What ADU can you build in your Clermont backyard?
Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.
The quick answer
Clermont ADU rules at a glance
- Owner-occupancy
Not required — you can rent both units - Short-term rentals
Allowed with local licensing — verify with the city - Where it's allowed
Eligibility varies by zoning district — check your address to confirm yours
ADU Rules in Clermont, Florida
We've researched Clermont'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.
- One of Florida's fastest-growing cities — strong demand fundamentals for both LTR and STR
- HOA restrictions are the primary obstacle — check CC&Rs before any planning; newer PUD communities often prohibit ADUs
- Lake County has high impact fees ($5,000–$12,000) — budget accordingly
- 25 miles from Walt Disney World creates year-round STR demand overflow from the Orlando tourism market
- LTR income $1,200–$1,900/month; STR $90–$220/night given proximity to theme parks
Last verified: 2026-04-02
Backyard ADUs like this are being built across Clermont — here's how to do it right.
What Clermont's zoning may allow for an ADU
Clermont ADU rules. One of Florida's fastest-growing cities — 25 miles from Disney World on the edge of the Orlando metro. Chain of Lakes geography and strong new development. Lake County connector active.
Zoning allowance
ADUs permitted on eligible single-family parcels under local zoning rules. Clermont is an incorporated city that has been rapidly annexing surrounding Lake County land — confirm whether your parcel is in city limits or unincorporated Lake County.
Size limits
ADU size limits are set by local zoning — confirm the maximum with the city.
Lot + setbacks
Typical setbacks: 5–7ft side, 10ft rear in R-1/R-2 zones. Newer PUD communities may have HOA-imposed setbacks stricter than zoning minimums.
Height + coverage
Maximum 30–35ft in residential zones.
Parking
One additional parking space required for detached ADU. PUD communities may have stricter requirements.
Rental / occupancy
Owner-occupancy not required under local zoning rules. STR market active near Disney (30 minutes); Clermont is in the Orlando STR zone of influence.
Permit process
City of Clermont Building Division for city-annexed parcels. Lake County Building Services for unincorporated county parcels. Verify jurisdiction before submitting — Clermont has actively annexed land in recent years.
Building limits and rental rules, side by side
These figures are based on the best available data for Clermont and should be confirmed with the city's planning department before you commit to a design or a rental strategy — local ordinances change and vary by parcel.
Building Limits
- Max Size:See requirements above
- Setbacks:6ft side / 10ft rear
- Detached Allowed?Yes
- Max Height:35 ft
- Build Cost Est.:$105,000–$205,000
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–$1,900/month
Based on 2025–2026 Clermont market data
ADUs are NOT Permitted In:
- Master-planned HOA communities where CC&Rs prohibit ADUs — very common in Clermont (Kings Ridge, South Lake developments)
- Commercial zones along US-27 and SR-50 — not eligible for residential ADUs
- Wetland and lake buffer areas — Lake County has strict buffer requirements along Chain of Lakes shorelines
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 Clermont permit process step by step — so you know exactly what's coming, and what to prepare.
Step 1: Pre-Application Zoning Check
- Where:
- City of Clermont Planning and Zoning, 685 W. Montrose Street, Clermont, FL 34711
- Contact:
- (352) 394-4083
- 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.clermont.org/178/Building-Division
- Contact:
- (352) 394-4083
- What to bring:
- Architectural plans, site plan, boundary survey, energy compliance docs
- Timeline:
- 4–7 weeks plan review; 6–10 weeks total
- Cost:
- $8,400–$19,600 in permits and fees (excluding construction)
Step 3: Plan Review & Revisions
- Where:
- City of Clermont Planning and Zoning
- Contact:
- (352) 394-4083
- What to bring:
- Responses to any correction letters; revised drawings if required
- Timeline:
- 4–7 weeks plan review; 6–10 weeks total
- Cost:
- No additional fee for standard resubmittal
Step 4: Construction & Inspections
- Where:
- Clermont Building Department
- Contact:
- (352) 394-4083
- 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 Clermont 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 | $8,400–$19,600 in permits and fees (excluding construction) |
| Building Permit Fee | $1,500–$3,200 |
| Impact Fees | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Plan Review Fee | $400–$900 |
| Utility Connection Fees | $1,500–$3,500 |
Key ADU Restrictions in Clermont
These are the rules that most often catch homeowners by surprise. Read them carefully before engaging an architect.
- HOA covenants in newer master-planned communities (Kings Ridge, Greater Groves, Palms at Clermont) frequently prohibit detached ADUs — always check CC&Rs before planning; HOA rules override zoning
- Lake County has some of Florida's highest impact fees for residential construction — budget $5,000–$12,000 in addition to permit fees
- Rapid city annexation means parcel jurisdictions change — what was county-regulated last year may now be city-regulated; confirm with the Lake County Property Appraiser
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Clermont
- Clermont sits in the Disney STR shadow market — many investors target this area for vacation rentals; confirm that your specific zone allows STR before purchasing for that purpose
- The Chain of Lakes creates significant topographic variation — some lots have steep slopes (Clermont is one of Central Florida's hilliest cities); slope and drainage issues can affect ADU siting and cost
- Septic systems are common in older and rural Lake County areas — adding an ADU may require upgrading or replacing the existing septic system, which can cost $8,000–$25,000
Eligible Zones in Clermont
ADUs may be permitted in these zoning districts, but eligibility depends on your specific parcel and the current local ordinance. Confirm your parcel and rules with Clermont Planning before relying on this — most homeowners can check their zone at the county GIS portal in a few minutes.
Clermont neighborhoods where ADU permits are being filed — is your street next?
Clermont ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most often from Clermont homeowners. If yours isn't here, our ADU Zoning Experts can answer it directly.
Is Clermont good for STR income given its proximity to Disney?
Clermont is in the outer ring of the Orlando STR market. At 25–35 minutes from Walt Disney World (depending on traffic), it's further than Kissimmee or the I-4 corridor but still attracts budget-conscious families who need less expensive accommodation. ADU STR rates in Clermont run $90–$220/night in peak season (summer, Christmas week). More importantly, Clermont's year-round resident and employment base supports strong long-term rental demand independent of tourism — making it a more resilient ADU investment than pure tourism markets.
What should I know about impact fees in Lake County?
Lake County collects transportation, school, parks, and fire/rescue impact fees on new residential construction including ADUs. Total fees for a 1,000 sq ft ADU in Clermont can reach $8,000–$12,000 — among the higher impact fee burdens in Central Florida. These fees are paid at permit issuance. Budget for this cost up front; it is separate from the building permit fee and construction costs.
Clermont Planning Department
We recommend calling City of Clermont Planning and Zoning at (352) 394-4083 before submitting anything — a 10-minute conversation can save weeks of back-and-forth on your permit application.
City of Clermont Planning and Zoning
Nearby Cities — ADU Rules
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More Lake County ADU Guides
Serving homeowners in 34711, 34714, 34715 and surrounding Clermont zip codes.
This page provides general information based on current ordinances and publicly available data as of April 2026. Zoning rules change — verify all requirements with your local planning department before making financial commitments.