ADU rules in Davie, FL — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Davie does not use the term 'ADU.' The closest equivalent is a 'guest cottage,' a permitted use only in the rural and estate single-family districts (RR, AG, A-1, R-1). It is the only accessory structure allowed to be designed for overnight habitation, and only where it meets all Land Development Code standards.
Under the Town of Davie Land Development Code (Chapter 12), Sec. 12-32 (Permitted Uses) lists 'Guest Cottage' as a permitted use ('P') in the Rural Ranches (RR), Agriculture (AG), Agricultural (A-1) and Estate Dwelling (R-1) districts, and 'N' (not permitted) in the Suburban (S), R-2 through R-5, all multifamily (RM) and mobile-home (MH) districts. Sec. 12-33(A)(2)(d) is the key rule: 'With the exception of a guest cottage meeting the standards of this chapter, no accessory structure within a residential zoning district shall be designed to allow overnight habitation.' Sec. 12-33(A)(1) requires any accessory use to be subordinate to and serve the principal dwelling, subordinate in area and purpose, and located on the same lot. Sec. 12-33(A)(2)(c) limits non-agricultural accessory buildings in residential districts to one story not exceeding the height of the principal building. Because guest cottages are limited to one-acre estate/rural districts, most standard Davie subdivision lots cannot add a separate living unit. Florida's statewide ADU statute (Sec. 163.31771, F.S.) only encourages, and does not require, towns to adopt ADU ordinances. Always confirm current standards with Davie Planning & Zoning at 954-797-1103.
An accessory structure designed for overnight habitation outside a permitted guest cottage, or a guest cottage in a district where it is not allowed (S, R-2 through R-5, RM, MH), is a code violation enforced by Davie Code Compliance and may require removal of cooking/sleeping facilities or the structure.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Broward County.
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