Subject:
Title
Case No. ZON-26-02 (Shirley Bragdon)
A request for a zoning change from R-A, Residential Agriculture, to R-R, Rural Residential, on approximately 2.50 acres located at 2941 Abbey Lake Road in unincorporated Clearwater. (Quasi-Judicial)
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Based upon the evidence and findings contained in the staff report and attachments, Case No. ZON-26-02 is recommended for approval:
A resolution approving the application of Shirley Bragdon for a zoning change from R-A, Residential Agriculture, to R-R, Rural Residential.
• The applicant is seeking a zoning change on a 2.50-acre parcel.
• There is an existing home on the property.
• The request would allow for smaller lot sizes and potentially allow the property to be split into two lots and a second home to be built on the new lot.
• The Local Planning Agency recommended approval of the request (Vote: 6-0)
o No one appeared in opposition or support, and no correspondence has been received
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Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.1 Increase the availability of attainable housing.
Summary:
Summary
The subject property consists of a 2.5-acre lot developed with a single-family home. The lot is in an unincorporated enclave of the City of Clearwater along Abbey Lake Road.
The current zoning designation is Residential Agriculture (R-A), which allows for single-family detached homes on residential lots with a 2-acre minimum size. It also allows a range of agriculture activities. The proposed Rural Residential (R-R) zoning district also allows for single-family detached homes on residential lots at a smaller lot size of 16,000 square feet. The property is designated Residential Suburban (RS) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) which allows 2.5 residential units per acre.
The property owner intends to eventually split the lot and sell a portion for the development of a new single-family home and retain the lot with the existing home. Under the current R-A zoning district, the minimum development standards specify that lots must be at least 2.0 acres in area, with a minimum width of 90 feet and minimum depth of 100 feet. A rezoning would be necessary to meet the minimum development standards for the proposed split and the future construction of a new single-family home. The property’s current RS FLUM designation supports a density of 2 residential units. Therefore, a FLUM amendment is not necessary for this application.
The subject property is in a predominantly low-density, single-family residential area with comparable FLUM and zoning classifications. Apart from the public school to the north, adjacent properties are also developed with detached single-family homes on large rural and estate-type lots ranging in size.
The subject property has low flood risk. It is neither within the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) nor the Coastal Storm Area (CSA) and lies within Flood Zone X.
Staff is of the opinion that the proposed Zoning Atlas amendment to R-R is appropriate for the subject property. The request demonstrates general compatibility with both the neighboring residential density and the established development pattern. Additionally, the proposal would not have any impact on infrastructure, including utilities and traffic. Lastly, the proposal is consistent with the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan.
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Background Information:
The LPA unanimously recommended approval of the request during its April 8, 2026, public hearing (Vote: 6-0)
Surrounding property owners within 300 feet of the subject property were notified by mail. A sign advertising the public hearing was posted on the subject property.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Kevin McAndrew, Director, Building and Development Review Services
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution
LPA Staff Report
Case Maps
Application Documents
Survey
Certification of Ownership
Legal Ad
Staff Presentation