Clearwater, Florida Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Clearwater
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Clearwater — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Clearwater Community Development Code (Zoning)
Clearwater's zoning is codified in the Community Development Code, with Article 2 establishing the zoning districts (LDR, LMDR, MDR, etc.), Article 3 containing Development Standards (Division 9 Affordable Housing Incentives, Division 15 Preservation/Maritime Areas including §3-1502 Preservation/Maritime), Article 4 Development Review and Other Procedures, and Article 8 Definitions and Rules of Construction.
Source · library.municode.comBeach by Design Special Area Plan(2001)
Beach by Design is a special area plan for Clearwater Beach adopted February 15, 2001 and amended December 13, 2001 (and subsequently). It sets revitalization strategies for the beach in six areas: land use, mobility, off-street parking, catalytic projects, economic feasibility and financing, and design guidelines. The plan was developed by consultant Charles Siemon between 1999 and 2001.
Source · myclearwater.comCoastal Storm Area Density Restriction (Comprehensive Plan Policy A.1.1.2 / Map A-16)
Residential density on portions of property located within the Coastal Storm Area is limited to the density in place prior to the adoption of the Community Development Code, consistent with Comprehensive Plan Policy A.1.1.2 and Map A-16. This restriction governs beach/barrier-island and Coastal High Hazard Area parcels.
Source · beta.myclearwater.comAffordable Housing Incentives (CDC §3-920)
Clearwater's Community Development Code §3-920 provides affordable housing density and other development incentives, codified within Article 3, Division 9. This is the City's principal local mechanism (alongside the statewide Live Local Act) for incentivizing affordable housing.
Source · library.municode.comFlorida Live Local Act (SB 102, 2023)(2023)
Florida Senate Bill 102 (Live Local Act), effective July 1, 2023, preempts local zoning on height, density, and allowable uses for qualifying multifamily and mixed-use rental developments where at least 40 percent of units are affordable for at least 30 years. The Act is particularly significant for Clearwater given the city's Coastal Storm Area density limits.
Source · flsenate.gov
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
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
- Verify with the local planning department before relying on this dimensional standard
- Side Setback
- Verify with the local planning department before relying on this dimensional standard
- Rear Setback
- Verify with the local planning department before relying on this dimensional standard
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Max Height
- Varies — see Community Development Code
- Front Setback
- Verify with the local planning department before relying on this dimensional standard
- Side Setback
- Verify with the local planning department before relying on this dimensional standard
- Rear Setback
- Verify with the local planning department before relying on this dimensional standard
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 →Official Sources
City-specific