St. Pete Beach raises costs for major builders and pier fishing charters

Developers in St. Pete Beach face higher upfront costs for large projects following a unanimous vote by city commissioners on October 27. The city also increased the monthly rent for the only remaining commercial business at Merry Pier and authorized a half-million dollar infrastructure upgrade in Pass-a-Grille.

The new ordinance restructures planning and zoning fees to reflect the amount of staff time required for reviews. It establishes three tiers for conditional-use permits. The highest tier applies to hotels taller than 50 feet or with more than 30 units per buildable acre, as well as commercial spaces exceeding 25,000 square feet. Applicants in this category must pay $3,500. An additional $900 is required if the Planning Board reviews the application. Current fees for conditional-use permits range from $500 to $1,000.

Commissioners stated the goal is to ensure large developers cover more review costs without pricing out smaller businesses. Smaller projects will pay less under the new two-tier system for hardship variances.

The commission also voted 4-1 to raise the monthly rent for Offshore Hustler, a fishing charter at Merry Pier, from $500 to $700. The business previously paid this amount to a former leaseholder rather than the city. With another business leaving the pier, Offshore Hustler is the sole commercial operator under the old arrangement. District 4 Commissioner Jon Maldonado proposed a higher rate of $875, or $25 per foot. The final rate of $700 represents $20 per foot. Mayor Scott Tate, Al Causey, Maldonado, and Karen Marriott voted in favor. Vice Mayor Lisa Robinson voted against.

City staff proposed a month-to-month agreement while officials decide on a long-term strategy. Options include soliciting proposals from businesses or having the city manage the lease directly. The vote authorizes the city manager to sign the contract at the new rate.

Commissioners also approved a conditional-use permit to upgrade Lift Station 4 near the Wharf Restaurant and Pass-a-Grille Marina. The station serves Pass-a-Grille south of 21st Avenue and receives wastewater from Lift Station 5. Staff estimate the project cost at approximately $500,000, with about $375,000 allocated for flood protection. The plan maintains the station's platform size, location, and height. It calls for removing the fence, moving a curb, removing part of a raised median, and relocating signs. The team must also coordinate with Duke Energy to protect or move an electrical box.

Maldonado supported removing the fence, arguing it offered little security. Commissioners asked staff about the cost of changes to the median, a tree, signs, and electrical equipment. Staff have not provided those figures yet. The commission discussed fence requirements at Lift Station 7 in Belle Vista Triangle Park but did not vote to remove that fence. A future hearing would be required to change that permit.

The next St. Pete Beach City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 2, at 6 p.m.