What is the Local Register of Historic Places?

The Local Register is an official listing of neighborhoods, properties, sites and buildings throughout the City that are architecturally and historically significant to our community. Local Register designation is an official action taken by the St. Petersburg City Council through approval of an ordinance which grants certain benefits and imposes certain obligations on the landowner.

What kinds of properties are local historic landmarks?

Local Register properties include such architectural landmarks as the Vinoy Hotel and Snell Arcade, as well as Precolumbian archaeological sites like Maximo Point and Weedon Island. In addition, neighborhoods can be designated historic landmarks as historic districts; St. Petersburg has two local historic districts – Roser Park and Granada Terrace and a designated hexagon sidewalk preservation district in Old Southeast instilled to protect the character of the streetscape. Other resources recognized by the City include sites, structures, landscapes, and objects.

Where does St. Petersburg stand on the preservation of things other than buildings such as structures, arches, landscapes, etc?

The City of St. Petersburg recognizes the importance of all aspects of the built environment including (but not limited to) sites, structures, bridges, arches, and other objects.  If you would like assistance in preparing an application for local designation of a site, structure, or other object, please contact a staff member in the Urban Planning, Design and Historic Preservation section of the Development Services Department.

Exterior alterations to designated historic properties require review and approval by the City of St. Petersburg. Upon approval, the property will be issued a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the proposed changes. This process is designed to protect landmarks from being adversely altered or demolished. It has imposed little burden on most property owners. Since the outset of the program in 1987, the City has approved 97% of all COA applications.

Typically buildings are designated by their owner or by the City. However, any individual person or group can nominate a property as a local landmark.  A Local Landmark Designation Application must be completed and filed with the Urban Planning, Design and Historic Preservation section of the Development Services Department. After a public notification process, a staff member will present the application to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) at a public hearing.  At the hearing, the HPC will either deny, request modifications, or recommend approval of the designation to City Council.  Upon recommendation of the designation by the HPC, a written report along with the proposed ordinance is provided to City Council who will either approve or deny the designation. The process generally takes several months.

If the owner of an individual property objects to the designation, approval by the HPC and City Council will require a super majority vote (six votes for an eight member body).  If less than eight members are present, or if any members elect to not cast a vote, five votes are required.

What types of activities are regulated by local landmark designation?

A property owner must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) approval prior to commencing any exterior alterations such as fencing, window change-outs, additions, porch enclosures or new construction. In reviewing COAs, staff uses design guidelines that are straightforward and allow property owners latitude for completing their project provided the new work preserves important architectural features (i.e. windows, porches, exterior siding). A COA is not required for interior renovation work unless the property owner is applying for the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption.

Does building permit approval automatically grant COA approval?

No. You will still need to obtain Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) approval from Urban Planning, Design and Historic Preservation staff where required.

How long does the review for a COA take?

Projects costing less than $50,000 (excluding minor maintenance) are reviewed by City staff and require a public notification process that takes approximately 20 days. Minor maintenance can often be approved the same day as application. Projects costing more than $50,000 are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) about 1 month after submission of the COA application.

Although the terms restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation are often used interchangeably, the City of St. Petersburg recognizes the following definitions as defined in The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties:

The Mirror Lake complex, which includes the Shuffleboard, Lawn Bowling, and Chess clubs, is a great but underappreciated resource. I keep hearing talk about a task force to deal with this area. What happened to it?

There are plans to bring citizens together in the near future to discuss plans for this area. For more info, contact Neighborhood Services.

 Insurance is a problem for older buildings. Can the State help with this?

Insurance issues are a problem for property owners throughout the State of Florida regardless of whether or not the property is historic.  More information can be obtained at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. The National Trust for Historic Preservation offers insurance for historic properties through their affiliate the National Trust Insurance Services as well as information on insurance issues for historic properties.

Historic buildings cannot always comply with current building codes. Can historic buildings be exempt from some of these codes?

The 2004 State Building Code recognizes significant historic properties and addresses retro-fitting these resources. More information can be found on the Florida Department of Community Affairs website.

The City has asked the property owner to remove the temporary fence. This should occur shortly.

Do you assist with writing grants for historic buildings?

City staff often reviews grants being made by outside groups. We can help grant applicants identify weaknesses and provide suggestions on how to make the grant better target the goals of the review board. We ask that anyone wishing this service please contact us a minimum of 30 days prior to the grant due date.

Can the City influence how developers redevelop their property including options other than demolition?

Can you make it easier to find preservation information on the City website? For example, create a direct link to local landmarks and don’t require linking to Developmental Services to find it?

As a result of The City of St. Petersburg Mayor’s Historic Preservation Summit, Urban Planning, Design and Historic Preservation staff will be working on redeveloping the website. We will make every effort to make information easier to find on the redesigned site.

Can the City make it easier to find out if a historic property is threatened by demolition? Info on the website such as applications for demolition, site plan approval, etc.

All historic properties that have been designated as a Local Landmark require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to be approved for demolition. This is a publicly noticed process.

Although my house is not designated, what resources are available to find out features specific to that time period and style (paint colors, trim, tile, bathroom fixtures, etc.)?

The Urban Planning, Design and Historic Preservation department has a small collection of books regarding architectural styles and historic preservation practices. These books are available to view. An appointment with a staff member is necessary and the books may not leave the department. Although our collection is limited, many books have been published on these topics and can be found in St. Petersburg’s Local Libraries and at many bookstores.

For information concerning researching a property’s history, a brochure entitled My Home’s History: A Guide To Researching Property in St. Petersburg is also available. Other great sources for information include websites, periodicals, and neighborhood associations who frequently hold meetings on the history of their development. Please see our Additional Links for more web resources.

Although the City is unable to recommend specific contractors, satisfied customers are usually happy to give a recommendation. Your neighborhood association may also have a list of contractors who have done good work in the area.

In general, what does it cost to apply for historic preservation? What types of professionals would I have to hire?

The application fee for designation as a Local Landmark is $200. Although most property owners conduct their own research, other fees may be incurred if a property owner hires an outside researcher.

I think it would be nice to keep the railroad tracks that are just east of Tropicana Field along First Avenue S. and the trestle that is near Tropicana.

FDOT is currently expanding the Pinellas Trail to include this section of the CSX ROW. The consultants for this project have been directed by the City of St. Petersburg to include a historical component. More information about the trail can be found at:  http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/12_Trail.htm

Is the Blocker Mansion/Mansion-By-the-Bay located on 4th Avenue N. being torn down? Is there time to save it?

The owner of this building has been working with staff to explore options other than demolition.

Has anyone donated a home to the National Trust program? If so, how did it work out?

Many property owners have donated their property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This type of donation is called a Gift of Heritage. More information about these types of donations can be found at: http://www.nationaltrust.org/donate/goh_qas.html

What are the City’s priorities for new properties to get added to the local register of historic landmarks in the near future?

Typically the Urban Planning, Design and Historic Preservation department designates about 3 properties a year. We have, however, stepped up our goal and are aiming to designate 12 properties a year in addition to processing designations from other applicants.

If you have already renovated your home in a National Historic District, is it too late to get tax credit?

Yes. Both the Federal Tax Credit and the local Ad Valorem Tax Exemption require a review and approval of plans before starting a rehabilitation project. For the local Ad Valorem Tax Exemption, property owners must complete a “Part I; Preconstruction Application” and receive approval from Urban Planning, Design and Historic Preservation staff before starting work on their project.

African-American Historic Buildings for Preservation Consideration: 
Fannye Ponder Negro Council House and Melrose Party House

Both the Fannye Ponder House and the Melrose Clubhouse are listed on the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places.

Is the City making an effort to name the downtown churches to the historic register?

Yes. The City has an extensive list of properties, including churches, in the downtown area that are potential candidates for the local register. Several downtown churches have already been designated as Local Landmarks.

Can state preservation grants be used to acquire historic sites?

Yes, state preservation grants are available for departments or agencies of the state (including universities), cities, counties and other units of local government, and not-for-profit organizations to purchase historic sites. Specific information and applications can be found at the State of Florida, Division of Historic Resources, Office of Cultural and Historical Programs.  

Does the City provide service to home owners of old houses (not on the historic register) who want to make home improvements in appropriate ways that protect the character of the building?

Urban Planning, Design and Historic Preservation staff is available by appointment to meet with property owners to discuss issues of design and rehabilitation. Additional resources for property owners are the N-Team program to assist low income properties in making appropriate repairs to buildings and the City’s WIN (Working to Improve our Neighborhoods) program.

Is the Masonic Lodge on 4th Street S at 2nd Avenue a candidate for local designation as a rare example of the art deco in St. Petersburg?

Although it has not been identified as a potential City initiated designation, we do recognize this buildings contribution to our built environment and hope to see it designated through private individuals or group efforts in the future.

Do the proceeds from the Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) go back into the building?

Initially, yes, the funds should be applied toward the upkeep of the building as there is a minimum requirement to make sure the building is structurally sound and protected from water intrusion, etc. After these conditions are met, the funds go to the owner.

Will TDRs allow one to purchase in excess of the allowable FAR?

No. Property owners may only purchase up to the allowable FAR.