Coral Gables, FL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- SFR height limit
- 2 stories or 25 ft
- Measured
- finished floor to tie-beam
- Finished floor rise
- up to 30 inches
- Design review
- Board of Architects
- Flood zones
- measured from base flood elevation
Summary
Single-family homes in Coral Gables are capped at two stories or 25 feet, measured from the finished floor to the top-floor tie-beam, under the city's Zoning Code.
Two (2) stories or twenty-five (25) feet, measured from finished floor to the tie-beam on the top floor. Finished floor may be elevated up to thirty (30) inches above the established grade. Height of residences in flood hazard areas. Two (2) stories or twenty-five (25) feet, measured from the required base flood elevation, plus required freeboard, as defined in this Code, to the tie-beam on the top floor, and shall be reviewed by the Board of Architects. Residences must meet the requirements of Chapter 113, "Flood Damage Prevention," of the Code of the City of Coral Gables, the Florida Building Code, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements. That portion of a single-family residence located above the garage in the coastal flood hazard district may in no case be more than one (1) story in height, and may be one (1) story in height, subject to the following conditions and restrictions: That the elevation of the garage floor shall not be more than six (6) inches above grade. That the area of the garage shall not exceed a gross floor area of greater than six-hundred sixty (660) square feet or one-third (1/3) of the ground area of the main building on the premises, whichever is greater, including any service or storage, or access area located within the garage. Architecture. Architecture requirements shall be as per Article 5, Architecture and as follows:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Fee Schedule: Supplement 2 | Zoning Code: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Coral Gables' Zoning Code sets the maximum height for a single-family residence at two stories or 25 feet, measured from the finished floor to the tie-beam on the top floor (Zoning Code Sec. 2-101). The finished floor may sit up to 30 inches above grade. In coastal flood hazard areas, the same two-story/25-foot cap is measured from the required base flood elevation plus freeboard instead of grade, and plans must satisfy Chapter 113 flood-damage-prevention rules. The Board of Architects reviews every application for compatibility and aesthetic compliance and can adjust design standards case by case. Multi-family districts carry separate, taller limits under Sec. 2-100's Residential Districts Table.
Violations & Fines
Building without permits or exceeding the height cap is a zoning violation subject to Code Enforcement under Sec. 14-300, including stop-work orders, fines, and required alteration or removal of noncompliant construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a single-family house be in Coral Gables?
Does the height limit change in flood zones?
Who reviews height and design compliance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Coral Gables to another location·View the Florida building setbacks & zoning overview
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