Clearwater, FL ADU Rules & Requirements
If you're thinking about building an accessory dwelling unit in Clearwater, you'll want to start with your zoning. In June 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance 9758-24, which allows ADUs on single-family lots in three residential zoning districts: Low Density Residential (LDR), Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) and Medium Density Residential (MDR). Each district has different requirements for lot size, setbacks and building height, so finding out which district your property is in is the first step.
Clearwater CDC §§ 2-103, 2-203, 2-303, 3-203
How large can your Clearwater ADU be?
Clearwater municipal development guidelines establish specific maximum dimensional parameters to maintain residential scale while enabling flexible secondary living spaces.
What else the code requires
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You're allowed one ADU per parcel, either attached to the house or built separately in the yard, as long as the parcel has conforming density.
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You can't use a mobile home or RV as an ADU.
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Shipping containers are allowed, but they have to meet the Florida Building Code and have windows, doors and cladding that make them look like a house.
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The ADU also needs to match the style of your main house.
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If you're building an attached unit, its entrance can't be visible from the street.
SOURCE: City of Clearwater Community Development Code, Sections 2-103, 2-203 and 2-303 (flexibility criteria for accessory dwelling units) and Section 8-102.
Site Feasibility
Does Clearwater require a minimum lot size for an ADU?
Clearwater regulates ADU feasibility by zoning district. Ensure your property satisfies minimum lot area, width, and frontage dimensions.
Important caveat
Clearwater's use chart allows ADUs in LDR, LMDR and MDR, but doesn't list them in the Medium High Density, High Density or Mobile Home Park districts. ADUs also aren't marked as allowed in the Coachman Ridge or Island Estates neighborhood overlay districts. If your property is in either of those areas, check with the city before moving forward.
The zoning district factor
Properties just a few streets apart can have completely different zoning requirements. For example, a 6,000 square foot lot meets the minimum in LMDR but not in LDR. Check your address on Clearwater's zoning map before you start figuring out where the ADU could go.
Site Layout Specifications
Where can a Clearwater ADU be located?
You can't place an ADU between the main house and the street. If it's attached, it needs to meet the same setbacks as the house. If you're building a detached ADU, the side and rear setbacks come from the requirements for your zoning district.
Detached ADU setbacks
When the code provides a range, the city may approve flexibility on the side and rear setbacks if you use landscaping or fencing to buffer the ADU.
Height
DETACHED ADU
15 ft
up to 20 ft if the city approves
ATTACHED · LDR & LMDR
30 ft
maximum
ATTACHED · MDR
30–40 ft
maximum
detached ADUs are limited to 15 feet unless the city approves a height of up to 20 feet. Either way, the ADU can't be taller than the main house. Attached ADUs can be up to 30 feet in LDR and LMDR, or 30 to 40 feet in MDR.
On the water and in flood zones
The LDR, LMDR and MDR tables say the building code may require at least 18 feet between the seawall and the rear of a building on a waterfront lot. Clearwater's ADU rules don't prohibit building in a flood zone, but Chapter 51 applies to all development in flood hazard areas. If your property is in one, you'll need to meet those requirements as well.
SOURCE: Community Development Code, Sections 3-202, 3-203 and Tables 2-103, 2-203 and 2-303; Chapter 51.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You have to live in either the main house or the ADU. Clearwater also requires a signed owner occupancy affidavit before you submit your building permit application.
Yes, but the rental has to be for at least 31 days. You'll also need a residential rental business tax receipt from the city. Short-term rentals aren't allowed in Clearwater's residential zoning districts.
You'll need one additional off-street parking space beyond what's already required for the main house. The city may allow a legal on-street space instead, but only with approval from the City Engineer.
Yes. Clearwater allows existing space to be converted into an ADU, provided the work meets both the Community Development Code and the Florida Building Code.
First, you'll need zoning approval through a Flexible Standard Development application, which has a $200 fee. The Development Review Committee reviews the application at the staff level, so there's no public hearing. You need to submit by noon on the first business day of the month. Once zoning is approved, you move on to the building permit. Permit fees depend on the construction value, and there's also a parks and recreation impact fee based on whether you're building an attached or detached ADU.
Thinking about an ADU in Clearwater?
Before picking out plans, check your zoning district and make sure your lot meets its minimum area and width requirements. You'll also want to calculate 50% of your house's floor area to see how large the ADU can be. Tampa Bay ADU takes care of design, permitting and construction, and we can help you figure out what will work on your property before you put money into plans.
You can also explore available ADU grants and financing resources to see whether financial assistance may be available for your project. If you're considering an ADU in a nearby city, explore the Dunedin ADU rules to understand the local requirements.