ADU Rules & Zoning in Boca Raton, Florida (2026)
What ADU can you build in your Boca Raton backyard?
Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.
ADU Rules in Boca Raton, Florida
We've researched Boca Raton's ADU rules so you don't have to. Here's what matters most — the facts that determine whether your project is possible, and how much it will cost.
- Maximum ADU size is 1,000 sq ft under Florida SB-48 statewide baseline — Boca Raton cannot restrict below this threshold
- No owner-occupancy requirement — rent the primary home and the ADU simultaneously
- Palm Beach County High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) applies throughout — adds 15–20% to construction costs vs. inland Florida
- HOA deed restrictions are the #1 deal-killer in Boca Raton — pull your CC&Rs before spending anything on design
- Short-term rentals are permitted with city STR registration and annual renewal — Airbnb/VRBO income is viable
- Side setbacks typically 7 ft, rear 10 ft — confirm your specific RS sub-district with Building Division
- Construction typically $110,000–$225,000 for 600–1,000 sq ft ADU; rental income $1,400–$2,200/month
Last verified: 2026-03-14
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Backyard ADUs like this are being built across Boca Raton — here's how to do it right.
Here's exactly what Boca Raton zoning allows
ADU rules for Boca Raton, Palm Beach County. Verify all requirements with local planning.
Zoning allowance
ADUs are permitted in eligible residential zones in Boca Raton under Florida SB-48 (2026). Confirm your parcel zoning with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser or city planning office.
Size limits
Maximum ADU size in Boca Raton varies by zoning district. Florida SB-48 prohibits size limits below 1,000 sq ft for compliant applications. Verify current local limits.
Lot + setbacks
Setback requirements vary by zoning district in Boca Raton. Confirm exact setbacks with Palm Beach County planning.
Height + coverage
Height and lot coverage limits vary by zoning district. Check Boca Raton zoning code.
Parking
Parking requirements for ADUs in Boca Raton vary by zoning district. Verify with local planning.
Rental / occupancy
Boca Raton does not require owner-occupancy under Florida SB-48 (2026). Verify current local rules.
Permit process
ADU permits in Boca Raton follow standard Florida residential building permit workflow. Contact Palm Beach County building department for current requirements.
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Building limits and rental rules, side by side
These two sets of rules determine what you can build and what income you can expect. Read both before you commit to a design or a rental strategy.
Building Limits
- Max Size:1,000 sq ft
- Setbacks:7ft side / 10ft rear
- Detached Allowed?Yes
- Max Height:25 ft
- Build Cost Est.:$110,000–$225,000
Rental Rules
No Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Both units can be rented to tenants simultaneously.
Short-Term Rentals: Not prohibited at the city level. State DBPR license required.
Estimated Monthly Income
$1,400–$2,200/month
Based on 2025–2026 Boca Raton market data
ADUs are NOT Permitted In:
- Properties in HOA communities with recorded CC&Rs banning rental units or ADUs — verify with HOA management before any planning
- Commercial and mixed-use zoning districts — eligible zones are RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-5 only
- Parcels without direct public street access or meeting minimum lot width requirements — verify with planning
Here's exactly what you'll pay — and how to avoid the fees that catch most homeowners off guard
Most homeowners spend 3–4 weeks piecing this together on their own. We've mapped the full Boca Raton permit process step by step — so you know exactly what's coming, and what to prepare.
Step 1: Pre-Application Zoning Check
- Where:
- Boca Raton Building Services Division, 201 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33432
- Contact:
- (561) 393-7932
- What to bring:
- Property address and parcel ID, preliminary site sketch, lot survey
- Timeline:
- No appointment fee — call ahead to confirm office hours
- Cost:
- No fee for initial inquiry
Step 2: Submit Permit Application
- Where:
- https://www.myboca.us/197/Building
- Contact:
- (561) 393-7932
- What to bring:
- Architectural plans, site plan, boundary survey, energy compliance docs
- Timeline:
- Plan review: 4–6 weeks
- Cost:
- $8,650–$17,450 in permits and fees (excluding construction)
Step 3: Plan Review & Revisions
- Where:
- Boca Raton Building Services Division
- Contact:
- (561) 393-7932
- What to bring:
- Responses to any correction letters; revised drawings if required
- Timeline:
- Plan review: 4–6 weeks. Inspections: 6–10 weeks. Total: 4–6 months typical.
- Cost:
- No additional fee for standard resubmittal
Step 4: Construction & Inspections
- Where:
- Boca Raton Building Department
- Contact:
- (561) 393-7932
- What to bring:
- Approved permit set must be on-site at all times during construction
- Timeline:
- Schedule inspections as each phase of work is completed
- Cost:
- Included in permit fee
Full Boca Raton Permit Cost Breakdown
These are the fees you'll encounter, in the order you'll typically encounter them.
| Cost Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Total Estimated Cost | $8,650–$17,450 in permits and fees (excluding construction) |
| Building Permit Fee | $2,500–$4,500 (varies by ADU valuation) |
| impact fees palm beach county | $4,000–$8,000 (roads, parks, schools) |
| Plan Review Fee | $500–$1,200 |
| str registration annual | $150–$250 |
| Utility Connection Fees | $1,500–$3,500 |
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Key ADU Restrictions in Boca Raton
These are the rules that most often catch homeowners by surprise. Read them carefully before engaging an architect.
- HOA deed restrictions prohibit ADUs in many Boca Raton communities — check CC&Rs before any planning
- Palm Beach County HVHZ wind construction standards apply — adds 15–20% cost vs. inland Florida
- Short-term rental registration required with annual renewal — contact city before marketing as STR
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Boca Raton
- Skipping HOA review — many Boca Raton HOAs ban rental units outright regardless of city zoning approval
- Underestimating construction costs — HVHZ impact-resistant windows, roofing, and framing are mandatory
- Not verifying RS zoning — commercial and mixed-use areas of Boca are not eligible for residential ADU
Eligible Zones in Boca Raton
ADUs are permitted by-right in these zoning districts. Verify your parcel at the county GIS portal — most homeowners can confirm their zone in under 5 minutes.
Boca Raton neighborhoods where ADU permits are being filed — is your street next?
Boca Raton ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most often from Boca Raton homeowners. If yours isn't here, our ADU Zoning Experts can answer it directly.
Do I need HOA approval before applying for a city permit in Boca Raton?
The city doesn't require HOA approval as part of the permit application, but your HOA CC&Rs are a binding private contract. Many Boca Raton HOAs ban rental units or ADUs outright. Apply to your HOA first — if they deny it, the city permit becomes irrelevant.
Does the HVHZ requirement significantly change my ADU design?
Yes. All construction in Boca Raton falls within Palm Beach County's High Velocity Hurricane Zone. This requires impact-resistant windows and doors (rated for 130+ mph winds), enhanced roof deck attachment, and specific framing requirements. Budget 15–20% more than inland Florida ADU costs.
Can I build an ADU on my RS-3 or RS-5 lot in Boca Raton?
Yes — RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, and RS-5 zones are all eligible for ADUs. Higher-density RS zones typically have smaller minimum lot requirements. Verify your specific parcel's zone classification at the Boca Raton GIS portal or by calling Building Services at (561) 393-7932.
Are short-term rentals allowed with a Boca Raton ADU?
Yes, Boca Raton permits short-term rentals with city STR registration and annual renewal. There is no minimum night stay set by the city. However, if your property is in an HOA, the HOA may prohibit short-term rentals regardless of city rules — always check CC&Rs first.
What is the fastest way to get ADU permits approved in Boca Raton?
Use a licensed contractor experienced with HVHZ construction who has submitted Boca permits before. Pre-screen your HOA status and have complete permit-ready drawings before submitting. Incomplete applications are the primary cause of review delays. The city offers over-the-counter review for small projects — ask Building Services if your ADU qualifies.
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
— and get a free Boca Raton ADU guide for your area.
Free report · No commitment · 60 seconds
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
— and get a free Boca Raton ADU guide for your area.
Free report · No commitment · 60 seconds
Boca Raton Planning Department
We recommend calling Boca Raton Building Services Division at (561) 393-7932 before submitting anything — a 10-minute conversation can save weeks of back-and-forth on your permit application.
Boca Raton Building Services Division
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This page provides general information based on current ordinances and publicly available data as of March 2026. Zoning rules change — verify all requirements with your local planning department before making financial commitments.