Clearwater, Florida Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Clearwater Zoning Overview
Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County, Florida, with a 2020 Census population of 117,292. Located on the Gulf Coast west of Tampa, Clearwater is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area. The city manages land use through its Community Development Code, which is available on the Municode library.
Clearwater uses a Community Development Code (CDC) rather than a traditional zoning ordinance. The CDC establishes zoning districts including Low Density Residential (LDR), Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR), Medium Density Residential (MDR), High Density Residential (HDR), and various commercial and special districts.
Key Residential District: LMDR
The Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) district is one of the most common residential designations in Clearwater. Key standards include:
- Minimum lot size: 7,500 sq ft for single-family areas
- Front setback: 25 ft
- Rear setback: 15 ft (non-waterfront); 25 ft (waterfront)
- Permitted uses restricted to single-family dwellings in single-family LMDR areas
Development Process
Development in Clearwater generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the Planning & Development Department. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted. Use the zoning portal at https://www.myclearwater.com/Business-Development/Planning-and-Zoning-Approvals or call (727) 562-4567.
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
The Planning & Development Department is located at the Municipal Services Building, 2nd Floor, 100 S. Myrtle Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756. Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Wednesday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Clearwater, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property using the city's Maps & GIS portal
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements in the Community Development Code
- Check for any overlay districts or special coastal regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone (Clearwater has significant waterfront areas)
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the planning department for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Clearwater and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Clearwater Planning & Development Department at (727) 562-4567 or through the Community Development Code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Clearwater
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Florida
- Building Code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Florida Statutes §163.31771 (2020) requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family zoning districts. Local regulations must comply with state minimums.)
County — Pinellas County
- Role: County provides property records, tax assessment, and governs unincorporated areas. Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- HOAs are common in Florida. Check CC&Rs for additional restrictions beyond city zoning.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Max Height
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft (single-family areas)
- Max Height
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft (non-waterfront); 25 ft (waterfront)
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Max Height
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Front Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Side Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Rear Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Max Height
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Front Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Side Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
- Rear Setback
- Информация не найдена — уточняйте в планировочном отделе города
ADU Rules in Clearwater
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Clearwater are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Clearwater permit fees →