Vacant lots in Clearwater must be kept mowed below 12 inches and free of debris, illegal dumping, and overgrown vegetation, with the city authorized to mow and bill the owner for noncompliance.
Vacant and unimproved parcels are subject to the same nuisance standards as occupied properties under Section 3-1503 of the Community Development Code. Owners must control grass, weeds, brush, and accumulated trash, and must remove dumped material within a reasonable time after notice. The city's Code Compliance Division regularly inspects vacant lots, especially adjacent to occupied homes, and issues violation notices. If the owner fails to act, Clearwater contracts mowing or cleanup, charges the owner the actual cost plus an administrative fee, and records a lien on the parcel if unpaid.
Failure to maintain leads to daily code-enforcement fines, contracted mowing costs billed to the owner, and recorded liens that can prevent the lot from being sold or refinanced.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Clearwater's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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