What did Ordinance 9758-24 change?
The ordinance, adopted June 6, 2024, added ADU standards to the Low Density, Low Medium Density and Medium Density Residential districts. As of October 2026, the minimum lot areas read about 10,000 sq ft in LDR, 5,000 sq ft in LMDR and 3,000 sq ft in MDR.
What are the main ADU rules?
- Size. No larger than 750 sq ft or 50 percent of the main home's gross floor area, whichever is less.
- Owner. The owner must live in either the main home or the ADU.
- Count. One ADU per conforming parcel.
- Parking. The city engineer may let one legal on-street space count for the required off-street space.
- Entrances. An attached ADU's entrance may not be visible from, or face, the street.
- Not allowed. Mobile homes and RVs cannot serve as ADUs.
Does the ADU have to match the house?
Yes. A detached ADU must share the main dwelling's window style, paint scheme and roof design. Shipping containers can be used if they meet the Florida Building Code and are finished to look residential.
What about the coast?
Clearwater fronts the Gulf and the bay, so many parcels need a flood zone check. A new living floor in a Special Flood Hazard Area must meet the required elevation.
Does my Clearwater lot meet the minimum?
It depends on the district. A 7,000 sq ft lot may qualify in LMDR but not in LDR. We check the zoning district and the recorded lot area before anything else.
Related
Rules as of October 2026. Sources: City of Clearwater Ordinance 9758-24 and LDR ADU code sheet.
Find out what your Clearwater lot allows
Send the address. We check its district minimums and setbacks.