in 2023 to broaden where backyard cottages are permitted as-of-right. Combined with strong rental demand and no owner-occupancy requirement, St. Pete is one of the best Florida markets for an ADU investor. Sidesuite isn't building in Pinellas County yet, but you can get on the list.
What the 2023 ordinance update allows.
The City of St. Petersburg permits ADUs in all single-family residential districts under its updated 2023 ordinance. The framework is one of the most investor-friendly in Florida:
- Max ADU size: 800 sq ft.
- Setbacks: 5 ft side, 10 ft rear.
- Height limit: 25 ft.
- Owner-occupancy: not required. St. Pete dropped this in the 2023 update.
- Parking: one off-street space; waived in some transit-oriented overlays.
- Short-term rentals: permitted with a city license in most districts.
What a Sidesuite would cost in St. Petersburg.
One price for the home. Installation varies by location, so it's quoted for the lot.
| Sidesuite home: 407 sq ft, finished, appliances included | $99,999 |
| Installation: billed separately, quoted for the lot | ~$30,000 est. |
| Your total, before lot costs | $99,999 + installation |
Typical lot costs in St. Petersburg
These are the lot-specific costs on any ADU build in St. Petersburg. Budget for these on top of the home and installation until your site-plan quote says otherwise.
| St. Pete building permit + impact fees | $2,500 – $5,200 |
| Foundation + site prep | $9,500 – $17,500 |
| Utility tie-ins | $5,000 – $12,000 |
St. Petersburg rental economics
Furnished 1-bedroom rents in St. Pete's core neighborhoods (Old Northeast, Historic Kenwood, Crescent Heights, Grand Central) sit at $1,450–$1,750/month. Downtown and beach-adjacent areas push past $1,900. Lack of owner-occupancy makes this an ideal pure investor market. Sidesuite comes unfurnished, so budget for furniture or expect lower rent unfurnished.
How to get an ADU permit in St. Petersburg.
- Zoning verification — confirm ADU eligibility via the St. Petersburg Development Services portal.
- Building permit application — submit drawings, site plan, structural details.
- Plan review — typically 3–5 weeks.
- Permit issuance — construction begins.
- Inspections + CO — standard FBC.
The Sidesuite home is 15 weeks from order to installed.
St. Pete is set up for investors.
No owner-occupancy rule, strong rents, fast permits. Sidesuite isn't in St. Petersburg yet: send your address to get on the list, and we reply within 48 hours. For a Miami-Dade or Broward address, Check My Lot answers instantly.