Storefront Conservation Corridor Program
Storefront Conservation Corridor Plan
Overview
The Storefront Conservation Corridor Plan was created to promote independently-owned businesses, maintain a pedestrian-friendly streetscape and promote the conservation of historic assets along Beach Drive and Central Avenue, from the waterfront to 31st Street.
St. Pete’s downtown has experienced a wonderful renaissance as people increasingly seek walkable, mixed-use urban districts, complete with residential opportunities supported by employment, dining, retail, and personal services.
In addition to a diversity of building types and sizes, independently-owned businesses have organically evolved to become some of our community’s best assets – improving the quality of life for our residents, while attracting visitors and new investors to the Sunshine City. This healthy, independent business sector supports other municipal initiatives including the expansion of jobs, shrinking economic inequality, strengthening neighborhood diversity, and encouraging sustainable living.
The plan has three components
- Urban Design, including Land Use and Zoning
- Incentives and Business Assistance
- Promote Historic Conservation and Legacy Businesses
Urban Design (Land Use and Zoning)
- Create a ‘Storefront Conservation Overlay’ in the City code
- Establish a minimum requirement and maximum width for pedestrian level, publicly accessible storefronts
- Establish a variance process
- Establish land use and design standards
Incentives and Business Assistance
- Business assistance and corridor development
- Incentive program
- Reduce parking space requirements
Promote Historic Conservation and Legacy Businesses
- Promote local landmark designations along Central Avenue
- Define and identify ‘Legacy Businesses’
- Promote use of tax exemption credits
Business Incentives
Eligible businesses can apply for up to $20,000 in grant funding for a variety of uses, and Property Owners can access a $10,000 incentive for leasing to a local, independent business.