St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate

What should I check before buying a commercial property in St. Petersburg?

Evaluate more than the building and the purchase price. Zoning, future land use, permitted use, parking, access, flood zone, utilities, environmental conditions, building condition and redevelopment potential all affect value and usability. One of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make is assuming that because a business operates at a property today, their own proposed use will automatically be permitted. Verify the intended use with the appropriate City departments before the inspection period expires.

How do I know whether my business can operate at a specific St. Petersburg property?

Start with the zoning classification, but do not stop there. St. Petersburg has numerous commercial and mixed-use classifications, including Downtown Center, Corridor Commercial Traditional, Corridor Commercial Suburban, Retail Center, Employment Center and industrial districts. Different districts allow different uses and development intensities. Verify that your specific use is permitted, and determine whether a change of use, site improvements, additional parking or other approvals may be required. Never assume that commercial zoning means every commercial use is permitted.

Can I convert a St. Petersburg building to a different use?

Possibly, but the fact that a building already exists does not mean a new use works. A change of use can trigger questions involving zoning, parking, occupancy classification, accessibility, fire and life safety, HVAC, plumbing and electrical capacity. Restaurants add grease, ventilation, hood systems, utilities, waste handling and delivery considerations. Medical and fitness uses create their own parking and build-out requirements. When someone tells us they found an old building that is perfect for their business, our next question is whether we have confirmed the business can actually operate there.