The Clearwater Planning and Zoning Commission is continuing to simplify its zoning ordinance regarding commercial districts in the city.

 

The group began discussions earlier in the year in an attempt to make it easier for new businesses to understand what and where different establishments  were allowed.

 

The ordinance currently lists four separate commercial zones: C-1, C-2, C-3, which is also known as the Old Town District, and C-4. However, the city’s zoning map only shows the Old Town District and C-4. Each district has its own set of rules, setbacks and type of business permitted, or allowed as a conditional use.

 

With a limited area for commercial businesses in the city, members of the commission felt it might be simpler to have one commercial district with a standard set of rules.

 

Tuesday, the group discussed items like setbacks, building height and lot size. Although it was difficult to agree on the numbers because it wouldn’t fit some existing businesses, the group agreed on a minimum lot size of 10,000 sq. ft., a 30-foot front setback, no side setback, a rear setback of 35 feet and a 50-foot setback from a residentially-zoned property.

 

They also set the maximum building height at 35 feet, or three stories in the case of a hotel or motel - and a maximum building area of 50% of the lot size.

 

The group felt those standards would work well within the main commercial areas of the city. But they didn’t fit the Old Town District, which was the original commercial area in Clearwater that thrived on Main Street many years ago.

 

That area once had a post office, bank, grocery store, hardware store, lumberyard and other small-town businesses.

 

Over the years, some of those historic buildings were razed. Others were converted into residential properties. But very few businesses still exist there. 

 

The Old Town District, a three-block area on Main Street,  was established as a separate commercial area because there were certain characteristics that were unique to it - its proximity to the Mississippi River, smaller lot sizes, historic architecture and lack of parking.

 

The commission agreed the Old Town District needed to have its own specific rules, setbacks, lot size requirements and types of businesses that were appropriate to a historic Main Street, and at the same time fit in with a residential area.

 

Businesses like an antique shop, small bakery, art gallery, florist, barbershop and candy store fit the area. The commission also agreed small professional offices, like legal services or accounting would work in the district, but not medical offices, which would most likely require more parking. 

 

They also agreed a bed and breakfast business would be appropriate for the district as a conditional use, eve though there are not many existing buildings that could accommodate one.

 

The types of businesses that could locate in the district is limited, but it keeps the Main Street feel to the historic downtown area.

 

That discussion will continue in future zoning meetings. Once they have a draft ordinance, it will be presented to the city council and the city attorney for review.