Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in St. Petersburg, FL

Possibly! The city expanded ADU eligibility in July 2022 to include more neighborhoods. You can confirm if your property qualifies by using the St. Pete ADU Look-up Tool or by emailing your address to DevRev@stpete.org. As your contractor, we also verify zoning during our site evaluation to ensure your project is feasible before we design or permit anything.

Not necessarily. You can build a detached ADU, attach it to your primary home, or even convert a portion of your existing home into a private unit. All options must include a separate entrance, bathroom, and full kitchen to qualify as a legal accessory dwelling unit. We’ll help you explore the best layout based on your property, goals, and budget.

Yes. St. Pete requires the main home to be owner-occupied in order to add an ADU. That means you must live in the primary residence, even if you plan to rent out the accessory unit. This ensures the property remains part of a stable, long-term neighborhood fabric — something the city prioritizes in its housing strategy.

Yes, long-term rentals are typically allowed in Bradenton if your ADU meets all safety and zoning codes. However, short-term rentals (like Airbnb) may be subject to additional restrictions depending on your zoning, HOA rules, or whether you live within the city limits or unincorporated Manatee County. We help you evaluate the potential use of your ADU and can design the space to appeal to either monthly tenants or multigenerational family use, depending on your goals.

Yes. If desired, your ADU can have its own utility meters and mailing address. While not required, these features can make it easier to rent the unit or track expenses independently. We coordinate with utility providers to install separate systems if you want independent billing for your tenant or family member.

No. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are not allowed in ADUs per the City of St. Petersburg’s code. Your ADU can be rented for longer-term tenants, such as traveling nurses, graduate students, or retirees — but it cannot be used as a vacation rental. We design your unit with this in mind, helping you maximize comfort and appeal for longer-stay renters.

For garage conversions, most projects take around 8 to 12 weeks once permitting is complete. Detached ADUs may take 4 to 6 months, depending on size, site prep, and weather. We provide a clear timeline and milestone schedule during the planning phase and keep you updated throughout construction. Our contractors manage everything — from demolition to final finishes — so you stay stress-free.

Yes. ADUs must be built by a licensed contractor and permitted through the city. Your plans also need to be digitally signed and sealed by a Florida-licensed architect or engineer, especially for detached units or additions. At Coastal Haven, we manage the entire permitting process — including sealed plans, structural specs, and inspections.

In St. Petersburg, any accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction project must follow municipal code and zoning regulations established by the city. As experienced ADU builders, we ensure every dwelling unit is developed with full alignment to accessory dwelling guidelines, and we serve as your representative in meetings with city staff, permit reviewers, and building inspectors. From understanding which zoning district your property falls under to ensuring your ADU meets every aspect of the municipal building code, our team brings the technical expertise homeowners need for a successful build. We also help you compare utility options, such as shared or separate water and electric meters — and coordinate with the appropriate city departments and utility corporations as needed.

Yes. If your property is located in a flood-prone area, your ADU must meet additional elevation and construction standards. We check flood zone maps during the planning phase and ensure your design meets both FEMA and St. Pete floodplain guidelines. From elevation certificates to venting and materials, we handle it all.

Flood zone requirements for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction in St. Petersburg, FL can vary based on property elevation and its location within the floodplain. The city mandates that any dwelling unit built in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) must be designed in compliance with both the Florida Building Code and the city’s local zoning ordinances. ADUs built in these areas often require elevated foundations, site-specific stormwater planning, and utility systems mounted above the base flood elevation. Our team prepares comprehensive site plans that factor in all environmental, code, and property-specific details. We also assist homeowners by submitting the required documentation directly to the municipal building office, using city mapping tools to assess parcel-level flood designations.

Yes. If your home is located within the South Side Community Redevelopment Area and you meet income guidelines, you may qualify for financial assistance programs. These can help offset the cost of your ADU construction. We can help determine if you qualify and assist with application documentation.

The city of St. Petersburg provides programs to support homeowners building accessory dwelling units (ADUs), especially those within income-qualified zones. These ADUs must meet city zoning standards and be permitted as independent dwelling units that include full kitchen and bath facilities. The program focuses on long-term affordability and encourages homeowners to create secondary units for family or tenant use. As your contractor, we not only guide you through design and code compliance but also assist in exploring financial opportunities available through the city or Pinellas County. Whether you’re building a backyard cottage, converting a garage, or expanding with an attached unit, our team ensures the construction meets legal thresholds, protects your property’s long-term value, and opens the door to new income-producing possibilities.