St. Pete Beach hikes development fees, boat slip rent after Oct. 27 vote

The St. Pete Beach City Commission approved a package of financial adjustments on Oct. 27, increasing costs for large-scale development and commercial maritime use while advancing infrastructure work in Pass-a-Grille.

Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a new ordinance that restructures planning and zoning fees based on project size and the volume of staff review required. The change creates three tiers for conditional-use permits and two for hardship variances.

The highest tier applies to complex projects, such as lodging facilities exceeding 50 feet in height or containing more than 30 units per buildable acre, and commercial spaces larger than 25,000 square feet. Applicants in this category will pay a base fee of $3,500. An additional $900 surcharge applies if the Planning Board must review the application. Previous fees for these permits typically ranged between $500 and $1,000.

City officials stated that the tiered system aims to ensure large developers cover more of the administrative costs while keeping the process affordable for smaller businesses.

In a separate 4-1 vote, the board raised the monthly rent for the Offshore Hustler fishing charter from $500 to $700. The vessel currently occupies a slip at Merry Pier. District 4 Commissioner Jon Maldonado initially proposed a rate of $875 per month, equating to $25 per foot. The board settled on the $700 figure, or $20 per foot, to establish a month-to-month agreement.

The increase was necessary because another business is departing the pier, leaving Offshore Hustler as the only commercial operator under the old lease arrangement. Previously, the charter paid rent to a former leaseholder rather than the city. Mayor Scott Tate, Commissioner Al Causey, Maldonado, and Commissioner Karen Marriott voted in favor of the increase. Vice Mayor Lisa Robinson cast the dissenting vote.

Commissioners also approved a conditional-use permit for upgrades to Lift Station 4, located near the Wharf Restaurant and Pass-a-Grille Marina. Staff estimated the project cost at approximately $500,000, with $375,000 allocated specifically for flood protection measures.

The approved plan retains the station's current platform size, location, and height. Staff recommended removing the existing fence, moving a curb, removing part of a raised median, and relocating signs. The project team must coordinate with Duke Energy to adjust an electrical box, a change that could improve access to the marina. Maldonado supported the fence removal, describing the existing structure as mostly decorative.

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