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

Melbourne's Land Development Code Article III (Sec. 9.45) establishes fence and wall standards. In residential zoning districts (PUD, AEU, REU, R-A, R-1A through R-4), fences in front setbacks are limited to 4 feet. Side and rear fences may be up to 6 feet. Corner lot visibility triangle restrictions apply.

Melbourne follows Florida's spite fence statute FL Section 823.11. No shared-cost requirement exists for boundary fences under Florida law. Corner lot visibility triangles must be maintained. Property line disputes should be resolved with a survey.

Melbourne requires fence permits for construction in residential districts. The Code Compliance Division Building Section processes fence permit applications. All fences must comply with Florida Building Code wind load requirements for the coastal wind zone.

Above-ground pools in Melbourne must comply with Florida Building Code barrier requirements. Pools with walls less than 48 inches require additional fencing. Building permits are required for installation. Coastal wind zone structural requirements apply.

Melbourne follows Florida Building Code pool safety standards. Pools built after October 1, 2000 must include at least one approved safety feature. Building permits and inspections required. The Brevard County DOH Environmental Health Division provides additional pool oversight.

Melbourne enforces Florida Building Code and FL Statute 515 pool barrier requirements. All residential pools require a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must swing away from the pool with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms. High water table in many neighborhoods affects pool construction and drainage.

Garage conversions in Melbourne require building permits with zoning and building review. Converted space must comply with Florida Building Code for habitable space including egress, ventilation, and electrical requirements. Off-street parking minimums must still be met.

Melbourne's zoning code Appendix B, Article VII addresses accessory and temporary uses and structures including ADUs. ADUs may be permitted in certain residential zoning districts. Building permits and zoning approval required. Contact Planning and Zoning at the Community Development Department for eligibility.

Melbourne regulates carports as accessory structures under Appendix B Zoning, Article VII (Accessory and Temporary Uses and Structures), with setbacks drawn from Article V district regulations and height standards from Article IV. A building permit is required, and Melbourne sits in the Florida 130 mph wind zone, so carport columns, beams, and roof connections must meet Florida Building Code wind-load requirements.

Melbourne's zoning code and Land Development Code regulate accessory structures. Sheds must be located behind the front building line. Accessory structures may not exceed the floor area of the principal building. Setbacks of 15 feet from side and rear lot lines apply per Brevard County standards.

Melbourne enforces Chapter 28 (Fire Prevention and Protection) and follows Brevard County burn ban directives. Open burning of yard debris requires Florida Forest Service authorization. Countywide burn bans are imposed during drought conditions under Brevard County Code Section 50.

Recreational fire pits are permitted in Melbourne when no burn ban is in effect. Fire pits must be set back from structures, use clean wood fuel only, and be attended at all times. Brevard County burn bans override recreational fire pit use during dry conditions.

Melbourne falls within the St. Johns River Water Management District jurisdiction. Irrigation schedules restrict watering days and times for residential and nonresidential properties. The Melbourne Utilities Department manages water services for the city.

Melbourne's Land Development Code Article XV addresses tree preservation and landscaping. Tree removal permits may be required for protected species or trees above a certain diameter. Re-vegetation requirements apply to all cleared areas in new development.

Melbourne's Land Development Code Article XV (Sec. 9.273) establishes landscaping and planting design requirements. Tree preservation and landscape standards apply to development. Minimum native species requirements apply per the land development code.