SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Future Land Use Map Amendment from the Residential Urban (RU) category to the Residential Medium (RM) category for 2448 Nursery Road and pass Ordinance 9935-26 on first reading. (LUP2026-07002)
Body
SUMMARY:
This Future Land Use Map Amendment involves one parcel of land totaling 0.63 acres located on the north side of Nursery Road approximately 126 feet east of Rosetree Court. The applicant, Arend Verweij, is requesting to amend the future land use category of the property from Residential Urban (RU) to Residential Medium (RM).
The property is owned by Robby J. Moore, who also owns Lantern Senior Care LLC. The subject site is developed with a 1,854 square foot detached dwelling. The owner has expressed an interest in combining both of the parcels at 2446 and 2448 Nursery Road and expanding the Assisted Living Facility to include the subject property.
The existing Residential Urban (RU) category has a maximum density of 7.5 dwelling units per acre and a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.40. The proposed Residential Medium (RM) category has a maximum density of 15 units per acre and a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.75. The proposed amendment would allow the property to have a consistent future land use category of Residential Medium with the parcel to the southeast and allow for the development of the property with residential uses, consistent with uses in the area.
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 requested Future Land Use Map amendment from Residential Urban (RU) to Residential Medium (RM) is consistent with the existing Medium Density Residential (MDR) zoning district. Therefore, no companion rezoning application is required. The applicant understands all necessary approvals and permits must be obtained before development of the subject site occurs.
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 October 20, 2026, and unanimously recommended approval.
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.
