Clearwater, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in Clearwater, FL, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- Dimension
- Max size 750 sq ft or 50% of primary
- Rule
- One ADU per conforming lot
- Requirement
- Must match primary dwelling design
- Permit
- Building permit required
- Authority
- Article 3 Community Development Code
Summary
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.
requiring, rather than authorizing, local governments to adopt, by a specified date, an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in certain areas; authorizing a local government to provide a density bonus incentive to landowners who make certain real property donations to assist in the provision of affordable housing for military families; requiring the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to evaluate the efficacy of using mezzanine finance and the potential of tiny homes for specified purposes, etc.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can an ADU be in Clearwater?
Can I add a second ADU to my Clearwater lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clearwater
How Clearwater compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Clearwater to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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ADU Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle adu rules.