ADU rules in Clearwater, FL — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Clearwater allows one accessory dwelling unit per conforming residential lot under Article 3, capped at 750 square feet or 50 percent of the principal dwelling, whichever is less.
The Clearwater Community Development Code Article 3 governs accessory dwelling units in residential zoning districts including Low Medium Density Residential. A parcel with conforming density may receive one ADU. The unit must not exceed 750 square feet of gross floor area or 50 percent of the principal detached dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is less. ADUs must be architecturally compatible with the primary residence in roof pitch, paint color, window style, and overall design. Detached ADUs must comply with accessory structure setback rules in Section 3-202 and are subject to building permit review under the Florida Building Code. State law Sec. 163.31771 authorizes local ADU policies to expand affordable housing.
Building or occupying an unpermitted ADU may trigger code compliance notices, daily fines, mandatory permit-after-the-fact, and orders to remove kitchens or bedrooms that do not conform to the size or design rules.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle adu rules.
See how Clearwater's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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