Tallahassee establishes minimum building setbacks for each zoning district in Chapter 10 of the Land Development Code. Single-family residential (R-1) and other zones each carry specific front, rear, and side yard minimums that must be met before a permit is issued.
Land Development Code Ch. 10, Article IV, Sec. 10-244 (R-1 Single-Family Detached Residential) and the companion development-standards schedule set minimum setbacks per district. Accessory structures throughout the city must maintain a 10-foot setback from all property lines under Sec. 10-411. Setback distances for principal structures vary by zoning district; homeowners must consult their specific district standards in Sec. 10-244 through 10-266. Setback variances require approval from the Tallahassee-Leon County Board of Adjustment and Appeals. New construction must comply with both the Land Development Code and the Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023).
Construction within required setbacks without a variance may result in stop-work orders, required demolition, and code-enforcement fines up to $500 per day under Code of Ordinances Sec. 1-7.
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee regulates noise from industrial and non-residential sources by setting dB(A) limits that vary by time of day. Sounds measured at a receiving prop...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee's Land Development Code Section 3-401 restricts fence materials by zone. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing are prohibited in resid...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee and Leon County prohibit animal hoarding through Ch. 4 animal-welfare provisions requiring adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Fa...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee prohibits uncontrolled growth of weeds, grass, or brush exceeding 12 inches on private property under City Code Chapter 9, Section 9-61. Violatio...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee has no local ordinance restricting rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system installation. Florida Statute §373.62 and the Florida-Friendly Land...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Politic...
See how Tallahassee's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.