Miscellaneous Structure Review

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Ordinance Changes Reduces Single-Family Fence and Accessory Structure Permitting Requirements in City of Palm Bay

On August 20, 2020, Palm Bay City Council adopted Ordinance 2020-49 (Case T-15-2020), which eliminated the permitting requirements for fences accessory to single-family residential dwellings. Ordinance 2020-49 grants a building permit exception to applicants seeking approval to install a wooden, plastic/vinyl, aluminum, chain link (or otherwise non-masonry) fence, whereby the fence is accessory to a single-family residence. This change is effective September 19, 2020.

On December 17, 2020, Palm Bay City Council adopted Ordinance 2020-58 (Case T-20-2020) to eliminate permitting requirements for accessory structures 120 square feet or less associated with single-family residential dwellings. Ordinance 2020-58 grants a building permit exception to applicants seeking approval to install a pre-manufactured shed, gazebo, or other structures 120 square feet or less, whereby the structure is accessory to a single-family residence. The change is effective January 7, 2021.

While eligible fences and pre-fabricated accessory structures 120 square feet or less (sheds, gazebos, etc.) will not require a building permit, a zoning review must be completed by the Land Development Division prior to installation. There will be no inspections upon completion of the installations.

Documents required for Miscellaneous Structures [PDF]

Fence Requirements for Zoning Review

Applicants shall submit the following items to the iMS portal online.

Proof of ownership (copy of Warranty Deed)
Completed Hold Harmless Agreement
A survey or scaled drawing of the property, showing the proposed fence location, fence height, gate locations, and all existing structures
If the property has a septic tank, the survey or scaled drawing must have an approval stamp from Environmental Health Services of the Florida Department of Health. They may be contacted at (321) 633-2100 – Located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940

The following requests require a Building Permit from the City’s Building Department:

The proposed fence encloses an existing or proposed swimming pool
The request is for a wall constructed with brick, concrete, or other masonry materials with foundations or footings
The fence is not accessory to a single-family residence

Shed and Gazebo Requirements for Zoning Review

Applicants shall submit the following items to the iMS online portal.

Proof of ownership (copy of Warranty Deed or Brevard County Tax Bill)
A survey or scaled drawing of the property, showing the proposed shed location, height, and meeting required setbacks of the property.
If the property has a septic tank, the survey or scaled drawing must have an approval stamp from Environmental Health Services of the Florida Department of Health. They may be contacted at (321) 633-2100 – Located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940
Must be a pre-manufactured structure, one copy of the approved plans stamped by the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is required
Provide one copy of the tie down or anchoring methods for the proposed structure.

If the structure meets any of the items below. A Building Permit will be required:

Over 120 Square Feet
Have any utilities, plumbing, electric, mechanical, etc.
Used for Human Habitation
Placed on a concrete slab
Built on-site

Contact for Assistance:

Land Development Division
Phone: (321) 733-3042
Email: landdevelopmentweb@pbfl.org