Miami ADU Permit & Size Limits - City Rules

Housing and Building Standards Florida 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Florida

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Miami, Florida require review under city zoning and building rules. This guide summarizes the typical permit path, where size and placement rules appear in the City of Miami code, and which municipal offices enforce requirements. Where a precise numeric limit, fee, or fine is not shown on the official pages cited below, the text states "not specified on the cited page." Information is current as of February 2026 unless the cited page displays a different update date.

What is an ADU in Miami?

An ADU is a secondary dwelling on a lot with a primary residence, often called a granny flat, carriage house, or backyard unit. In Miami ADU treatment depends on zoning district, lot size, and whether the ADU is attached or detached; specific dimensional standards are located in the City Code and building regulations.

Where the rules live

Zoning and use permissions are set in the City of Miami Code of Ordinances; building, safety, and permit procedures are handled by the Building Department. For zoning text and definitions consult the municipal code and for permit submittal consult the Building Department permit pages[1][2].

Common permit requirements

  • Application for building permit (plans, site plan, utility info).
  • Professional sealed plans by a Florida-licensed architect or engineer when required by the Building Department.
  • Proof of lot compliance with zoning rules (setbacks, lot coverage).
  • Payment of permit and inspection fees as set by the Building Department schedule.
  • Inspections during construction for structural, electrical, and plumbing compliance.
Start early: permit review and plan corrections often take multiple weeks.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Building Department and Code Enforcement enforce ADU, zoning, and permitting rules in Miami. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts, and exact appeal time limits are not specified in a single consolidated section on the cited pages and are therefore listed as "not specified on the cited page." See the cited code and Building Department pages for enforcement contact and procedures[1][2].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to obtain a permit, civil enforcement, and court actions may be used.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City of Miami Building Department and Code Enforcement accept complaints and inspections; contact via the Building Department pages.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are handled per the Building Department and referenced code sections but are not specified on the cited pages.
Failure to obtain required permits can result in stop-work orders and potential civil action.

Applications & Forms

The Building Department publishes permit application forms and submittal checklists. Where a specific permit form number or a fixed fee for ADUs is not shown on the official page, it is "not specified on the cited page." Applicants should consult the Building Department permit forms and e-permit portal for current forms and fee schedules[2].

How to prepare a successful ADU permit application

  • Verify zoning: confirm ADUs are allowed in your zoning district and note setback and lot coverage rules.
  • Assemble plans: site plan, floor plans, elevations, and structural details as required.
  • Obtain professional seals: hire licensed designers or engineers when required by the Building Department.
  • Estimate fees and inspections: check the current fee schedule on the Building Department site.
  • Submit and track: file through the official e-permit portal or deliver to the Building Department and track reviews and inspections.

FAQ

Can I build a detached ADU in Miami?
Possibly, depending on the zoning district and lot rules; review the City Code for permitted uses and dimensional standards and consult the Building Department for permit requirements.[1]
Are there size limits for ADUs in Miami?
Size and placement rules depend on zoning and the specific code sections; exact numeric limits are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed in the City Code.[1]
What inspections are required?
Typical inspections include footing/foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, and final; the Building Department provides inspection checklists on its permit pages.[2]
How long does review take?
Review times vary by workload and scope; the Building Department does not provide a single fixed review time on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Confirm zoning and permitted ADU types for your property.
  2. Prepare or commission sealed plans and a site plan showing setbacks and utilities.
  3. Submit the building permit application and required documents via the Building Department portal or office.
  4. Pay required fees and respond to plan review comments until approval.
  5. Schedule required inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy.

Key Takeaways

  • ADU approval requires both zoning clearance and a building permit.
  • Exact size limits and fines may not be stated on a single page; consult the City Code and Building Department.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Miami Code of Ordinances (municode)
  2. [2] City of Miami Building Department - Permits & Services

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