Clearwater Community Development Board Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Community Development Board (CDB) met on January 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of consent agenda items, two continuances for North Greenwood overlay district proposals, and a quasi-judicial appeal of a tree removal permit denial. The board voted 5-2 to grant the appeal, allowing the removal of a live oak at 1934 Marlington Way subject to conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.1 (FLD2025-07017/TDR2025-07001): Approved flexible development to add one resort attached dwelling unit at 612 Bay Esplanade, including a transfer of development rights. Added condition: a special warranty deed for the TDR must be executed and recorded before any permits are issued.
• Item 5.2 (FLD2025-08021): Approved flexible development for existing two-unit resort attached dwelling at 26 Heilwood Street.
• Item 5.3 (FLD2025-09023): Approved flexible development for conversion to a wellness clinic at 611 Druid Road E., Suites 305 and 306.
• All consent items were approved together with a single vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Ryan (neighbor of the appellant) spoke in support of the tree removal appeal, stating the live oak is causing trip hazards and will damage utilities. He noted his own sidewalk is already buckling and expressed concern about safety for elderly and children. He argued the city should allow removal and replacement with more suitable trees.

Discussion Items

• Continuances (Items 4.1 & 4.2): The board approved continuations for two North Greenwood overlay proposals: a comprehensive plan amendment (CPA2025-10001) and a future land use map amendment (LUP2025-11005). Both were continued to a future meeting without discussion.
• Appeal – Tree Removal Permit Denial (APP2025-12001): The appellant, a representative of the homeowners association, appealed the city's denial of a permit to remove a healthy live oak at 1934 Marlington Way. The tree is approximately nine inches in diameter and poses future risks to sidewalks, driveways, and underground utilities. City arborist Robert Robichot testified that the tree is healthy (rated 3 or above per code) and recommended root barriers or pruning as alternatives. The appellant acknowledged he could not meet all three legal criteria to overturn the denial but argued for common sense and safety. The board deliberated on the three required findings under Community Development Code Section 4-504.B: whether the original decision misconstrued the code, whether granting the appeal would be in harmony with the code's intent, and whether it would be detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare. After discussion, board member Park made a motion to grant the appeal, citing the applicant's safety concerns and potential future damage. The motion passed 5-2.

Key Outcomes

• Appeal Granted (5-2): The board voted to overturn the tree removal permit denial with conditions: the applicant must either relocate the live oak to another location on the property or replace it with a shade tree of similar diameter. The board asked staff to prepare a list of conditions for final approval at a future meeting.
• Continuances Approved: The two North Greenwood overlay items were continued without objection.
• Next Meeting: The February 2026 meeting was rescheduled to Thursday, February 19, 2026, due to the holiday week.