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

Pembroke Pines regulates retaining walls under the Land Development Code and Building Code. Retaining walls altering grade require building permits. Walls exceeding 4 feet in height require engineered plans. Retaining walls must comply with setback requirements and cannot cause drainage problems for adjacent properties. The 2023 Florida Building Code with Broward HVHZ provisions applies.

Pembroke Pines requires building permits for all fence installations. Applications are available through the Building Division at City Hall or online.

Florida does not require neighbors to share fence costs by statute. In Pembroke Pines, the builder pays unless neighbors agree otherwise. HOA rules may govern shared fences.

Pembroke Pines requires pool safety barriers under Sections 150.50–150.52 of the Code of Ordinances and FL Statute 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act). Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching lockable gates. No pool permit is issued without a simultaneous barrier permit. Barriers must be at least 20 inches from the water's edge.

Pembroke Pines regulates fence heights under §155.655. Front yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet. Permits are required for fence installation.

Above-ground pools in Pembroke Pines must meet the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with 24+ inches of water require permits and barriers.

Pembroke Pines enforces Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (F.S. 515). Pools must have at least one safety feature and anti-entrapment drain covers. Building permits required for new pools.

Pembroke Pines requires pool fences at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per Florida Building Code. Pool fence installation requires a building permit.

Hot tubs and spas in Pembroke Pines are subject to the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL Statute 515) and local code Sections 150.50–150.52. Safety barriers are required. A building permit and electrical permit are needed for installation. Hot tubs must maintain clear, sanitary water. Noise from hot tub equipment must comply with Chapter 96.

Pembroke Pines requires permits for all swimming pool construction under Sections 150.50–150.52. A pool permit cannot be issued without a simultaneous barrier permit. Plans must show compliance with the safety barrier requirements. The Building Department at 954-435-6502 processes pool permits. FL Statute 515 provides state-level safety requirements.

Florida's Live Local Act (2023) expanded ADU provisions statewide. Pembroke Pines permits accessory dwelling units on residential lots subject to zoning and building code requirements.

Garage conversions in Pembroke Pines require building permits and must meet Florida Building Code for habitable space. Parking replacement may be required.

Pembroke Pines allows sheds and accessory structures with permits. Even small sheds may require permits due to Florida Building Code wind load requirements in the hurricane zone.

Pembroke Pines does not have a specific tiny home ordinance. Tiny homes on foundations would be regulated as accessory dwelling units under the ADU provisions adopted June 18, 2024. ADUs must be 300–1,000 sq ft, contain a kitchen and bathroom, and require one additional off-street parking space. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and subject to RV parking rules.

Pembroke Pines regulates carports under Chapter 155 (Land Development Code). Carports are classified as accessory structures under Section 155.620 and must meet setback, height, and coverage requirements for the applicable zoning district. A building permit is required for carport construction. Commercial vehicles must be parked entirely inside a garage or carport where no part extends outside the roofline.

Pembroke Pines prohibits open burning within city limits per Florida Fire Prevention Code. Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed with conditions.

Pembroke Pines allows fire pits with conditions. Fires must be in approved containers, maintain clearance from structures, use clean fuels, and be attended at all times.

Pembroke Pines follows South Florida Water Management District watering restrictions. Year-round landscape irrigation is limited to two days per week with odd/even address scheduling.

Pembroke Pines requires property owners to maintain trees and ensure they don't obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. The city arborist oversees tree management.

Pembroke Pines requires a tree removal permit per §155.674. Contact the city arborist at landscape@ppines.com or 954-392-2100. Replacement trees must be installed within 30 days of removal.