Clearwater designates specimen tree stands and protected trees that must be preserved to the maximum extent possible, with development flexibility granted to avoid removal of significant trees.
Under Article 3, Division 12 of the Community Development Code, protected trees, specimen tree stands, and palms must be preserved to the maximum extent possible. Reasonable design flexibility within zoning parameters is granted to ensure preservation of significant trees during development. Pruning is regulated, with removal of more than 30 percent of a tree's foliage in any one-year period prohibited, and flush cuts or stub cuts considered improper techniques. The city manager may direct relocation of valuable trees rather than removal where feasible.
Damage or unauthorized removal of specimen trees triggers significant fines, mandatory restitution planting, and potential project delays.
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater enforces Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requiring a 4-foot barrier, self-closing gates, or alternative safety features on every ne...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater follows Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and Florida Statute 553.883 for smoke alarms, plus the Florida Fire Prevention Code adopted...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater does not impose an annual night cap, because Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) preempts cities adopted after June 1, 2011 from limiting the frequency ...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater allows transient lodging (rentals under 31 days) only in Tourist District and Commercial zoning where the use is permitted, and requires a city Bu...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater Code Chapter 22 establishes park use regulations, with most city parks closing at 11:00 p.m. or sunset and entry prohibited during posted closed h...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater enforces juvenile curfew rules adopted by reference from Florida Statutes Sec. 877.20 through 877.24, restricting minors in public places during o...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle heritage & protected trees.
See how Clearwater's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.