ADU Rules & Zoning in Melbourne, Florida (2026)
What ADU can you build in your Melbourne 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 Melbourne, Florida
We've researched Melbourne'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 must be smaller than the primary dwelling — no hard citywide square footage cap published
- No owner-occupancy requirement — primary home and ADU can both be rented to long-term tenants
- No specific short-term rental ordinance as of 2026 — STR not explicitly prohibited (but city policy can change)
- Call Planner of the Day at (321) 608-7500 before hiring a designer — zoning tables are district-specific
- Typical setbacks: 25 ft front, 8 ft side, 15 ft rear — varies by zoning district
- Outdoor Lighting Certification Form required for all exterior fixtures since 2018 — commonly missed and delays final inspection
- Brevard County impact fees $3,000–$8,000+ assessed separately from Melbourne city permit fees
Last verified: 2026-03-02
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Backyard ADUs like this are being built across Melbourne — here's how to do it right.
Here's exactly what Melbourne zoning allows
Best-available guidance extracted from the latest original Melbourne report artifact. Verify final requirements with planning department.
Zoning allowance
ADUs permitted in eligible single-family residential zoning districts. Confirm parcel eligibility using the Brevard County Property Appraiser (bcpao.us) and Melbourne zoning code (Appendix B). Contact the Planner of the Day at (321) 608-7500 before designing.
Size limits
Varies by zoning district — verify exact limits with the Planner of the Day at (321) 608-7500 and Melbourne zoning code (Appendix B). High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) wind load requirements apply to all construction.
Lot + setbacks
Rear: s for your district. The buildable envelope that remains is where an ADU can go. Measure whether a meaningful ADU (at least 400–600 sq ft) fits within that envelope without exceeding lot coverage. 5. Step-by-Step Approval Process Melbourne does not have a published standalone ADU guide. All pe
Height + coverage
Height: s, and which uses (including ADUs) are permitted. You MUST know your zoning district before proceeding. 📍 LOOK UP YOUR ZONING DISTRICT: Go to Melbourne's GIS map at mgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3f1f8b678a754f74ab7a58ba33c7911f, search your address, and note the zoni
Parking
Parking requirements vary by zoning district per Melbourne's code (Appendix B). Verify required stall count and design standards with Planning at (321) 608-7500.
Rental / occupancy
Owner occupancy: Not required by the City of Melbourne under current rules — both the primary home and ADU may be rented to long-term tenants. Additional rental details should be confirmed with local requirements.
Permit process
Melbourne does not have a published standalone ADU guide. All permits flow through the EnerGov portal. The process below reflects Melbourne's standard residential construction permit pathway. 1 Pre-Application: Call the Planner of the Day Call (321) 608-7500 and confirm: your zoning district's ADU eligibility, precise setbacks and lot coverage limits, whether any overlays apply (historic, airport,
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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:1000 sq ft
- Setbacks:25ft front / 8ft side / 15ft rear
- Detached Allowed?Yes
- Max Height:35 ft
- Build Cost Est.:$90,000–$200,000 typical
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
$1,100–$1,500/month
Based on 2025–2026 Melbourne market data
ADUs are NOT Permitted In:
- Airport overlay zone near Melbourne International Airport — FAA height restrictions may apply near runway paths
- Historic district overlay areas — Historic & Architectural Review Board approval required
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 Melbourne permit process step by step — so you know exactly what's coming, and what to prepare.
Step 1: Pre-Application Zoning Check
- Where:
- Melbourne Community Development, 900 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901
- Contact:
- (321) 608-7500 · BLDplanreview@mlbfl.org
- 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://energovweb23.mlbfl.org
- Contact:
- (321) 608-7500
- What to bring:
- Architectural plans, site plan, boundary survey, energy compliance docs
- Timeline:
- Standard path: 6–12 months total
- Cost:
- $3,000–$8,000 city fees + $3,000–$8,000 Brevard County impact fees
Step 3: Plan Review & Revisions
- Where:
- Melbourne Community Development
- Contact:
- (321) 608-7500
- What to bring:
- Responses to any correction letters; revised drawings if required
- Timeline:
- Standard path: 6–12 months total. Expedited via Private Provider: 4–8 months. Call Building Section at (321) 608-7900 for current review queue.
- Cost:
- No additional fee for standard resubmittal
Step 4: Construction & Inspections
- Where:
- Melbourne Building Department
- Contact:
- (321) 608-7500
- 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 Melbourne 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–$8,000 city fees + $3,000–$8,000 Brevard County impact fees |
| Building Permit Fee | Based on construction valuation — contact (321) 608-7900 |
| Plan Review | Included in permit fee |
| Impact Fees | Brevard County: transportation, school, parks, fire — $3,000–$8,000+ (separate from city fees, contact (321) 633-2000) |
| Design / Architect | $3,000–$8,000+ Florida-licensed architect required (no free pre-approved plans program) |
| Private Provider (Expedited) | Private Provider review: $1,500–$5,000 but cuts timeline by 2–6 months |
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Key ADU Restrictions in Melbourne
These are the rules that most often catch homeowners by surprise. Read them carefully before engaging an architect.
- ADU must be smaller than the primary dwelling (no citywide hard cap stated)
- Melbourne calls ADUs 'Second Dwelling Units' — must meet principal structure setbacks, not accessory structure setbacks
- Brevard County impact fees assessed separately by county on all new residential units
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Melbourne
- Not calling the Planner of the Day at (321) 608-7500 before hiring designer — zoning tables are complex
- Missing the Outdoor Lighting Certification Form required for all exterior fixtures since 2018
- Not recording Notice of Commencement with Brevard County Clerk before construction begins
Eligible Zones in Melbourne
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.
Melbourne neighborhoods where ADU permits are being filed — is your street next?
Melbourne ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most often from Melbourne homeowners. If yours isn't here, our ADU Zoning Experts can answer it directly.
Can I build an ADU in Melbourne?
Yes. Melbourne permits ADUs — called 'Second Dwelling Units' — by right in residential zones including R-A, AEU, REU, R-1A, R-1AA, R-1AAA, R-2, R-3, and R-4 under Florida HB 1339 and SB 184. Call the Planner of the Day at (321) 608-7500 to verify your exact zoning district before investing in plans.
What is the maximum ADU size in Melbourne?
Your ADU must be smaller than your primary dwelling — Melbourne does not publish a fixed square footage cap. Florida SB-48 establishes a minimum floor of 1,000 sq ft that municipalities cannot restrict below. Call the Planner of the Day at (321) 608-7500 to confirm the current maximum for your specific zoning district.
Do I need to live on the property to build or rent an ADU in Melbourne?
No. Melbourne does not require owner-occupancy. You can rent both the primary home and the ADU to long-term tenants simultaneously. Note: renting out both units may affect your homestead exemption — consult the Brevard County Property Appraiser at bcpao.us.
Can I use my Melbourne ADU as an Airbnb?
As of 2026, Melbourne has no STR ordinance explicitly prohibiting short-term rentals in residential zones. However, this can change without notice — monitor Melbourne City Council agendas at melbourneflorida.org. You must obtain a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling license and collect Brevard County's 5% Tourist Development Tax. Do not confuse City of Melbourne with West Melbourne, which explicitly prohibits STR.
How long does the Melbourne ADU permit process take?
Standard: 6–12 months. Expedited via Private Provider: 4–8 months. Key steps: call Planner of Day (1 week), commission survey and design (4–12 weeks), permit review (4–10 weeks standard or 1–3 weeks via Private Provider), inspections, CO. Budget for Brevard County impact fees ($3,000–$8,000+) in addition to city permit fees. Call Building Section at (321) 608-7900 for current queue times.
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
— and get a free Melbourne 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 Melbourne ADU guide for your area.
Free report · No commitment · 60 seconds
Melbourne Planning Department
We recommend calling Melbourne Community Development at (321) 608-7500 before submitting anything — a 10-minute conversation can save weeks of back-and-forth on your permit application.
Melbourne Community Development
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.