ADU Rules & Zoning in Daytona Beach, Florida (2026)
What ADU can you build in your Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach, Florida
We've researched Daytona Beach'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.
- ADU size is capped at 50% of the primary home's floor area — no hard square footage ceiling
- On a 1,800 sq ft home, ADU cap is 900 sq ft; on a 1,200 sq ft home, ADU cap is 600 sq ft
- Owner-occupancy required — you or an immediate family member must live on the property
- Short-term rentals under 30 days prohibited — fines up to $15,000, actively enforced
- Required setbacks: 7 ft side, 7 ft rear — maximum height 20 ft
- Planned Development (PD) zone ADUs only permitted if PD Agreement explicitly allows it
Last verified: 2026-03-06
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Backyard ADUs like this are being built across Daytona Beach — here's how to do it right.
Here's exactly what Daytona Beach zoning allows
Source refreshed from newest archived Daytona Beach original DOCX extract (2026-03-06 upload). Treat this as operating guidance and verify current adopted code text with Daytona Beach Planning before quoting hard limits.
Zoning allowance
Daytona Beach allows one ADU by-right on lots where single-family detached dwellings are permitted (2021 ordinance framework; Land Development Code references include Sec. 5.3.C.32 and Sec. 11.5 definitions in source guide). Verify parcel zoning and overlays with Planning before design.
Size limits
Maximum ADU size is capped at 50% of the primary home's floor area. The source guide does not state a separate hard citywide square-foot cap.
Lot + setbacks
ADUs must comply with the underlying district's lot and setback standards for accessory structures and principal use context. Exact numeric setbacks vary by zoning district and site constraints.
Height + coverage
Height and lot-coverage limits follow underlying zoning standards and accessory-structure rules. Detached ADUs and garage conversions must remain compliant with total site coverage limits.
Parking
Off-street parking compliance is reviewed during permit review based on district/site conditions. Confirm current required stall count and any waiver criteria at zoning pre-check.
Rental / occupancy
Owner-occupancy is required in either the primary unit or the ADU. Short-term rental use under 30 days is prohibited for ADUs in residential zones under current city policy.
Permit process
Recommended path: zoning confirmation -> code-compliant plans -> building permit submission -> trade permits -> inspections -> certificate of occupancy/completion.
ADU Size Examples (50% of Primary)
| Primary Home Size | Max ADU Size |
|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | 600 sq ft |
| 1,800 sq ft | 900 sq ft |
| 2,400 sq ft | 1,200 sq ft |
Formula applies to floor area of primary dwelling. Verify exact measurement with Daytona Beach Planning.
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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:See requirements above
- Setbacks:7ft side / 7ft rear
- Detached Allowed?Yes
- Max Height:20 ft
- Build Cost Est.:$65,000–$160,000 new detached; $18,000–$60,000 garage conversion
- Min Rental Period:30 days
Rental Rules
Owner-Occupancy Required: You must live in either the primary home or the ADU.
Short-Term Rentals Prohibited: Minimum 30-day stay required in Daytona Beach.
Estimated Monthly Income
$850–$1,700/month
Based on 2025–2026 Daytona Beach market data
ADUs are NOT Permitted In:
- Commercial zones
- Industrial zones
- Planned Development (PD) zones unless the PD Agreement explicitly allows ADUs
Short-Term Rental Rules in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach prohibits short-term rentals under 30 days in residential zones — including ADUs. Despite the tourism economy, the city actively enforces this rule with significant fines.
Minimum Rental Period
30 days
STR Violation Fine
Up to $15,000 for short-term rental violations in residential zones
Owner-Occupancy Required
You or an immediate family member must live in either the primary home or the ADU at all times. This applies regardless of whether you rent the ADU.
Long-term rentals (30+ days) remain fully permitted and generate an estimated $850–$1,700/month/month based on current Daytona Beach market data.
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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach Planning Division, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
- Contact:
- (386) 671-8170 · Planning@DaytonaBeach.gov
- 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://daytonabeach.gov
- Contact:
- (386) 671-8170
- What to bring:
- Architectural plans, site plan, boundary survey, energy compliance docs
- Timeline:
- Zoning verification: 1–2 weeks
- Cost:
- $3,000–$7,000
Step 3: Plan Review & Revisions
- Where:
- City of Daytona Beach Planning Division
- Contact:
- (386) 671-8170
- What to bring:
- Responses to any correction letters; revised drawings if required
- Timeline:
- Zoning verification: 1–2 weeks. Plan preparation: 4–10 weeks. Building permit review: 4–8 weeks. Total typical: 5–10 months
- Cost:
- No additional fee for standard resubmittal
Step 4: Construction & Inspections
- Where:
- Daytona Beach Building Department
- Contact:
- (386) 671-8170
- 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 Daytona Beach 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 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Building Permit Fee | Based on construction valuation — contact Planning at (386) 671-8170 |
| Plan Review | Included in permit fee |
| Impact Fees | Volusia County impact fees $3,000–$7,000+ |
| STR Violation Fine | Up to $15,000 for short-term rental violations in residential zones |
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Key ADU Restrictions in Daytona Beach
These are the rules that most often catch homeowners by surprise. Read them carefully before engaging an architect.
- ADU size capped at 50% of primary home floor area — no hard square footage ceiling
- Owner-occupancy required — either primary home OR ADU must be owner-occupied at all times
- Short-term rentals under 30 days prohibited with fines up to $15,000 — actively enforced
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Daytona Beach
- Assuming tourism economy means STRs are allowed — residential STR ban fines up to $15,000
- Miscalculating the 50% floor area cap — a 900 sf home limits you to 450 sf ADU
- Ignoring PD Agreement — ADUs only allowed in Planned Development zones if PD Agreement explicitly states it
Eligible Zones in Daytona Beach
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.
Daytona Beach neighborhoods where ADU permits are being filed — is your street next?
Daytona Beach ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most often from Daytona Beach homeowners. If yours isn't here, our ADU Zoning Experts can answer it directly.
Can I build an ADU in Daytona Beach?
Yes. Daytona Beach allows one ADU by right on lots where single-family detached dwellings are permitted, including SFR-1 through SFR-5 and RC-1/RC-2 districts. PD-zoned properties require confirmation from the specific PD Agreement.
What is the maximum ADU size in Daytona Beach?
There is no hard square footage ceiling — your ADU is capped at 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. A 1,800 sq ft home supports up to a 900 sq ft ADU. A 1,200 sq ft home supports up to 600 sq ft. Measure your primary home's floor area before designing.
Do I need to live on the property to build or rent an ADU in Daytona Beach?
Yes. Daytona Beach requires owner-occupancy — you or an immediate family member must live in either the primary home or the ADU at all times.
Can I use my Daytona Beach ADU as an Airbnb?
No. Daytona Beach prohibits short-term rentals under 30 days in residential zones despite the city's tourism economy. Fines reach $15,000 for violations and enforcement is active. Your ADU must be rented for a minimum of 30 days per stay.
How long does the Daytona Beach ADU permit process take?
5–10 months total: 1–2 weeks for zoning verification, 4–10 weeks for plan preparation with a Florida-licensed designer, 4–8 weeks for building permit review, plus inspections and Certificate of Occupancy. Call Daytona Beach Planning at (386) 671-8170 or email Planning@DaytonaBeach.gov for pre-application guidance.
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
— and get a free Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach ADU guide for your area.
Free report · No commitment · 60 seconds
Daytona Beach Planning Department
We recommend calling City of Daytona Beach Planning Division at (386) 671-8170 before submitting anything — a 10-minute conversation can save weeks of back-and-forth on your permit application.
City of Daytona Beach Planning 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.