Before You Build in Coral Gables, FL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Coral Gables requires pool barriers under Zoning Code Section 5-108 and Florida Statutes 515.29. Unless entirely screened, pools must have a four-foot protective wall or fence. All barriers require Board of Architects approval and must comply with Section 5-400 wall and fence standards.

All fence and wall construction in Coral Gables requires a building permit and Board of Architects approval before work begins. The Board reviews design, materials, height, and compatibility with the city's Mediterranean architectural character. Applications go through Development Services with required plans and specifications.

Coral Gables limits front yard fences and walls to 4 feet maximum from established grade. The Board of Architects may grant up to 12 additional inches to account for topography. Wing walls extending from buildings may exceed 4 feet with Board approval. All fence and wall projects require Board of Architects design review.

Coral Gables regulates retaining walls under the Zoning Code wall and fence provisions (Section 5-400) and building code requirements. Retaining walls require building permits, Board of Architects approval for visible portions, and engineering certification for walls exceeding four feet in height.

Florida has no shared fence cost statute. FL §823.11 prohibits spite fences. Each property owner responsible for their own fence.

Coral Gables requires all residential swimming pools to have approved safety barriers meeting both Florida Building Code Section 424.2.17 and Zoning Code Section 5-108. Barriers must be at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Pools cannot be filled until barriers are permitted, installed, inspected, and approved.

Coral Gables enforces strict pool safety under Florida Statutes 515.27-515.35 and Zoning Code Section 5-108. All residential pools require at least one approved safety feature and a protective barrier. The Board of Architects reviews pool enclosures visible from streets, and all construction must meet HVHZ wind load standards.

Coral Gables requires building permits for all swimming pool construction with Board of Architects approval for exterior work. Pools cannot be filled with water until an approved safety barrier is permitted, erected, inspected, and approved per Zoning Code Section 5-108 and the Florida Building Code. Pool location must comply with setback requirements.

Above-ground pools in Coral Gables require a building permit and Board of Architects approval for any visible installation. All pools deeper than 24 inches must have a safety barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates per Florida Building Code Chapter 45 and Florida Statute 515. The pool cannot be filled until the barrier passes inspection.

Hot tubs and spas in Coral Gables must comply with Florida Building Code barrier requirements. A lockable ASTM F1346-compliant safety cover may serve as an alternative to a full barrier enclosure. Electrical installation requires a separate permit with GFCI protection. Drainage must not discharge into the stormwater system.

Coral Gables strictly regulates accessory dwelling units through its Zoning Code and Board of Architects review. ADUs are limited to ancillary apartments in select residential zoning districts with significant size, design, and owner-occupancy requirements enforced by Development Services.

Coral Gables strictly regulates garage conversions through Board of Architects review and zoning requirements. Converting a garage to living space requires maintaining minimum off-street parking ratios, obtaining building permits, and ensuring the conversion meets all residential building code and HVHZ standards.

Tiny homes are effectively prohibited as standalone dwelling units in Coral Gables residential districts. The city's strict zoning code, minimum lot and building size requirements, and Board of Architects aesthetic review standards create significant barriers to tiny home construction. Accessory dwelling units are regulated separately under the ADU provisions of the zoning code.

Coral Gables requires building permits and Board of Architects approval for all sheds and storage structures. Sheds must be architecturally compatible with the principal residence, meet HVHZ wind load standards, and comply with zoning setback requirements enforced by Development Services.

Carports in Coral Gables require a building permit and Board of Architects approval. All accessory structures must comply with zoning district setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and the city's strict aesthetic standards. The Board of Architects reviews all exterior structures for architectural compatibility with the neighborhood character.

Outdoor burning in Coral Gables is heavily restricted under both Florida DEP regulations and local ordinances. Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited within urban areas of Miami-Dade County. Recreational fire pits and grills are permitted with safety precautions but must not create a nuisance or fire hazard.

Fire pits in Coral Gables must comply with Miami-Dade County recreational fire rules (max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height). Permanent fire features require building permits and Board of Architects review. HVHZ construction standards apply to all permanent outdoor fire features.

Coral Gables has one of South Florida's strictest tree protection ordinances under Chapter 82. Permits are required for removal, relocation, or major pruning (branches over 10 inches diameter) of protected trees. Specimen trees 18 inches DBH or larger require arborist reports and mitigation plans. Trees 24 inches DBH or larger require double mitigation.

Coral Gables has strong tree canopy protection under Chapter 82 (Vegetation) requiring permits for removal of any protected tree. Specimen trees at 18 inches DBH or larger require arborist reports, and trees at 24 inches DBH require double mitigation. The city tree trust fund charges $1,500 per 500 sq ft of canopy deficit.

Coral Gables follows water management district restrictions. Watering days and times designated. FL §373.185 protects Florida-Friendly Landscaping rights.