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 regulates land use through its Community Development Code (CDC). Residential designations include LDR, LMDR, MDR, and other districts, with parcel-specific dimensional and use standards. Use the City's current planning and GIS resources for the exact property.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Clearwater adopted Ordinance 9758-24 in June 2024. Under the current City rules, one ADU may be permitted on a parcel in the LDR, LMDR, and MDR residential districts, with additional specified nonresidential contexts.
Key current standards include:
- maximum ADU size: 750 sq ft or 50% of the principal detached dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is less;
- one ADU per parcel;
- the owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU;
- one off-street parking space is required, although a legal on-street space may substitute with City Engineer approval;
- in residential districts, ADU rental periods must be at least 31 days or one calendar month, whichever is less;
- zoning approval through the City's Flexible Standard Development process is required before building-permit review.
The underlying district, floodplain, coastal, utility, and building-code requirements still apply.
Development Process
- Confirm the parcel's zoning through Clearwater planning/GIS resources.
- Check the CDC and Ordinance 9758-24 ADU standards.
- Complete the required zoning approval process.
- Apply for the building permit with code-compliant plans.
- Complete required inspections before occupancy.
Official Sources
- Clearwater Planning & Development
- Clearwater Planning and Zoning Approvals
- Clearwater Community Development Code
Disclaimer: This guide summarizes current City rules for orientation. Confirm the exact zoning, site constraints, and approval requirements for the parcel before design or construction.
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 mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- 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 municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- 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
ADU Rules in Clearwater
- Max Size
- 750 sq ft or 50% of the principal detached dwelling gross floor area, whichever is less
- Parking
- One off-street space; a legal on-street space may substitute with City Engineer approval
- Owner Occupancy
- Owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Clearwater permit information →Official Sources
City-specific