City of St. Petersburg Sign Code Section 16.40.120 governs commercial signs. No one may install, erect or create a sign before obtaining the required sign permit unless the sign falls within a specific exception. Approval is site- and sign-specific; permitted sign types, dimensions, placement, wall/freestanding design, illumination, nearby land use, and any required multi-tenant uniform sign plan must be verified. The Code restricts internal illumination of signs within 50 feet of a single-family-use property or single-family-zoned property. A sign applicant who is not the property owner may need the owner's written consent, including for a uniform sign plan. The permit work must pass the applicable final inspection. Check existing sign area, site zoning, adjacent residences and mounting/lighting plans with St. Petersburg Construction Services & Permitting; the Click2Gov Building Permit portal handles applications and inspections, but the office determines the precise application and whether separate electrical/building permits are required. The portal states that, effective October 1, 2025, all submittals require a notarized application before permit issuance, signed by the license holder or an authorized agent. Do not assume an illuminated retail storefront sign is exempt, approved, or that an electrical permit is automatic. These regulations apply only to properties within the City of St. Petersburg, not other Pinellas municipalities. unverified
St. Petersburg illuminated storefront signs: permit, lighting and landlord requirements in Pinellas County
Applies to: st-petersburg
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