Palm Bay, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in Palm Bay, FL, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- Max per lot
- One accessory dwelling unit
- Size cap
- 800 sq ft or 50% of home
- Minimum size
- 200 sq ft
- Parking required
- 1-2 spaces
Summary
Palm Bay allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot where the zoning district's Table 173-1 permits it, capped at 800 square feet or half the main house, plus required parking.
The following standards apply to accessory dwelling units if permitted per Table 173-1: (A) The unit shall be accessory to and on the same property as a single-family dwelling unit and may only be located on lots or parcels of land that meet the minimum lot size requirement of the district... (C) Not more than one (1) accessory dwelling unit per property is permitted. (H) A minimum of one (1), but not more than two (2) parking spaces shall be provided for the accessory dwelling unit, in addition to the spaces required for the principal dwelling unit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Under § 174.003, an ADU must sit on the same lot as a single-family home, built during or after the principal dwelling, and can't be sold separately from it. Only one ADU is allowed per property. Its air-conditioned floor area is capped at 50% of the principal structure's living area or 800 square feet, whichever is smaller, with a 200-square-foot minimum. The unit must match the main house's exterior style and materials, provide one to two parking spaces beyond what the principal dwelling requires, and meet the accessory-structure setback and height standards in § 174.002.
Violations & Fines
Building an ADU that exceeds the size cap, skips required parking, or is added in a district where Table 173-1 doesn't permit it is a zoning violation subject to enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ADUs can I build in Palm Bay?
How big can a Palm Bay ADU be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
How Palm Bay compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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ADU Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle adu rules.