Palm Coast, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Unlike California (SB 9, AB 1033), Arizona (HB 2720), and a growing list of states, Florida has no statewide ADU mandate or preemption. Palm Coast's accessory dwelling rules are set entirely by the city's Land Development Code. The single-family residential districts SFR-1, SFR-2, SFR-3, SFR-4, and SFR-5 (Chapter 3, Section 3.02) allow one principal detached single-family dwelling per lot — a separate dwelling unit (second kitchen + sleeping area + separate entrance) is not a permitted accessory use in these districts. A detached guest house or pool house without cooking facilities may be allowed as an accessory structure under LDC Section 4.01 if it meets the same setback and coverage rules as other accessory buildings, sits behind the principal building line, and is clearly subordinate to the principal dwelling. Multifamily districts MFR-1 and MFR-2 permit attached/multi-unit housing but the density is governed by the district's dimensional standards rather than treated as an ADU. The Palm Coast City Council adopted Ordinance 2024-17 implementing the Florida Live Local Act (SB 102) for commercial-zone mixed-use affordable developments — this does NOT add ADU rights in single-family zones. The city's planned-community heritage (ITT Community Development Corporation laid out most lots in the 1970s) means most parcels are covered by recorded covenants that prohibit secondary dwellings, accessory rental units, or detached units with kitchens — those private restrictions remain enforceable independently of city rules. A separate second meter is generally not granted because the structure is not a separate dwelling unit.