Pinellas LPA unanimously recommends rezoning in Lealman to allow one more home

The Pinellas County Local Planning Agency on the March agenda voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve a zoning atlas amendment (ZON 2601) to rezone an approximately 0.45-acre parcel in Lealman from Rural Residential (RR) to R4, allowing a lot split and construction of an additional single-family home.

Molly Cord, principal planner for Pinellas County Building and Development Review Services, told the board the property, which fronts 55th Street North and currently contains a detached single-family home, totals about 19,602 square feet and does not meet the RR district’s lot-split standards. Cord said the proposed R4 designation (minimum lot area 5,000 square feet; maximum impervious surface ratio 75%; maximum height 35 feet) would allow the owner to split the parcel and construct another dwelling. "Staff is recommending approval of this request," Cord said.

The recommendation noted the request does not require a future land-use map amendment because the comprehensive plan designation allows the proposed use. Cord also said the property is in Flood Zone X, not within the Coastal High Hazard Area, and that property owners within 300 feet were notified and no written correspondence had been received.

Applicant Louis Cuerden, who identified himself as the adjacent neighbor at 5255 55th Street North, said he purchased the subject property last year and plans to build a home for his family. "We were looking to build a house there just for me and my wife and kid," Cuerden said, and he thanked staff and the board for hearing the case.

Resident Linda Mesa, who lives at 5520 54th Avenue North, said she did not object to the proposed home but urged the county to address erosion and drainage risks on the unimproved portion of 55th Street North. "My concern is about the construction erosion control plan, because it's a fragile system on that road," Mesa said, describing a roadside ditch that may be on her property line and warning that heavy construction equipment could worsen degradation.

A staff representative responded that any development will undergo permit review by environmental and engineering staff, that drainage must be retained on-site and may not create drainage problems on adjacent properties, and that public works/utility review will address access and necessary right-of-way improvements. Staff added that any degradation created by construction would be the developer's responsibility to correct.

Following the presentations and public comment, a board member moved to recommend approval of ZON 2601 and Brito moved the motion, which Larry Johnson seconded. The Local Planning Agency approved the motion by unanimous voice vote and will forward its recommendation to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, which is scheduled to consider the item at a public hearing on April 21, 2026, at 6 p.m.

The LPA closed the meeting after staff noted items on next month’s agenda and the board unanimously adjourned.