ADU Rules & Zoning in Bonita Springs, Florida (2026)
What ADU can you build in your Bonita Springs 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 Bonita Springs, Florida
We've researched Bonita Springs'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 — Bonita Springs follows the statewide baseline
- No owner-occupancy requirement — investor-friendly in one of Southwest Florida's fastest-growing markets
- Lee County jurisdiction — Bonita Springs is in Lee County, which has a working GIS connector for zoning lookups
- Not in HVHZ — Lee County uses Wind Borne Debris Region standards, less restrictive than Miami-Dade/Broward HVHZ
- Strong seasonal snowbird market drives short-term rental demand November–April; Bonita Springs STR market is well-established
- Master-planned communities (Pelican Landing, Bonita Bay) have HOA CC&Rs that may restrict ADUs — verify before planning
- Construction $100,000–$195,000 (no HVHZ premium); rental income $1,200–$2,200/month LTR, $100–$275/night peak season STR
Last verified: 2026-03-14
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Backyard ADUs like this are being built across Bonita Springs — here's how to do it right.
Here's exactly what Bonita Springs zoning allows
Bonita Springs ADU rules under Florida SB-48. Lee County impact fees apply. Snowbird and retirement market with strong rental demand.
Zoning allowance
ADUs permitted on eligible single-family parcels in RS zones under Florida SB-48 (2026).
Size limits
Up to 1,000 sq ft under SB-48 statewide baseline.
Lot + setbacks
Typical setbacks: 5ft side, 10ft rear. Verify with Bonita Springs Community Development.
Height + coverage
Maximum 25ft. Lot coverage limits apply.
Parking
One additional off-street space may be required.
Rental / occupancy
Owner-occupancy not required under SB-48. STR permitted with Lee County registration.
Permit process
Building permit through Bonita Springs Community Development. Full inspection process.
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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:5ft side / 10ft rear
- Detached Allowed?Yes
- Max Height:25 ft
- Build Cost Est.:$90,000–$185,000
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
$1,200–$2,000/month
Based on 2025–2026 Bonita Springs market data
ADUs are NOT Permitted In:
- Master-planned gated communities (Pelican Landing, Bonita Bay, Palmira Golf & CC) — HOA CC&Rs frequently restrict ADUs and rental units
- FEMA Zone AE flood areas near Imperial River, Estero Bay, and coastal wetlands — elevated construction required
- Commercial corridors along US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and Bonita Beach Rd — not applicable for residential ADUs
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 Bonita Springs permit process step by step — so you know exactly what's coming, and what to prepare.
Step 1: Pre-Application Zoning Check
- Where:
- Lee County Division of Community Development (for Bonita Springs), 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Contact:
- (239) 533-8585
- 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.cityofbonitasprings.org/departments/community_development/
- Contact:
- (239) 533-8585
- What to bring:
- Architectural plans, site plan, boundary survey, energy compliance docs
- Timeline:
- Plan review: 4–6 weeks
- Cost:
- $7,275–$14,550 in permits and fees (excluding construction)
Step 3: Plan Review & Revisions
- Where:
- Lee County Division of Community Development (for Bonita Springs)
- Contact:
- (239) 533-8585
- 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.
- Cost:
- No additional fee for standard resubmittal
Step 4: Construction & Inspections
- Where:
- Bonita Springs Building Department
- Contact:
- (239) 533-8585
- 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 Bonita Springs 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 | $7,275–$14,550 in permits and fees (excluding construction) |
| Building Permit Fee | $1,800–$3,500 (Lee County fee schedule) |
| impact fees lee county | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Plan Review Fee | $400–$900 |
| str registration lee county | $75–$150/year |
| Utility Connection Fees | $1,500–$3,000 |
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Key ADU Restrictions in Bonita Springs
These are the rules that most often catch homeowners by surprise. Read them carefully before engaging an architect.
- Lee County impact fees apply and have increased post-Hurricane Ian — verify current fee schedule before budgeting
- Many Bonita Springs communities have HOA restrictions — check CC&Rs before planning, particularly in gated or golf communities
- Flood zone compliance required for parcels near Imperial River or coastal areas — check FEMA map
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bonita Springs
- Post-Ian contractor demand in Lee County means longer timelines and higher pricing — verify contractor availability early
- HOA restrictions are common in Bonita Springs' many gated and golf course communities
- Seasonal market dynamics: snowbird season May-October sees lower rental demand — factor into annual income projections
Eligible Zones in Bonita Springs
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.
Bonita Springs neighborhoods where ADU permits are being filed — is your street next?
Bonita Springs ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most often from Bonita Springs homeowners. If yours isn't here, our ADU Zoning Experts can answer it directly.
Is Bonita Springs a strong STR market for ADU income?
Yes. Bonita Springs is part of the greater Naples/Marco Island tourism corridor with strong snowbird demand November–April. Well-located ADUs near Bonita Beach or Gulf access can achieve $100–$275/night in peak season. Lee County STR registration (Tourist Development Tax) is required. Year-round LTR income of $1,200–$2,200/month is also achievable in this growing market.
How did Hurricane Ian (2022) affect ADU construction requirements in Bonita Springs?
Hurricane Ian caused significant damage in parts of Bonita Springs, particularly along the Imperial River corridor. Post-Ian, Lee County updated flood elevation requirements for many coastal and riverside parcels. If you're near the river or Estero Bay, your FEMA flood zone may have been revised since Ian — check the updated FEMA maps at msc.fema.gov and verify your current base flood elevation before designing.
Are there older neighborhoods in Bonita Springs without HOA restrictions?
Yes. The older sections of Bonita Springs west of US-41 — particularly neighborhoods near Bonita Beach Rd, Old 41 Rd, and Bonita Springs's original downtown — have many properties without HOA restrictions. These older neighborhoods also tend to have larger lots and mature landscaping, making them excellent candidates for detached ADU construction.
Does Bonita Springs have its own permit office or does everything go through Lee County?
Bonita Springs is an incorporated city but uses Lee County's permit processing infrastructure for many functions. For ADUs, contact Lee County Division of Community Development at (239) 533-8585 or the City of Bonita Springs Community Development at (239) 444-6150. Having both numbers lets you confirm which entity handles your specific permit type and parcel.
What are Lee County's impact fees for a new Bonita Springs ADU?
Lee County charges impact fees for new dwelling units based on bedroom count and land use type. For a typical 1-bedroom ADU, impact fees range from $3,500–$7,000 and cover transportation, parks, libraries, and schools. These fees are due at permit issuance. Lee County's impact fee schedule is available at leegov.com — verify current fees before budgeting as they are adjusted periodically.
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
— and get a free Bonita Springs 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 Bonita Springs ADU guide for your area.
Free report · No commitment · 60 seconds
Bonita Springs Planning Department
We recommend calling Lee County Division of Community Development (for Bonita Springs) at (239) 533-8585 before submitting anything — a 10-minute conversation can save weeks of back-and-forth on your permit application.
Lee County Division of Community Development (for Bonita Springs)
Nearby Cities — ADU Rules
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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.