SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Future Land Use Map Amendment from the Residential Low (RL) category to the Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) category for 1399 Pineapple Lane and pass Ordinance 9899-26 on first reading. (LUP2026-02001)
Body
SUMMARY:
This Future Land Use Map Amendment involves one vacant parcel totaling 3.4 acres, located on the south side of the Pineapple Lane terminus, approximately 210 feet south of Navel Drive. The City of Clearwater is requesting to amend the future land use category of the property from Residential Low (RL) to Recreation/Open Space (R/OS). A Zoning Atlas Amendment application (see REZ2026-02001) is being processed concurrently with this case.
The site is located northeast of Moccasin Lake Nature Park. The park is within the Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) Future Land Use category. The subject parcel was purchased by the City of Clearwater to expand the park. The intended use of the overall site is a parks and recreation facility and/or environmental park. A continuation of a shell trail is planned for this portion of the park.
The existing Residential Low (RL) category has a maximum density of 5 dwelling units per acre and a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.40. The Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) category has a maximum density of 0 units per acre and a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.25. The proposed amendment would allow the property to have a consistent future land use category of Recreation/Open Space (R/OS).
The Planning and Development Department has determined that the proposed future land use amendment is consistent with the provisions of the Clearwater Community Development Code as specified below:
• The proposed amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Countywide Plan Rules.
• The proposed amendment is compatible with the surrounding properties and character of the neighborhood.
• Sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property.
• The proposed amendment will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment.
• The proposed amendment will not have an adverse impact on the use of property in the immediate area.
The proposed City of Clearwater future land use category of Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) will necessitate an amendment of the Countywide Plan Map from the Residential Low (RL) category to the Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) category.
In accordance with the Countywide Plan Rules, the land use plan amendment is subject to the approval of Forward Pinellas, in its role as the Pinellas Planning Council, and the Board of County Commissioners acting as the Countywide Planning Authority. The application is a small-scale amendment so review and approval by the Florida Department of Commerce (DOC), formerly known as the Florida DEO, is not required.
The Community Development Board, in its capacity as the Local Planning Agency (LPA), reviewed the proposed amendment at its meeting on April 21, 2026 and unanimously recommended approval.
STAFF-REQUESTED REVISION FOR CITY COUNCIL:
Since the Community Development Board hearing, staff identified revisions to the staff report. These revisions do not change the overall intent of the request. The maps were revised to remove the annexation of adjacent right-of-way.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This proposed amendment supports the Community Well-Being goal of the city’s Strategic Plan by providing for targeted revitalization through responsible development standards.
