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

Doral regulates fence and wall heights under Chapter 74, Article V (Fences, Walls, Doors, Bus Shelters, and Hedges) of the Land Development Code. Front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet, while side and rear yard fences may reach 6 feet. Walls and fences along major roadways or commercial boundaries may have different height allowances. Fences on corner lots must comply with sight triangle requirements.

Doral enforces strict pool barrier requirements under the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act and the Florida Building Code. All residential pools must have a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Pool barriers must meet HVHZ wind load standards.

Fence construction in Doral requires a building permit from the Building Department and may require architectural review by your HOA. Permit applications must include a site survey showing the proposed fence location, property lines, and setbacks. Doral is in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), so fence construction must meet Miami-Dade County wind load requirements.

Doral requires building permits for retaining walls that exceed height thresholds. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans. All retaining walls must meet Florida Building Code and HVHZ wind load requirements and comply with zoning setbacks.

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

Doral enforces strict pool safety under Florida Statutes 515.27-515.35 and the Florida Building Code HVHZ provisions. All residential pools require at least one approved safety feature and a protective barrier at least 48 inches high. All pool construction must meet High Velocity Hurricane Zone wind load standards.

Hot tubs and spas in Doral must comply with Florida Building Code barrier requirements when containing water deeper than 24 inches. A lockable ASTM F1346-compliant safety cover may substitute for a full barrier enclosure. Electrical installation requires a separate permit with GFCI protection. Spa water must not be discharged into the stormwater system.

Doral enforces Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Chapter 515) requiring all residential pools to have a barrier at least 48 inches tall. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch mechanism on the pool side. Barriers must be installed and inspected before the pool receives final approval. Miami-Dade County's HVHZ standards apply to barrier construction materials.

All swimming pool construction in Doral requires a building permit from the Building Department and approval from the Florida Department of Health (DOH). Doral is in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), requiring enhanced structural standards. Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work associated with the pool. A child safety barrier must be installed prior to final inspection.

Above-ground pools in Doral require a building permit and must comply with Florida Building Code Chapter 45 safety barrier requirements. All pools deeper than 24 inches need a safety barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Many Doral HOA communities impose additional restrictions on above-ground pool installations.

Doral permits accessory dwelling units in certain residential zoning districts under its Land Development Code. ADUs must be subordinate to the principal dwelling, meet setback and size requirements, and obtain building permits. Florida's Live Local Act has expanded ADU rights statewide.

Doral strictly regulates garage conversions under its Land Development Code. Converting a garage to habitable space requires a building permit, must maintain minimum required parking spaces for the property, and must meet Florida Building Code standards including HVHZ requirements.

Doral requires building permits for sheds and accessory structures that exceed exempt thresholds. All structures must meet HVHZ wind load standards and comply with zoning setbacks. Pre-manufactured sheds need a Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance.

Doral does not have specific provisions for tiny homes as a distinct dwelling type. Any residential structure must comply with the Florida Building Code minimum requirements and the city's zoning standards for minimum dwelling unit size, setbacks, and lot coverage. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zoning districts.

Carports in Doral require a building permit and must comply with zoning setback requirements and Florida Building Code wind-load standards for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Carports must meet minimum setbacks from property lines and cannot obstruct required parking spaces. Many HOA communities in Doral restrict or prohibit carport installations.

Open burning in Doral is heavily restricted under Miami-Dade County fire regulations and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is generally prohibited within city limits. Recreational fires in approved fire pits may be permitted subject to local conditions and fire department guidelines. The Florida Forest Service controls burn authorizations statewide.

Fire pits in Doral follow Miami-Dade County recreational fire rules (max 3 ft diameter). Permanent fire features require building permits and HVHZ compliance. HOA/CDD communities often have additional fire feature restrictions.

Doral has strict tree protection regulations under its Land Development Code. Removal of protected trees requires a permit and mitigation through replacement planting or payment into the city's tree trust fund. Specimen trees and trees above certain caliper sizes receive enhanced protection.

Doral follows SFWMD two-day-per-week watering schedule. Many Doral communities use reclaimed water for irrigation. HOA communities enforce additional landscaping maintenance standards beyond city requirements.

Doral may protect certain tree species. Hurricane season pruning important for safety. Mangroves protected statewide under FL §403.9321-.9333.