ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — New residential zoning rules are in effect in St. Petersburg.

The city council voted 7-to-1 Thursday night to move forward with changes for some properties in the city.


What You Need To Know

  • St. Pete city council votes to change residential zoning rules

  • New rules allow for up to four units to be built on what were previously only single-family units

  • Nearly 2,900 properties are impacted by these new rules

The move will allow up to four residential units to be created on sites previously zoned for single family homes.

The council heard two hours of public comment from people for and against the change.

Speakers were divided on whether the ordinance will help bring down the cost of rent.

"We believe that by loosening some of our land development regulations and by allowing more housing in traditionally built out areas, we can produce the supply that's needed and limit those price increases,” said Anthony Close, with the affordable housing advocate group YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard).

Opponents to the move spoke out at the meeting, saying the move will bring more cars, making neighborhood less safe for kids to play. Several people said the city already has capacity to build housing elsewhere.

"I don't care if we build 10,000 units within the next year,” said St. Pete resident Stephanie Pitts. “People are still going to move to Florida. We're always going to have a density issue."

Nearly 2,900 properties are impacted by these new rules.