Clearwater sets minimum front, side, and rear setbacks by zoning district under Community Development Code Article 2, with waterfront lots subject to additional seawall and coastal construction lines.
Clearwater Community Development Code Article 2 establishes setback minimums for each residential zoning district: Low Density Residential (LDR), Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR), Medium Density Residential (MDR), Medium High Density Residential (MHDR), and High Density Residential (HDR). Typical LMDR standards under Section 2-202 set a 25-foot front setback, 5-foot side setbacks, and a 10-foot rear setback for single-family detached dwellings, with reductions allowed only through Flexible Standard or Flexible Development review. Waterfront lots additionally require an 18-foot setback from a seawall and must respect the state Coastal Construction Control Line. Accessory structures, decks, and pools have separate reduced setbacks under Section 3-201.
Stop-work orders, removal of nonconforming construction, and Special Magistrate fines; structures built inside required setbacks may need a variance or be demolished at owner expense.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle setback rules.
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