Variance Decisions in Pinellas County

A variance is an authorized departure from the strict requirements of a zoning ordinance. Rather than changing the underlying zoning classification (which is what rezoning does), a variance allows a property owner to deviate from specific rules - like setback distances, building height limits, lot coverage ratios, or parking requirements - while keeping the same zoning designation. ZoneWire tracks variance activity across Pinellas County, FL public meetings.

ZoneWire monitors Pinellas County, FL planning and council meetings, transcribes them, and flags variance activity. As of the latest update we have analyzed 3 meetings and detected 6 variance mentions.

Tracking variance in Pinellas County surfaces zoning and development signals early, so developers, investors, and brokers can evaluate parcels and approvals before they reach the broader market.

Zoning in the unincorporated areas of Pinellas County is governed by the county's Land Development Code, found in Chapter 138 of the Pinellas County Code of Ordinances. The county's Building and Development Review Services Department administers these zoning regulations. This applies only to unincorporated Pinellas County; incorporated municipalities such as St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Pinellas Park have their own separate zoning departments and codes.

The Local Planning Agency (LPA) reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) regarding proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan and land development code, zoning changes, development agreements, development master plans, and new or major modifications to a Type 3 Use establishment. The Board of County Commissioners then holds a subsequent public hearing and makes the final decision on these matters.

The Local Planning Agency meets on the second Wednesday of the month, as needed, at 9:00 a.m. in the BCC Assembly Room at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, or as otherwise noticed. The LPA is composed of seven voting members, one nominated by each member of the Board of County Commissioners and appointed by the BCC, each serving a four-year term concurrent with the nominating Commissioner.

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BOAA) has the authority to grant variances and to approve Type 2 Uses in unincorporated Pinellas County. Applications for zoning changes, zoning clearances, and related approvals are filed through the county's Building and Development Review Services Department, located at 440 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756.

Under the Land Development Code (effective January 1, 2019 for the district summary), unincorporated Pinellas County's zoning districts are grouped into categories including Single Family Residential (such as R-A, R-E, R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, and RMH), Multi-Family Residential (R-4, R-5, RM), Office and Commercial (C-1, C-2, CP, CR), Employment and Industrial (E-1, E-2, IPD), Institutional (LI, GI), Environmental (PC, P-RM), and Recreational and special districts. Maximum density and intensity for each district are governed by the underlying Future Land Use Map category in the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan.

Yes. ZoneWire Free sends New Meeting Alerts for Pinellas County at no cost, with the agenda for each meeting. ZoneWire Pro adds full transcripts, zoning and development analysis, and keyword alerts for $129 per market per month.