Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
Section 16.40.020 – Architecture and Building Design
Sections:
16.40.020.1
16.40.020.2
Architecture and Building Design
Architectural Styles
Art Deco
Beaux Arts
Colonial Revival
Craftsman or Bungalow
Italian Renaissance
Mediterranean Revival
Mission Revival
Modern Style
NeoClassical
Queen Anne
Prairie
Ranch 1930's to 1940's
Ranch 1950's to 1960's
Tudor
Vernacular
16.40.020.1
Architecture and Building Design
This Section shows examples of residential and commercial building forms that comply with the
various requirements of the district regulations. Industrial design types are not included. It is
anticipated that industrial development will be softened with landscaping rather than traditional
building design.
16.40.20.2
Architectural Styles
The existing architectural styles in a neighborhood may be divided into primary and secondary categories
based on the predominance of the style in the neighborhood. The design of new buildings should be a
product of the present time, but incorporate elements of one of the primary or secondary styles.
The primary styles in a neighborhood may include Mediterranean Revival, Vernacular, Colonial Revival,
and Bungalow. Secondary styles are generally those with Tudor, Shingle, Mission, and Prairie influences.
A general description of major design elements of these various styles is provided below and depicted in
the following photographs.
1
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
ART DECO
Geometric detailing and cornice line
Horizontal glazing | metal casement windows
Corner windows
Smooth stucco
Entry hood and stoop – no
porch
Integrated planters
The Art Deco style became popular in the 1920's and 1930's. This style is predominantly used for public
and commercial structures and is frequently used for apartment buildings. Concentrations of the Art Deco
style occurs along the 4th Street and Central Avenue commercial corridors near downtown. Residential
examples occur in the Uptown and Mirror Lake Neighborhoods.
Element
Description
Form
A vertical emphasis is placed on the structure through the use of towers or other
vertical projections above the roof line.
Common
Elements
Stucco, zigzags, chevrons and other stylized and geometric motifs on the façade.
Height
No requirements
Entry
No requirements
Materials
Smooth wall surface.
Roof
No requirements.
2
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
BEAUX ARTS
Flat roof
Roof line balustrade
Boxed cornice
Vertically oriented glass and fenestration
Entry porch with classical
Corinthian columns
The Beaux Arts style is a classical decorative style developed at the turn of the Twentieth Century and is
usually associated with those Americans who studied architecture at the Ecole des Beaux Art in France.
While not typically used for residential structures in St. Petersburg, several commercial structures, such as
the State Theatre (formerly the Alexander Bank), employed this style.
Element
Description
Form
Symmetrical
Common
Elements
The most prominent feature of this style is the elaborate decorative detailing, including the
use of garlands and floral patterns. Other identifying elements are elaborate moldings,
paired columns and pilasters, roof line balustrades, window crowns and quoins.
Height
Typically two to two and one-half stories.
Entry
Entry porches with roofs supported by classical columns are a common feature.
Materials
Smooth, light-colored masonry.
Roof
Flat, low-pitched hipped, or Mansard roofs.
3
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
COLONIAL REVIVAL
Roof dormer
Hipped roof
Boxed gutters
Solid entry door with Classical
surround
Classical columns and
pilasters
Central entry raised off grade
Vertical glazing and
fenestration
Referring to a renewed interest in early English and Dutch houses in America, the Colonial Revival style
borrows heavily from Georgian and Federal architecture. Colonial Revival style structures are found
throughout the City.
Element
Description
Form
Formal and symmetrical.
Common
Elements
Classically inspired detailing, boxed eaves, cornices decorated with dentils or
modillions. Windows consist of multi-light, double-hung windows,
Height
One to two stories.
Entry
Materials
Roof
Accentuated front door with fanlight and sidelights, pediment supported by pilasters or
slender columns to form an entry porch.
Painted in whites, grays, beiges and gray blues with white trim work. Window sash
and shutters are painted black, green or red.
Simple gable, gambrel or sometimes hipped roofs. Cross gables and dormers are
typical.
4
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
CRAFTSMAN or BUNGALOW
Low pitched gable roof
Asymmetrical form with multiple roof planes
Large gable vents
Broad overhangs with exposed
Short, square, battered columns set upon massive
piers or a solid porch balustrade.
Double-hung paired windows
The Craftsman style can be found throughout the City. Concentrations of these structures are located in
the Historic Old Northeast, Old Southeast, Historic Kenwood, Euclid St. Paul, Crescent Lake, Crescent
Heights and Roser Park Neighborhoods.
Element
Form
Common
Elements
Height
Entry
Materials
Roof
Description
Asymmetrical.
Double-hung or casement windows, exposed rafters, decorative beams or braces.
One or one and one-half stories.
Front porches with short, square, battered columns set upon massive piers or a solid
porch balustrade.
Wood or other natural materials such as stone, which may be stained or painted in
dark earth tones. Greens, browns, beiges and dark reds are historic body colors.
Today’s modern tastes have lightened the paint schemes to include a number of light
pastels for the body color, with white as the accompanying trim color. All white
structures are discouraged because they do not adequately highlight the simple trim
and detail work employed by the Craftsman or Bungalow style.
Low pitched gable, sometimes hipped, unenclosed eaves with exposed rafters add
rhythm and detail to the eave line.
5
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE REVIVAL
Low pitched hipped roof
Wide overhanging eaves and decorative bracket
Buff colored brick
Recessed entry
Fanlight above door
The Italian Renaissance Revival style of architecture was popular in the United States from the
1880s through the 1920s. Although St. Petersburg contains several fine examples, it did not achieve
the popularity of the contemporary Spanish styles.
Element
Form
Common
Elements
Height
Entry
Materials
Roof
Description
Symmetrical, rectangular
Wide overhanging boxed eaves, decorative brackets, second story windows are
typically smaller and less elaborate than those on first story, pedimented windows,
quoins, rusticated first story
Two or four stories
Recessed central entry, arched opening that is sometimes accentuated with Classical
columns or piers, Classical door surrounds
Buff brick, stone, stucco
Low pitched hipped usually covered with ceramic tiles
6
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
MEDITERRANEAN REVIVAL
Window hood with brackets and tile roof
Assymetrical facade
Veritcally oriented casement windows set
in groups
Decorative tile and brackets
Arched openings
Examples of this style include the YMCA building, the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel and the Admiral Farragut
Academy. Concentrations of the Mediterranean Revival style are located in the Granada Terrace Historic
District Euclid St. Paul and the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhoods.
Element
Description
Decorative tile
Form
Asymmetrical
Common
Elements
Arched facade openings, decorative tile detailing, wrought iron balconies and railings
with door and window screens. Towers and chimneys with decorative caps add
richness and verticality to these otherwise heavy, massive buildings. Different types
and sizes of windows, including double-hung and casement styles, were used to add
to the asymmetry of the facades.
Height
One or two stories
Entry
Arched colonnades, verandas and courtyards. Porches may also be used.
Materials
Heavily textured stucco. Mediterranean Revival style structures are typically painted
in warm creams, peaches, yellow and beige tones. Trim work is often painted darker
shades of greens, peaches and sometimes browns. White and cream trim work is
also common.
Roof
Low pitched hipped roofs covered in clay barrel tile or flat roofs with a flat parapet.
7
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
MISSION REVIVAL
Shaped parapet surrounding a flat roof
Visor roof clad with clay tile
Brackets
Paired windows
Smooth stucco finish
One story porch with large masonry piers
The Mission style originated in California during the 1880s and 1890s and became popular in Florida during
the Land Boom of the 1920s. It is associated with a wide variety of buildings throughout the region including
churches, train stations, government buildings and private residences.
Element
Description
Form
Symmetrical or asymmetrical
Common
Elements
Shaped dormers or roof parapets; decorative tile work, wide overhanging eaves, paired
and quatrefoil windows.
Height
One or two stories
Entry
One story porches with large square piers and arched openings.
Materials
Finished in stucco. Mission Revival structures are painted in a fashion similar to the
Mediterranean Revival style.
Roof
Flat roofs, or hipped roofs punctuated by parapet walls and dormers.
8
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
CONTEMPORARY STYLE
No attic | low pitched
roof
Asymmetrical facade
Less emphasis on entry
Minimal decoration
Contemporary style structures were built during the 1950s, 1960's and 1970's. The most notable structures
are the Pier and the band shell in William’s Park. Several residential models were also constructed
throughout the City and have earned value as unique structures. These structures often defy traditional
form and detail such as the Pier with its upside down pyramid. These buildings are utilitarian in nature often
with no attics or crawlspaces.
Element
Description
Form
Irregular or assymetrical
Common
Elements
Largely lacking ornamentation, wide overhanging eaves, contrasting wall materials
and textures, unusual window shapes and placement, exposed structural members.
Height
Typically one to two stories.
Entry
Not emphasized.
Materials
Various.
Roof
Various.
9
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
NEOCLASSICAL
Hipped roof with boxed eaves
Full height porch with Ionic columns
Symmetrical facade
Paired, double-hung sash windows
Decorative door surround
The Neoclassical style was dominant during the first half of the 20th century. This style is based on Greek
and Roman forms. Prevalent in the downtown area, the Neoclassical style is exemplified by buildings such
as the Princess Martha and Dennis Hotels.
Element
Form
Common
Elements
Height
Entry
Materials
Roof
Description
Rectangular or square, symmetrical.
Full height porches supported by Ionic or Corinthian columns and windows and
doors with classical pediments. Windows are rectangular with double-hung
sashes. The presence of bay windows, transom lights and arched windows is
common. This style displays boxed eaves with a moderate overhang and an
occasional wide frieze band beneath the cornice.
Two to two and one-half stories.
Doors commonly have elaborate, decorative surrounds.
Wood siding or brick is are common wall materials with white or beige trim.
Gable or low pitched hip.
10
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
QUEEN ANNE
Hipped roof with gables as secondary roof
structures
Asymmetrical facade
Double-hung sash windows
Decorative wood work and trim
Full front porch
The Queen Anne style in Florida was exclusively applied to residential buildings. Its popularity spread
rapidly throughout the state in the 1880s and 1890s. Examples can be found in the Old Northeast and on
the University of South Florida campus.
Element
Form
Common
Elements
Height
Entry
Materials
Roof
Description
Irregular
Tall brick chimneys, cresting, ornamental metal, asymmetrical placement of
windows, double-hung sash windows with multiple light configurations in upper
sash, decorative woodwork, verge board.
One and one-half to two and one-half stories.
Set within a full or wrap around porch.
Wood shingles, weatherboard and novelty siding are common wall materials.
Multi-planed gable, hipped, and pyramid; towers, turrets, and gables are common
secondary roof structures
11
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
PRAIRIE
Low sloping hipped roof
Wide overhanging eaves
Bands of windows | vertical, square or
horizontal orientation
Large, square porch supports
Prairie style architecture is commonly associated with American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The Prairie
style can be found in the Historic Roser Park, Historic Old Northeast neighborhoods.
Element
Description
Form
Square, often irregular, two story plans with a horizontal orientation.
Common
Elements
Eaves, cornices, and façade detailing emphasizes the horizontal pattern of the
architecture.
Height
1-2 stories.
Entry
One story porches with massive square or rectangular piers are common.
Materials
Painted in earth tones to blend with the natural surrounding environment. Beiges,
browns, warm grays and greens are typical.
Roof
Low pitched hipped roof with large overhanging eaves.
12
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
RANCH
Low pitched roof
clad with clay tile
Picture window
Simple cornice line with
minimal overhang
Steel casement
windows
Attached garage
Smooth stucco
The Ranch style began to take a strong hold on the American housing market in the 1930's. The expanded
acceptance of the automobile drastically increased the size of building lots allowing wealthier people to
move out of the city and into the suburbs. Early versions utilized traditional architectural detailing such as
Mediterranean and colonial style architectures; however, the building type itself is unmistakable and
remains a popular building type today. Ranch style structures were built throughout the City, and are
concentrated in Snell Isle, Crescent Lake and Central Oak Park.
Element
Description
Form
Horizontal
Common
Elements
Casement, awning, jalousie and picture windows. Windows horizontally oriented.
Garages may be located on the front facade of the building, but do not dominate the
architecture of the primary facade.
Height
1 stories.
Entry
Entry stoops and small porches.
Materials
Streamlined and simple materials such as smooth stucco, simple stucco banding
replaced textures stucco and ornamental wood.
Roof
Low pitched hipped or gable roof with broad overhangs
13
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
TUDOR
Prominent chimney
Steeply pitched gable roof
Cross gables
Half timbering
Vertical windows and glazing
Quoining
Solid arched door
Tudor style structures are based on the medieval architecture of England. Concentrations of the Tudor
style are found in the Crescent Lake, Woodlawn, Historic Kenwood, Historic Old Northeast, Crescent
Heights and Central Oak Park neighborhoods.
Element
Form
Common
Elements
Height
Entry
Materials
Roof
Description
Asymmetrical with a vertical emphasis
Tall, narrow casement windows with diamond pattern glass separated by lead cams
usually set in groups; double-hung sash, massive chimneys, half timbering in gables.
1-2 stories
Round arched doorways with board and batten doors, Tudor arches in door
surrounds, quoins.
Brick or stucco, or wood. Tudor style structures typically feature the color of the brick
or stone as the primary color. Stucco was painted in shades of beige and the timber
frame stained or painted brown.
Steeply pitched gable roof with cross gables and heavy timbering (wooden details
which appear to be a heavy hewn timber frame).
14
EFFECTIVE DATE
Architecture and Building Design
City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations
VERNACULAR
Simply symmetrical building with
asymmetrical fenestration
Strong vertical emphasis for windows
Simple open front porch
Wood frame construction and siding materials
Low pitched gable roof
Simple Detailing
Stucco finish
The term “vernacular” refers to a structure that is not pure in its design style, but loosely based on the
principal of a single or multiple styles. These structures are typically built by owners or contractors who
employed either pattern books (containing plans for homes and construction details circulated early in the
mid-19th century) or from their personal memories for the design. Look for Vernacular style architecture
throughout the Uptown, Old Northeast, Kenwood, Palmetto Park and Old Southeast neighborhoods.
Element
Description
Form
Square, rectangular, ell and irregular plans.
Common
Elements
Wooden double-hung windows with one-over-one or two-over-two sash are used.
Simple detailing on porches and around eaves.
Height
One to two and one half stories.
Entry
Porches are usually full facade or wrapped.
Materials
Wood, brick, concrete block, rusticated block, stucco.
Roof
Gable and hipped roofs with various slopes. May include dormers and cross gables.
15
EFFECTIVE DATE