Shed Rules: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do shed rules rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Cape Coral and Fort Myers have similar restriction levels.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
In unincorporated Lee County, residential accessory buildings such as sheds must be set back at least five feet from any rear property line and no closer to a side line than the district's required side setback or ten feet, whichever is less. Building Code compliance is required.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Fort Myers regulates sheds as accessory structures under LDC § 118.3.4.A. Sheds under 200 sq ft may have a 5-foot side and rear setback in residential districts; larger sheds must meet the zone's full accessory setbacks. A Florida Building Permit is required for any shed over 200 sq ft, and engineered wind-load anchorage to 170 mph (Lee County Wind Zone) is required for permitted structures.
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| Rear setback | 5 feet minimum | - |
| Side setback | District setback or 10 ft, lesser | - |
| Permit | Building permit for larger sheds | - |
| Sequence | Principal building usually first | - |
| Applies to | Unincorporated Lee County | - |
| Code Section | - | LDC § 118.3.4.A (Accessory Structures) |
| Permit-Exempt Size | - | Under 200 sq ft (no building permit; placement rules still apply) |
| Reduced Setback (under 200 sq ft) | - | 5 ft side/rear in residential |
| Permit Required | - | 200 sq ft or larger |
| Standard Setback (200+ sq ft) | - | 10 ft side, 10 ft rear (RS-5/6/7) |
| Wind Zone | - | 170 mph (Lee County) — engineered anchorage required |
| Front Setback | - | Sheds prohibited in front yard |
| Habitable Use | - | Prohibited (becomes ADU under § 118.3.11) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
How close to my fence can a shed be in Lee County?
Residential accessory buildings must be at least five feet from any rear property line and no closer to a side line than the district's required side setback or ten feet, whichever is less.
Can I put a shed on a vacant lot?
Generally no. Under Sec. 34-1173, an accessory structure may not be erected on a lot before the principal use or building, with limited exceptions such as agricultural accessory structures and fences.
Fort Myers FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard shed in Fort Myers?
Not for a shed under 200 square feet — those are exempt from a Florida Building Permit, though wind anchorage is strongly recommended given Lee County's 170 mph wind zone. Sheds 200 sq ft or larger require a building permit with engineered foundation and hurricane straps. Either way, the shed must meet Fort Myers LDC § 118.3.4.A placement rules — behind the front building line and within the allowed accessory coverage cap.
How close to my fence can I put a shed in Fort Myers?
For a small shed under 200 square feet in a residential zone, Fort Myers LDC § 118.3.4.A allows a reduced 5-foot side (interior) and rear yard setback. Larger sheds must meet the zone's standard setbacks — typically 10 ft side and 10 ft rear in the RS-5, RS-6, and RS-7 single-family districts. All sheds must sit behind the principal building's front facade and outside any easement or waterfront setback.
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