Zoning and Planning FAQ

Zoning and Future Land Use changes can be complicated and may require approval of one or more of the governmental or quasi-governmental entities (see Key Entities section). Given the uniqueness of each request, it is recommended that you contact the Planning and Development Department at (727) 562-4567 and ask to speak with a Long Ranger Planner before moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1.Q) What is the purpose of requesting a Zoning or Future Land Use change?

A) Developers and property owners are usually interested in making these requests because they want to change the current active use(s) of the property or land. 

Step 2.Q) How can I find the current Zoning and Future Land Use category for a particular property?

A) You may access the information on the city's Zoning Map page. Follow these steps:

  1. Enter the address in the search box and click on the magnifying glass
  2. Click on the "Layer List" icon and ensure that the boxes next to Zoning or Future Land Use are checked

  3. Click on the blue outlined dot next to the address, then click on the right arrow at the top of the text box to scroll through and see the designations.

Step 3.Q) How do I determine the permitted uses within a particular zoning district?

A) This information is part of the city’s Community Development Code, which can be found on the Zoning District information website. Select “EXPAND” at the upper right corner of the table titled Chart 2-100 Permitted Uses, so that the title row remains visible.

Each zoning district will be identified by its own “division”. You will find the information for each zoning district organized as follows:

  1. Intent and Purpose
  2. Maximum Development Potential
  3. Minimum Standard Development - Permitted Uses (Not applicable to Tourist District)
  4. Flexible Standard Development (FLS) - Permitted Uses
  5. Flexible Development (FLD) - Permitted Uses (Not applicable to Mobile Home Park District)

Note: The Downtown District, US 19 District, and Beaches have special design standards that are in the Appendices and in the Links to Online Resources section below.

Step 4.Q) How much are the application fees?

A) The application fee for a Zoning change only is $775. The application fee for a Future Land Use change is $885 and includes the Zoning change. Note that other fees and costs may apply. 

Step 5.Q) How long will it take for my application to change my property's future land use and/or zoning designation to be approved?

A) Depending on the complexity of the application and the impact of the changes requested, the process could take up to eight months or more. For a better estimate of timing, ask to speak with a Long Range Planner at (727) 562-4567.

Key Definitions

  • Comprehensive Plan is the city’s policy document, which guides decisions on future growth and sustainability of the city. Clearwater 2045, the city’s comprehensive plan, establishes the Future Land Use categories and consistent zoning districts for the city. Changes to the city’s Future Land Use Map and Zoning Atlas must be consistent with Clearwater 2045.
  • Future Land Use (FLU) establishes the maximum density and intensity such as dwelling units per acre, ratio of building to land area (referred to as Floor Area Ratio or FAR), and maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR).
  • Zoning determines the specific, allowable uses of a property, including setbacks and parking.
  • Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) means a measurement of intensity of hard surface development on a parcel in relation to the total area of the parcel. The impervious area includes any surface that is not grass or landscaped areas on the parcel, such as pavers, wood decks, pools, building area, driveways, walkways, etc. An ISR calculation is required for most development applications.
  • Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a measure of intensity of use and means the ratio of gross floor area to the size of the parcel.
  • Easement is a portion of land upon which a designated entity – which could include the city of Clearwater, Duke Energy, Florida Department of Transportation or other service providers – has the right to trespass and/or locate structures. It is also a tool allowing for the provision of utilities. In residential areas, this is often the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street. The homeowner is typically responsible for things such as lawn care on the easement.
  • Setback is the minimum required distance that a structure, which usually includes pavement, must be placed from a property line. A setback is a zoning tool for regulating the distance between structures.

Key Entities

  • Development Review Committee. The Development Review Committee (DRC) is composed of representatives from city departments that are appropriate to review an application for development approval. The DRC meets on the first Thursday of each month with project applicant(s) to review the project-related materials and technical review comments from city staff. Meetings are open to the public; however, they are not formal public hearings and there is no designated time for public comment.
  • Community Development Board. The Community Development Board (CDB) consists of seven members and one alternate, all residents of the city of Clearwater, who are appointed by the City Council to serve a four-year term. The board serves as the city’s Local Planning Agency, making recommendations to the City Council regarding development of, or changes to, the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Community Development Code, and various related applications. The CDB also decides certain site plan applications known as Level Two Approvals or Flexible Development (FLD) applications. The CDB meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at 1 p.m. in City Council chambers at the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave.
  • Clearwater City Council. The city of Clearwater is governed by a Council/Manager form of government with the City Council serving as the governing body. The Clearwater City Council is comprised of a mayor and four councilmembers, who each serve four-year terms. The City Council is the legislative and policy-making body of the city, responsible for approving the budget and determining the ad valorem tax rate on all real and personal property within the corporate limits of the city. The City Council makes final local decisions on “Level Three” applications, which include Future Land Use changes, Rezonings, Annexations, and Development Agreements.
  • Forward Pinellas. Forward Pinellas is an agency charged with addressing countywide land use in its role as the Pinellas County Planning Council. In this role, the agency is tasked with providing policy advice and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, in the board’s role as the Countywide Planning Authority.
  • Pinellas Board of County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) is the elected body that governs all unincorporated areas of the county directly. The BCC also serves as the Countywide Planning Authority (CPA) for Pinellas County. In that capacity, they review changes to the Countywide Plan Map.

Contact Us

Phone

(727) 562-4567

Email

epermit@myclearwater.com

Location

Planning & Development Department
2741 State Road 580
33761
View Map

Links to Applications and Online Resources

Related Resources

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