May 12, 2026 - News

St. Pete could end parking minimums to boost development near SunRunner

Kathryn Varn

Turquoise and yellow SunRunner bus at a seaside stop with a prominent SunRunner sign, clear blue sky, cars in traffic, and a bike symbol on the bus door. — The SunRunner. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios

St. Petersburg City Council members are set to decide Thursday whether to remove minimum parking requirements for new residences and businesses near SunRunner stations and along much of Central Avenue.

Why it matters: Proponents and transit advocates say the changes will encourage use of the bus-rapid transit system and spark denser development, creating more walkable communities and driving down housing prices.

Opponents worry that parking will spill into neighborhoods like Historic Kenwood and that more density could change the character of the Grand Central District and its historic buildings.

State of play: City Council members will vote on the ordinance Thursday for the second and final time.

The Council initially approved the measure 6-0 at a first reading last month, with council member Richie Floyd absent.
Council member and 3 Daughters Brewing owner Mike Harting recused himself because of his business's proximity to the affected area, per the Tampa Bay Times.

Zoom in: If approved, the ordinance would apply to properties along Central Avenue and within a quarter-mile of SunRunner stations from 19th Street west to Pasadena Avenue.

City staff at last month's meeting stressed that it's voluntary, the Times reported. Developers can still build with parking in the area if they want to.

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St. Pete could end parking minimums to boost development near SunRunner

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