Garage conversion rules in Lee County, FL — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
A converted garage or accessory building attached to the house must meet all principal-building rules; if detached, it follows accessory-structure setbacks. Converting a garage into living space or an accessory apartment triggers building permits and the one-unit-per-home ADU limit.
Lee County LDC Sec. 34-1173(b) provides that an accessory building structurally part of the principal building must comply in all respects with the regulations for a principal building, while a detached accessory building must meet the location requirements of Sec. 34-1174. Converting attached garage space into a habitable accessory apartment or dwelling unit is governed by Sec. 34-1177 (one per single-family home, 60 percent living-area cap, added parking). All work must comply with the Florida Building Code and requires permits from Lee County Community Development. Removing required parking or exceeding density can block a conversion. Incorporated cities apply their own conversion rules.
Unpermitted garage conversions are code violations; Lee County may require permits, restoration of required parking, daily fines, or reversal of the conversion.
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