City of St Augustine

I recently had a pre-permit inspection for a client who wants to use the property as a short term rental part of the year.  Because it is located within the City of St Augustine, the property needs to confirm to the following.  It was great to walk the property with the Fire Safety Inspector who offered helpful tips.  Here are the key points:

9 STR Requirements for Short Term Rentals in the City of St Augustine

1. Each bedroom must have window or door to outside.
2. Bedrooms require smoke alarms.
3. Escape plan map must be located in each bedroom. Can be on back of door or in bedroom somewhere.
4. Emergency power failure night light(s) need to be located in the main living area. Can be several temporary plug ins or main installed light by electrician.
5. Fire extinguisher in main area or kitchen. 1 per floor if a multi floor.  Needs to be 2A or BC rated.  If in a cabinet, exterior door should be labeled.
6. If gas is being used, OR if the house has a garage attached, the main living area must have carbon monoxide detector
7. Exit signs need to be placed above exterior entrances/exits. Can be cute and does not need to be lit up
8. One parking space per bedroom. Spaces are considered as 8′ x 16′.  Must have surface ie paved, stones but not grass. If there are not enough parking spaces it is possible to apply for one in the city’s parking garage.
9. Exterior yard cannot be all dry or stones. The property needs to have no more than 70% of the lot covered.  (impervious surface).  If more than 70% of the yard is covered with pavers, or other impervious surface, then the city may ask you to pull it up and replace it with grass.