Jupiter's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Jupiter, Florida, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

ADU Rental Restrictions

In Jupiter's Mixed Use Development District, an auxiliary dwelling unit may be rented out as a separate residence, but it cannot exceed 35 percent of the principal building's gross square footage or stand taller than the main house on the lot. Sec. 27-1140(a)(6) requires the unit to meet every development and building standard that applies to a regular dwelling.

Key details: Size cap: 35% of principal building's gross floor area. Height limit: Cannot exceed principal building's height. Rental status: May be rented as a separate dwelling unit. Minimum size: 400 square feet for an efficiency unit. Applies to: Mixed Use Development District (MXD) lots.

An MXD auxiliary dwelling unit built over the 35 percent size cap or taller than the principal structure is a zoning violation subject to the town's standard code enforcement process. A certificate of occupancy will not issue for the unit until it satisfies every development and building code standard required of a regular residential dwelling under Sec. 27-1140(a)(6)c, including compliance with applicable fire, building and parking codes.

Shed & Carport Rules

A backyard shed in Jupiter cannot exceed 144 square feet or eight feet in height, and it must sit at least three feet from an interior side line, five feet from the rear line and 15 feet from a corner side line under Sec. 27-1910. Anything larger than 144 square feet is reclassified as a storage building with its own size, height and setback rules.

Key details: Max shed size: 144 square feet. Max shed height: 8 feet. Side interior setback: 3 feet minimum. Rear setback: 5 feet (3 feet on an alley). Side corner setback: 15 feet minimum.

Sheds may not be rented, lived in or used for any income-producing activity. Sec. 27-1912(a) bars renting or occupying any accessory structure in a residential district as a dwelling except under an approved home-occupation special exception. Building a shed without a permit, or before the principal structure exists or is filed for simultaneous review, is grounds for the town to withhold a certificate of completion, which under Sec. 27-1912(d) cannot issue before the primary structure's certificate of occupancy anyway.

ADU Rules

Jupiter permits accessory dwelling units (guest cottages) in certain residential zones as conditional uses, subject to a maximum of 800 square feet or 40 percent of the principal structure. Short-term rental of an ADU is restricted by state STR registration rules.

Key details: Max Size: 800 sq ft or 40 percent. Zoning: Conditional use in R districts. Height: 25 feet. Number: One per lot. Live Local: May unlock mixed-use ADUs.

The Bottom Line

Jupiter's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Jupiter is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Jupiter's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.