ADU Rules & Zoning in Pembroke Pines, Florida (2026)

Updated with 2026 Florida SB-48 Codes

What ADU can you build in your Pembroke Pines backyard?

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ADU Rules in Pembroke Pines, Florida

We've researched Pembroke Pines'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 — Pembroke Pines follows the statewide baseline
  • No owner-occupancy requirement — investor-friendly under state law
  • Broward County HVHZ applies — impact construction required throughout Pembroke Pines
  • Pembroke Pines is one of Florida's largest cities (~170,000) — large suburban land area with mixed HOA and non-HOA neighborhoods
  • Very strong healthcare sector rental demand: Memorial Regional Hospital, South Florida State Hospital, Cleveland Clinic system all within city
  • Silver Lakes, Chapel Trail, and Pembroke Falls are HOA communities — verify CC&Rs; many older neighborhoods west of I-75 are HOA-free
  • Construction $115,000–$230,000 (HVHZ); rental income $1,500–$2,300/month — strong Broward County suburban market

Last verified: 2026-03-14

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A modern backyard cottage — the kind of ADU homeowners are building across Pembroke Pines, Florida

Backyard ADUs like this are being built across Pembroke Pines — here's how to do it right.

Here's exactly what Pembroke Pines zoning allows

Pembroke Pines ADU rules under Florida SB-48. Large master-planned city — HOA restrictions widespread. HVHZ construction standards apply.

Zoning allowance

ADUs permitted on eligible single-family parcels under Florida SB-48 (2026).

Size limits

Up to 1,000 sq ft under SB-48 statewide baseline.

Lot + setbacks

Typical setbacks: 7.5ft side, 10ft rear. Verify with city planning.

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 registration required.

Permit process

Building permit through Pembroke Pines Building Division. 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:7ft side / 10ft rear
  • Detached Allowed?Yes
  • Max Height:25 ft
  • Build Cost Est.:$95,000–$190,000

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

$1,300–$1,900/month

Based on 2025–2026 Pembroke Pines market data

Florida SB-48 (2026 update): Under Florida's statewide ADU law, most single-family homeowners have the right to build an ADU by-right. Local municipalities cannot impose size limits below 1,000 sq ft or require owner-occupancy as a condition of building. If you believe a local denial violates SB-48, consult a Florida land-use attorney. See the full Florida ADU laws guide →

ADUs are NOT Permitted In:

  • Planned community HOA neighborhoods (Silver Lakes, Chapel Trail, Pembroke Falls, Grand Palms) — CC&Rs commonly restrict ADUs
  • Commercial zones along Pines Blvd (US-860), Flamingo Rd, and University Dr — not applicable for residential ADUs
  • Broward County Wellfield Protection Zones in extreme western Pembroke Pines — additional restrictions apply

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 Pembroke Pines permit process step by step — so you know exactly what's coming, and what to prepare.

1

Step 1: Pre-Application Zoning Check

Where:
Pembroke Pines Building Division, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025
Contact:
(954) 431-4040
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
2

Step 2: Submit Permit Application

Where:
https://www.ppines.com/205/Building
Contact:
(954) 431-4040
What to bring:
Architectural plans, site plan, boundary survey, energy compliance docs
Timeline:
Plan review: 3–5 weeks
Cost:
$8,750–$17,200 in permits and fees (excluding construction)
3

Step 3: Plan Review & Revisions

Where:
Pembroke Pines Building Division
Contact:
(954) 431-4040
What to bring:
Responses to any correction letters; revised drawings if required
Timeline:
Plan review: 3–5 weeks. Inspections: 6–10 weeks. Total: 3–5 months.
Cost:
No additional fee for standard resubmittal
4

Step 4: Construction & Inspections

Where:
Pembroke Pines Building Department
Contact:
(954) 431-4040
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 Pembroke Pines Permit Cost Breakdown

These are the fees you'll encounter, in the order you'll typically encounter them.

Cost ItemAmount / Notes
Total Estimated Cost$8,750–$17,200 in permits and fees (excluding construction)
Building Permit Fee$2,400–$4,500 (Broward County schedule)
impact fees broward$4,500–$8,500
Plan Review Fee$550–$1,200
Utility Connection Fees$1,300–$3,000
Permit Timeline: Plan review: 3–5 weeks. Inspections: 6–10 weeks. Total: 3–5 months.

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Key ADU Restrictions in Pembroke Pines

These are the rules that most often catch homeowners by surprise. Read them carefully before engaging an architect.

  • Pembroke Pines is one of Florida's largest master-planned cities — HOA deed restrictions are extremely widespread and frequently prohibit rental units
  • Lot coverage limits in planned unit developments (PUDs) are often more restrictive than base RS zoning
  • Broward County HVHZ construction standards apply — impact-resistant construction required throughout

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Pembroke Pines

  • HOA restrictions must be the first check — the majority of Pembroke Pines homes are in HOAs that restrict rental or ADU use
  • PUD-specific development standards may be more restrictive than base city zoning — verify against your specific plat
  • Pembroke Pines has significant age-restricted and active adult communities where ADU rentals may be prohibited

Eligible Zones in Pembroke Pines

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.

RS-1RS-2R-1A
Aerial view of a Florida residential neighborhood — properties where homeowners are adding ADUs

Pembroke Pines neighborhoods where ADU permits are being filed — is your street next?

Pembroke Pines ADU — Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions we hear most often from Pembroke Pines homeowners. If yours isn't here, our ADU Zoning Experts can answer it directly.

What makes Pembroke Pines a strong ADU rental market?

Pembroke Pines has South Florida's highest concentration of healthcare facilities per square mile — Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West, South Florida State Hospital, and multiple Cleveland Clinic affiliates all operate here. Healthcare workers (nurses, physicians, support staff) are stable, high-earning tenants who prefer rentals near work. This drives consistent ADU rental demand at $1,500–$2,300/month.

Which Pembroke Pines neighborhoods are best for ADU projects without HOA restrictions?

The best non-HOA ADU neighborhoods are the older sections east of I-75, particularly around Taft Street, Pembroke Road, and the areas south of Pines Blvd near Miami-Dade County line. The Flamingo Groves, Pines Hills, and older Palms West neighborhoods have minimal deed restrictions. Newer western developments (Chapel Trail, Silver Lakes) are predominantly HOA-controlled. Check BrowardClerk.org for recorded restrictions on your parcel.

How large are typical Pembroke Pines lots for ADU planning?

Pembroke Pines lots vary significantly by neighborhood and era. Older eastern neighborhoods (1970s–1980s) typically have 7,500–11,000 sq ft lots, allowing comfortable detached ADU footprints. Newer western neighborhoods (1990s–2000s) trend smaller (6,000–8,000 sq ft) but are more likely to be HOA-controlled. Pull a current survey to confirm your buildable area before engaging a designer.

Does Pembroke Pines have a streamlined ADU permit process?

Pembroke Pines uses Broward County's online permit portal and processes permits at its City Center building department. The city offers pre-application meetings for ADU projects — highly recommended to surface any zoning issues before full plan preparation. Broward HVHZ plan check is the most common reason for resubmittal, so use a Florida-licensed engineer for structural drawings.

What are the typical HOA restrictions in Pembroke Pines communities?

HOA restrictions in Pembroke Pines communities commonly include: prohibitions on detached accessory structures, lease approval requirements (sometimes including HOA veto over tenants), minimum lease terms (6–12 months), and restrictions on visible building modifications. Some HOAs allow in-law suites as attached additions only. The HOA management company can provide your full CC&Rs — read the entire document, particularly the 'Use Restrictions' and 'Leasing' sections.

Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard

— and get a free Pembroke Pines 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 Pembroke Pines ADU guide for your area.

Free report · No commitment · 60 seconds

Pembroke Pines Planning Department

We recommend calling Pembroke Pines Building Division at (954) 431-4040 before submitting anything — a 10-minute conversation can save weeks of back-and-forth on your permit application.

Pembroke Pines Building Division

601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025

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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.