Building Setbacks & Zoning in Pembroke Pines, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Pembroke Pines or are thinking about moving there, building setbacks & zoning are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Pembroke Pines has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Setback Rules

Pembroke Pines establishes building setbacks through the Land Development Code Chapter 155. Setback requirements vary by zoning district as shown in the comparative table at Section 155.403. Properties must meet front, side, and rear yard setback requirements. Fences, walls, and hedges have separate setback rules under Section 155.655. All new construction and additions must comply.

Key details: Varies By: Zoning district (§155.403). Front Yard: No fence encroachment generally. Corner Lots: Special provisions apply. RV Setback: 7 ft from front property line. Contact: Building Dept. 954-435-6502.

Setback encroachments are zoning violations. Structures built in violation may require removal or modification at the owner's expense.

Lot Coverage Limits

Pembroke Pines regulates lot coverage through the Land Development Code Chapter 155. Existing houses and additions generally cannot exceed 40% of the lot size. Coverage limits vary by zoning district as established in the zoning district comparative table (Section 155.403). All structures including accessory buildings count toward maximum lot coverage.

Key details: Residential Max: Generally 40% of lot. Governing Code: LDC Ch. 155, §155.403. Includes: All roofed structures. Verification: Building Department review. Contact: 954-435-6502.

Exceeding lot coverage limits is a zoning violation. Work without permits is subject to fines and stop-work orders.

Structure Height Limits

Pembroke Pines regulates building heights through the Land Development Code Chapter 155. Maximum height varies by zoning district as listed in the comparative table at Section 155.403. All structures, including additions, must comply with height limits for their zoning classification. The city is in the HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) and uses the 2023 Florida Building Code with Broward County provisions.

Key details: Varies By: Zoning district (§155.403). Building Code: 2023 FL Building Code + Broward. Wind Zone: HVHZ, Exposure C. RV Height Max: 10 ft on residential lots. Contact: Building Dept. 954-435-6502.

Exceeding height limits is a zoning violation. Stop-work orders may be issued for non-compliant construction.

The Bottom Line

Pembroke Pines's building setbacks & zoning 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 Pembroke Pines is broadly strict or permissive.

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