Registry
Whole building
ADU / guest house (detached accessory dwelling)
Detached second dwelling unit on a single-family lot — in-law suite, guest house, carriage house.
inferredHB 803: excludedreviewed never
Who can pull the permit
- CGCCertified General Contractor
- CBCCertified Building Contractor
- CRCCertified Residential Contractor
- OWNER-BUILDEROwner-occupied 1–2 family (FS 489.103(7))
Subs under the prime's permit: EC, ER, CFC, RF, CAC, CMC, RA, NONE
Decision — first matching row wins
| # | When | Permit | Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | otherwise | yes | Building — Accessory Dwelling Unit (full plan review; zoning density/setback review) | An ADU is new construction of a dwelling unit — always a building permit with full structural/MEP review, plus a zoning review for density (units per acre), setbacks and, if it has a kitchen, whether the lot is even zoned for a second dwelling unit. This is not an accessory-STRUCTURE review like Shed or Pergola — it's a second-dwelling review. |
Inputs the rule needs
- septicAdding a second septic system, or tying into the existing one?
- kitchenIncludes a full kitchen?
Documents (base)
- Owner authorization / signed permit application (owner or agent signature, notarized where the authority requires)
- Site plan / survey showing property lines, setbacks, easements, septic and the proposed work with both structures, setbacks and density calc
- Signed & sealed architectural + structural drawings; energy calcs
- Zoning verification letter confirming ADU/second-unit eligibility for the parcel
- Notice of Commencement — recorded with the Clerk of Court and a certified copy (or notarised statement of filing) given to the building department BEFORE the first inspection. Statutory floor is a direct contract over $5,000 (FS 713.135(1)(e)); HVAC repair/replace under $15,000 exempt; lien-law protection applies above $2,500 (FS 713.02(5)). Authorities differ: Collier applies $2,500 (Bulletin B-44, pool checklist) and charges a $5 NOC admin fee; Lee will not ISSUE the permit until the NOC is recorded ($5,000+); Fort Myers, Bonita, Fort Myers Beach $5,000; Marco Island / Sanibel per statute (posted on site before first inspection)
- Contractor registration current with the county (license, GL insurance, workers' comp or exemption on file)