RU-1Ma– Modified Single Family Residential District

This zoning district allows single family residences and every customary use associated with it, including swimming pools, sheds, private garages, carports, etc.

RU-1MA - Diagram

Article XIVB. RU-1M(a), Modified  Single-Family Residential District

What is Zoning? Zoning controls the use and development of land and buildings for the health, welfare and safety of the community.

What is Setback? A setback is the required minimum horizontal distance between the front, sides, and rear of the lot to the building. 

What is Lot Coverage? It is the percentage of the overall area of the site that the building occupies (building area under roof at ground level/total lot area = lot coverage percentage). 

Does my utility shed have to comply with any regulations? Yes, utility sheds and pergolas must comply with the following:

• No more than one utility shed per residential lot.
• Not to exceed 20 percent of the square footage of the primary or principal building on the property, up to a maximum of 400 sq. ft.
• Where applicable all utility sheds shall be in compliance with the Florida Building Code or be approved by the State of Florida and shall be subject to easements restrictions.

Can I operate a business out of my home? Yes, a home occupation that is carried on solely by the occupant or occupants of a dwelling unit which is ancillary and secondary to the use of the dwelling as a residence is allowed under certain conditions, including the following:

• No more than 25 percent of the living area of the dwelling unit and garages, not to exceed 500 sq. ft. may be devoted to home occupation.
• Certificate of Use and inspection required prior to establishing the use.

For more details, see the Home Office District page. View Section 33-25.1 of the Code for additional conditions.

Can I park a boat in front of my house? A recreation vehicle? Yes, you can park a boat but not a recreational vehicle. A boat may be parked temporarily for two hours, but not in the public right-of-way. However, you can store either or both on your lot as provided in Section 33-20.

What is an Easement? An easement grants access to private property for utility installation and maintenance. No structure, fence or tree may be placed in an easement without the written consent of all utility companies that have the right to access an easement. Your survey will show all easements that are located on your property. 

Maximum Lot Coverage Maximum lot coverage shall be 40 percent of net lot area.

Principal Building Setbacks for subdivisions platted on or before March 8, 2002:

• Front - 25’         
• Interior side - 5’
• Rear - 25’         
• Side street - 10’

Principal Building Setbacks for subdivisions platted after March 8, 2002:

• Front - 15’ for 50 percent of the house width; 25’ for balance of house width, except 20’ for attached garage
• Rear - 15’ for 50 percent of the house width; 25’ for balance of house width
• Interior side - 5’           
• Side street - 10’

Accessory Use Setbacks (utility sheds, gazebos, etc.)

Sheds > 100 sq. ft.:

• Front - 75’         
• Rear - 5’ or 2' (*)          
• Interior side - 5’        
• Side street - 15’         
• Between buildings - 10’  

Sheds < 100 sq. ft. and <10 ft. in height:

• Front - 55’         
• Rear - 5’ or 2' (*)       
• Interior side - 5’ or 2' (*)     
• Side street - 10’         
• Between buildings - 10’

(*) Rear and interior side setbacks may be reduced to 2' provided an affidavit is submitted indicating consent from the owner of the property that directly abuts the property boundary where the reduction is requested.

Canopy Carport

• Front - 5’           
• Interior side - 2’
• Rear - 5’           
• Side street - 5’

Swimming Pool Setbacks

• Front - 75’         
• Interior side - 10’
• Rear - 7.5’        
• Side street - 20’

Swimming pools shall be constructed no closer than five feet to any building foundation unless the design is approved by structural review, but in no case can it be closer than 18” to any wall.

Screen Enclosure Setbacks

• Rear - 6’           
• Interior side - 7.5’
• Side street - 15’ 

Fences, Walls and Hedges

• Maximum height permitted - 6’ (*) 

(*) In certain instances, the height may be limited to 2.5’ for visibility at intersections and within 10 feet of either side of driveway.

The regulations contained herein are general in nature and are subject to change as deemed necessary by the Board of County Commissioners. It is advisable to call the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources at 305-375-2800 to ascertain whether more restrictive regulations may apply to specific developments.

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