Is an ADU allowed on my property?
ADUs are permitted in the following residential zoning districts: Low Density Residential (LDR), Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR), and Medium Density Residential (MDR).
Are ADUs permitted in nonresidential zoning districts?
Yes, ADUs are permitted in the following nonresidential zoning districts: Commercial (C), Tourist (T), Downtown (D), Office (O), Institutional (I), and Industrial, Research and Technology (IRT).
How large can an ADU be?
Residential ADUs can be no larger than 750 square feet or 50 percent of the gross floor area of the principal detached dwelling, whichever is less. The floor area of a nonresidential ADU must not exceed 25 percent of the gross floor area of the principal use.
How many are allowed per parcel?
One ADU is permitted per parcel.
Does an ADU need to be located in a separate structure?
An ADU can be attached to the primary house or in a detached structure on the same parcel.
Can I convert existing space into an ADU?
Yes, but any conversion would be subject to standards or regulations outlined in the Community Development Code and Florida Building Code.
Is there an owner occupancy requirement?
The property owner is required to occupy either the primary house or the ADU. If either the primary home or ADU is rented, a residential rental business tax receipt will be required.
Are short-term rentals allowed?
Short-term rentals are not permitted in residential zoning districts. In these districts, rentals must be for periods of 31 days or one calendar month whichever is less.
Can I use a modular building or shipping container?
Yes, but they must be architecturally compatible with the primary house and are subject to requirements set forth in the Florida Building Code.
Can I have separate meters for utilities (electrical, sewer, and water)?
Utilities may be metered separately; however, there may be additional costs associated with installation and related impact fees. Additionally, a separate electric meter would be subject to requirements outlined in the Florida Building Code.
How would solid waste collection be handled?
It depends. If there are separate utility accounts for the primary house and the ADU, then a separate set of solid waste and recycling bins will be required. If there is only one utility account, then only one set of bins will be provided to the property. If it is determined that one set of solid waste and recycling bins is not sufficient for the property with the ADU, a second set could be provided for an additional cost.
Can I have a separate mailing address for the ADU?
Yes, a separate mailing address for the ADU would be permitted.
How do I apply for an ADU?
ADUs can be applied for through a Flexible Standard Development “Level One Application” and has a fee of $200.
What is the process to apply for an ADU?
Zoning approval is required before building permit application. This is done through a Flexible Standard Development application, which has a fee of $200. This is an administrative review completed by the city’s Development Review Committee (DRC) and does not require a public hearing. Applications are due on the first business day of each month by Noon to be included in that application cycle.