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Pinellas Park council updates land‑development rules and adopts sign and dumpster ordinances; window coverage limit draws split vote
Summary
Council adopted ordinances updating regulations for health clubs/fitness classes, a rewritten sign code (including a 25% window‑coverage provision), updated dumpster rules, and approved a conditional‑use for a used‑car dealer; the sign code vote included two 'no' votes focused on window coverage impacts for small businesses.
On Jan. 9, 2025, the Pinellas Park City Council approved several Land Development Code amendments and a conditional‑use request in a string of agenda items that included unanimous votes on some measures and a divided roll‑call on the city’s new sign ordinance.
Ordinance 4280 (second/final reading) removed “health spas” from various zoning tables and established definitions and requirements for “health clubs” and “fitness classes,” including proposed conditional‑use designations and parking standards. Development Review Manager Megan Monino told council staff recommended approval; the ordinance passed unanimously.
The council also considered Ordinance 4281, a comprehensive rewrite of the city sign code intended to align local rules with recent U.S. Supreme Court guidance on content‑based restrictions and to address public‑safety and aesthetic concerns. The proposed code limits window signage to 25% of total window area in commercial and industrial districts; introduces updated fees and application processes; and clarifies how to treat non‑conforming signs damaged in storms. Council members and some small‑business owners in the audience debated the window coverage limit, arguing it could reduce advertising options for storefronts built close to the sidewalk. The ordinance passed on second and final reading by roll call with three votes in favor and two opposed; council separated discussion of the window coverage percentage to highlight impacts on small businesses.
Ordinance 4282 revised dumpster location, pad and enclosure requirements to align with the city’s trash contractor standards and to restrict dumpsters from primary front yards; council approved that ordinance unanimously.
Separately, the council approved a conditional‑use (CU‑0924‑D18) to permit a used‑car dealership at an existing commercial property on US‑19 North after staff and the applicant described required site improvements, landscape buffering and FDOT access constraints. The council approved the conditional use unanimously, with an understanding that vehicle deliveries would occur on private property and that stormwater and access modifications would meet permitting requirements.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 4280 (health clubs/fitness classes): Passed unanimously (second/final reading). - Ordinance 4281 (sign ordinance): Passed by roll call; 3 yes, 2 no. Two 'no' votes were cast due to concerns about the proposed 25% window‑coverage limit for businesses. - Ordinance 4282 (dumpsters): Passed unanimously (second/final reading). - CU‑0924‑D18 (used‑car dealership at 8190 US‑19 N): Approved unanimously (quasi‑judicial conditional use). - Consent agenda C1–C18, including annexations, easements and stormwater authorizations: Approved unanimously.
What comes next: Because the sign code includes a change affecting small‑business window signage and updated fees, councilmembers and staff said they expect continued feedback from businesses. For the conditional‑use site, the applicant and staff will proceed with required FDOT, Swift Mud and city permitting steps.
