How Miramar Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Miramar maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Miramar falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

ADU Rules

Miramar permits ADUs in all residential districts under LDC §402 and §405.1. Minimum 300 sq ft, maximum typically under 1,200 sq ft. ADU Affidavit required — unit cannot be sold separately and owner must reside on property. FL §163.31771 mandates ADU allowance for cities over 75K population.

Key details: Min Size: 300 sq ft. Tiny Home: Under 600 sq ft (§201). ADU Affidavit: Required — no separate sale. Code Section: LDC §402, §405.1.

Building without permit subject to stop-work orders, fines, and potential demolition order.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions require building permits and must meet FL Building Code habitation standards. Under FL SB 184, garage-to-ADU conversions permitted on lots ≥5,000 sq ft. No additional parking required for ADU. Must comply with egress, ventilation, electrical, plumbing standards.

Key details: Permit: Required. ADU Lot Size: ≥5,000 sq ft. Parking: Extra not required (state law). Habitation: Egress, ventilation, plumbing. Affidavit: No separate sale of ADU.

Unpermitted conversions are code violations. May be required to restore original condition.

Carport Rules

Carports require building permits. LDC Section 505 covers accessory uses and standards. Setback and height requirements per zoning district. FL Building Code wind load standards apply. Contact (954)602-3200.

Key details: Permit: Required. LDC Section: §505 Accessory Uses. Setbacks: Per zoning district. Wind Load: FL Building Code. Contact: (954)602-3200.

Unpermitted carports are code violations.

Shed Rules

Sheds and storage buildings regulated under LDC Section 505 (Accessory Uses). Building permits required above size thresholds. Setback and height requirements per zoning district. Must comply with FL Building Code. Contact Building Division.

Key details: Governing Code: LDC §505. Permit: Required above size threshold. Setbacks: Per zoning district. Wind Load: FL Building Code. Contact: (954)602-3200.

Sheds without permits or violating setbacks are code violations.

Tiny Homes

FL SB 184 requires Miramar to permit ADUs including tiny homes on foundations. On wheels = RV, no permanent residence. Full FL Building Code required. Notarized affidavit — no separate sale. Detached ADUs require utility connections and accessory structure setbacks.

Key details: On Foundation: Permitted as ADU. On Wheels: RV — no permanent occupancy. Building Code: Full FL Building Code. Affidavit: Required — no separate sale. Setbacks: Accessory structure standards.

Unpermitted tiny homes are violations. RVs as permanent residences violate zoning.

The Bottom Line

Miramar'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 Miramar is broadly strict or permissive.

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