Clearwater vs Pinellas Park
How do coastal development rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Pinellas Park, FL?
Clearwater and Pinellas Park have similar restriction levels.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Coastal development in Clearwater is shaped by Florida's CCCL program plus Community Development Code Article 3 Division 13 outdoor lighting standards that protect nesting sea turtles on Clearwater Beach and Sand Key.
View full Clearwater rules →Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Although Pinellas Park is inland along Tampa Bay tributaries, portions of the city fall within the Coastal Storm Area as defined by the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan, restricting density increases and high-intensity uses within Category 1 storm surge zones.
View full Pinellas Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Pinellas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | CDC Article 3 Division 13 | - |
| Companion rules | CDC Chapter 51 flood | - |
| State layer | FDEP CCCL Chapter 62B-33 | - |
| Lighting | Shielded, sea-turtle compliant | - |
| Coverage | Clearwater Beach, Sand Key | - |
| CSA Density Cap | - | 5.0 dwelling units per gross acre |
| Density Bonuses | - | Prohibited within CHHA |
| Local Code | - | LDC Article 8 Floodplain |
| Storm Model | - | SLOSH Category 1 surge |
| Coordination | - | Pinellas County Comp Plan |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Do I need a state permit to build seaward of the CCCL on Clearwater Beach?
Yes. Construction seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line requires an FDEP permit under Chapter 62B-33 in addition to Clearwater building, flood, and zoning approvals.
What lighting rules apply to my Sand Key condo during turtle season?
Article 3 Division 13 of the Community Development Code requires shielded, long-wavelength fixtures and management of beach-visible windows during the May through October sea turtle nesting season.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Is Pinellas Park considered coastal?
Pinellas Park is inland but parts of the city sit within Pinellas County's Coastal Storm Area due to Category 1 SLOSH storm surge projections, triggering coastal management rules.
Can I increase density on a CSA-zoned lot?
Generally no. The county Comprehensive Plan caps Future Land Use Map amendments at 5.0 dwelling units per gross acre within the Coastal Storm Area, with no density bonuses inside CHHA.
How do I check if my property is in the CSA?
Use the Pinellas County Flood Map Service Center and Plan Pinellas coastal management maps to verify CSA, CHHA, and FEMA flood zone designations.
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