Zoning FAQ

• Exactly what are the "Zoning" and "Land Use Map" designations assigned to real property?
  
• What is the zoning and Land Use Plan Map designation on my property?
  
• What is a "setback" on rear property?
  
• Can I have horses on my property? Can I rent stables?
  
• Can I work and live at the same location?
  
• What do I have to do to subdivide a parcel of land into two or more lots?
  
• If my house or business burns down, can I rebuild it in the same location even if it is non-conforming as to zoning and setbacks?
  
• I want to rezone my property, vacate an easement, request a variance to required setbacks, or establish a use not permitted by right in my zoning district. What procedures must I follow?
  
• Can I put an addition on my home or business?
  
• How do I determine where my property lines are located?
  
• Do air-condensers or pool pumps have to meet required setbacks?
  
• What are the parking requirements for my business?
  
• What impact fees are charged by the City of Pinellas Park at time of development?
  
• What and where is the "Redevelopment District"?
  

FAQ'S - Section 18-1507

• What are the required setbacks for a pool, spa or a screened enclosure? See Section 18-1507.4, Swimming Pools. - .PDF format
  
• Where can I place a utility shed on my lot? See Section 1507.2 Accessory Structures. - .PDF format
  
• Are there regulations governing garage sales? See Section 18-1507.5, Garage Sales - .PDF format
  
• If I install a fence, what is the maximum height allowed? See Section 18-1507.9, Fences, Walls and Hedges. - .PDF format
  
• Can I store a recreational vehicles and/or a boat in my yard? See Section 18-1507.14, Recreational Vehicles, Boats, Boat Trailers, and Utility Trailers. - .PDF format
  
• Can I store/park a commercial vehicle on my residentially zoned lot? See Section 18-1507.14, Vehicle Restrictions. - .PDF format
  
• What regulations govern decks and/or patios? See Section 18-1507.18, Permitted Obstructions within Required Yards. - .PDF format

Q: Exactly what are the "Zoning" and "Land Use Map" designations assigned to real property?

A: There are two designations assigned to each property:

1. The "Land Use" plan sets forth the physical plans for growth and development of a community. The primary thrust of the Plan is to determine the overall development of the County, where it was, where it is today and how the future land use patterns and policies will reflect and meet the needs of growth tomorrow; and
    
2. "Zoning" is a specifically delineated area or district in a City within which regulations and requirements uniformly govern the use, placement, spacing and size of land and buildings.
   
   The Land Use Plan and Zoning work hand in hand and must be compatible in intent prior to development of any property. For additional information, call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756.

A: Call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756. All we need is an address or legal description of the property and we can provide you with this information, as well as a copy of the governing Ordinance.

A: Each zoning district has established setback requirements. Setbacks are defined as "a minimum distance of open space expressed in feet, which must be maintained to provide separation between front, side or rear lot lines, and the base building foundation line, where no building, structure or portion thereof shall be permitted, erected, constructed or placed unless specifically permitted by Code." Essentially, district setbacks are established to act as a buffer from noise, to permit the enjoyment of light and air, and to serve as a safety factor in the event of storm, fire, or other catastrophe. For additional information, call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756.

A: The zoning on your property is the key to whether you can have livestock on your property. The "F" Farm Zoning District permits horses. This zoning districts also allow, as a Conditional Use, the establishment of stables subject to certain conditions, including site plan review by the Planning & Zoning Commission and approval by City Council. The "RE" Single Family Residential Estate and the"RR" Rural Residential Zoning Districts permit equestrian uses and the details are outlined in the Accessory Use portion of the Land Development Code, Section 18-1507.26.  For additional information, call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756.

A: You can establish a "home occupation" when the home occupation is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes and will not change the residential nature thereof. However, no customer contact shall take place on the premises, with the exception of those operating a "Child Care Center, Type I", which is exempted by Florida Statute. This specific regulation limits the type of businesses that can be established at a dwelling, and does not allow businesses with direct customer contact. For additional regulations, see Section 18-1507, Home Occupations.(.PDF format)

There are also provisions within the Zoning Code to establish a mixed use (residential/ office/retail) when assigned certain zoning and land use designations. Customer contact would be permitted under this category. In addition, office, commercial, and industrial zoning districts allow a "security guard/caretaker's dwelling unit when used for property security purposes as part of a commercial development." Call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756 for more information.

A: There are many factors involved in subdividing properties. In some cases properties may be divided by a simple procedure called a "lot line adjustment". However, most subdivisions require compliance with Chapter 1, Subdivisions, Land Development Code. Properties divided by "deeding" certain lands to another party could result in an illegal subdivision and create lots that do not conform to Code and therefore cannot be developed. Call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756 for more information.

A: You need to come into our office or call (727) 541-0756. We will be happy to assist you in filing the necessary paperwork to accomplish your goals. The first step is to fill out an application form, submit a survey or site plan, and pay the filing fee. The matter will be reviewed either at staff level or before the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, Board of Adjustment or the Community Redevelopment Agency. Reviewing time can vary due to legal requirements for advertising, and notification to surrounding property owners. The average time to complete a procedure ranges from six (6) to eight (8) weeks, except for large scale Land Use Plan amendments which take approximately six (6) months. For additional information, call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756.

A: You can if you meet certain requirements. First you must maintain certain "setbacks" from your property line. Each zoning district has established setback requirements. In addition, there are maximum lot coverage requirements that must be met (generally 60% for residential and 75% for commercial and industrial.) Parking and on-site retention of stormwater runoff are also considerations for non-residential uses. Call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756 for more information.

A: The only valid way to determine the location of your property lines is to check your survey. If you are unable to find a survey or site plan for your property, you have the option of calling the City of Pinellas Park Micrographics Department to see if a survey is of record. Their number is (727) 541-0806.

A: Yes. Air-condensers, pool equipment, heat pumps, and antennas are considered structures and must meet the required setbacks for the zoning district in which they are located. For additional information, call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756.

A:Required off-street parking is based on the "use" and the square footage of the building area proposed for the use. Generally, a retail use requires one space for each 200 square feet of building area; office, one space for each 300 square feet; and industrial, one space for each 750 square feet. Uses that have special parking requirements include (but are not limited to) auto repair, medical offices, financial institutions, restaurants, and churches. In addition, the Redevelopment District has its own parking requirements. Call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756 for more information.

A: The Pinellas County Transportation Impact Fee is assessed against all new residential, office, commercial and industrial development within the City, with the exception of certain properties within the Redevelopment District (Reduced Fee Zone). This fee is generally based on the proposed use and the square footage of the structure involved, and the monies are proportionately split with Pinellas County and used for right-of-way improvements.

In addition, residential development is assessed a "Parkland/Library Fee" which is based on the number of bedrooms proposed. These monies are used to purchase land for City parks and books for the City's Public Library. For additional information, call the Zoning Division at (727) 541-0756.

There are no utility impact fees, but there are hookup charges for new service. For more information regarding these charges, please call the Building Development Division at (727) 541-0752.

A: The Redevelopment District was established to afford maximum opportunity consistent with the sound needs of the City as a whole, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the Redevelopment Area by private enterprise as well as to provide affordable housing.

This area is generally bordered on the south by 70th Avenue, on the north by 78th Avenue, on the east by U.S. 19, and on the west by 66th Street, although there are areas along major traffic corridors located in Pinellas Park that extend somewhat beyond these boundaries.

Benefits within this District include the ability to develop mixed uses, provision for density bonuses, availability of grants, and no Transportation Impact Fee (most areas). For more information, call the Zoning Division, (727) 541-0756.

Board of Adjustment