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

All fence installation, replacement, or major repair in Hollywood FL requires a permit from the Building Division. Applications require a fence submittal checklist, site plan, and compliance with Section 155.12. Materials, height, and location must be approved before construction begins.

Pool barriers in Hollywood FL must be at least 48 inches high per Florida Statutes Chapter 515 and Florida Building Code. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above grade on the pool side. The barrier must fully enclose the pool. A separate barrier permit is required.

Hollywood Code §155.12 governs fences. In residential areas, no specific maximum fence height applies outside of the corner setback area (2 ft max, or 4 ft if City Engineer approves). Corner setbacks are delineated by a line connecting points 25 ft along property lines from street intersections. Building permit required for all fence installation/replacement.

Hollywood FL fence regulations under Section 155.12 address shared boundary fences. Height may be adjusted up to two feet with consent from abutting neighbors for fences behind the build-to-line. Corner setback areas limit fence height to 2 feet, or 4 feet if the City Engineer confirms no visual barrier. Fences cannot extend into the front yard beyond the approved height.

Retaining walls in Hollywood FL require building permits. Walls over 4 feet require engineering plans by a licensed Professional Engineer. All retaining walls must comply with Florida Building Code structural requirements and zoning setbacks. Drainage must be addressed to prevent water damage to neighboring properties.

Building permits required for all pool/spa installations in Hollywood FL. Barrier permit required separately. Pool cannot be filled until barrier passes inspection. Multiple inspections during construction. Florida Building Code + Florida Pool Safety Act standards apply.

Pool fencing must be 48 inches minimum. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latch at 54 inches on pool side. Must fully enclose pool area. Barrier permit and inspection required before pool can be filled.

At least 2 safety features required per FL Ch. 515. Pools must be maintained with clear water free of algae and insects. Drain covers must meet VGB Act standards. Abandoned pools must be drained. Green water is a common code violation.

Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require permits in Hollywood FL. Pool barrier requirements apply to all swimming-depth pools. Walls 48+ inches may serve as barrier with lockable ladder. Electrical permit needed for pump connections.

Hot tubs require building and electrical permits. GFCI protection mandatory. Locking ASTM F1346 safety cover may substitute for barrier. Must meet zoning setbacks. Not permitted in front yard areas.

Garage conversions in Hollywood require building permits and must comply with FL Building Code and HVHZ standards. Under FL §163.31771 and SB-48 (2025), garage conversions to ADUs must be permitted. Contact Hollywood Building Services.

FL §163.31771 (2024) requires cities with >75,000 population to allow ADUs in single-family zones. Hollywood (pop. ~150,000) must comply. Florida SB-48 (2025) strengthens the mandate: cities cannot ban ADUs, cannot cap size below 1,000 sq ft, and cannot require owner-occupancy. Hollywood's traditional code restricted second cooking facilities; state law now supersedes. Contact Planning for current rules.

Accessory structures including sheds require building permits in Hollywood for most sizes. Contact Hollywood Building Services for permit requirements. Must comply with FL Building Code and HVHZ standards.

Carports in Hollywood FL require building permits. Setback requirements under Section 4.23 apply for encroachments in front, side, and rear yards. Carports count toward lot coverage. Florida Building Code wind load standards must be met. Materials must comply with zoning district requirements.

Florida SB 184 (effective July 2025) requires Hollywood to permit at least one ADU per single-family lot, including tiny homes on permanent foundations. Tiny homes on wheels are RVs and cannot be permanent residences. Full Florida Building Code compliance is required. Hollywood sets its own size limits and setback requirements.

Fire pits are subject to Broward County Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1). Open flames on the beach and Broadwalk are prohibited per Hollywood Code Chapters 97 & 99. Enclosed fire pits on residential property subject to fire code clearance requirements.

Open flames and barbeques are prohibited on the Broadwalk and beach (Chapters 97 & 99). Broward County Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1) governs open burning. FL Administrative Code 5I-2 governs outdoor burning. Residential open burning in urban areas generally prohibited.

Hollywood requires permits for tree removal in many cases. Tree trimming and removal is regulated through the city's development and landscaping codes. Contact Hollywood Planning & Development for tree permit requirements.

Hollywood FL enforces South Florida Water Management District Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Rule. No watering on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays. Odd-numbered addresses: Wednesdays and Saturdays 5 PM-9 AM. Even-numbered addresses: Thursdays and Sundays 5 PM-9 AM. Daytime irrigation is never allowed.

Hedges and limbs must be cut back to the property line in Hollywood FL. Vegetation may not overhang or obstruct sidewalks, streets, or alleys. Broward County's tree preservation ordinance prohibits improper pruning (hat-racking, topping). Tree removal requires a permit for native trees over 3 inches in diameter.