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

Pompano Beach regulates retaining walls through building permit requirements. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineered plans. Retaining walls must not redirect stormwater onto adjacent properties. The 2023 Florida Building Code with Broward County HVHZ provisions governs structural requirements. Coastal properties may have additional requirements for seawall-type retaining walls.

Pompano Beach Zoning Code §155.5302 sets residential fence heights at 4 feet in front yards, 6 feet in interior side/rear yards. Street side yards allow 6 feet if set back 4 feet from the lot line. Waterway-adjacent lots have special transparency rules.

Pompano Beach allows fences along property perimeters under Section 155.5302. Florida is not a shared fence cost state. Fences must be placed entirely on the owner's property. The finished side should face outward per general practice. Height limits vary by yard location. Disputes between neighbors are civil matters resolved through the courts.

Pompano Beach requires permits for fence construction. Applications are processed through the Building Inspections Department. Fences must comply with Zoning Code Section 155.5302 for height, placement, and material requirements. A survey may be required to verify property boundaries. Pool barriers have separate requirements under FL Statute 515.

Pompano Beach requires pool safety barriers under FL Statute 515 and the Florida Building Code. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and lockable. Natural barriers (hedges) may qualify if they meet Building Code requirements. Pool permits are not issued without barrier compliance. Barrier requirements extend to hot tubs and spas.

Above-ground pools in Pompano Beach are subject to the same safety barrier requirements as in-ground pools under FL Statute 515 and the Florida Building Code. A 48-inch barrier is required. Building permits are needed for installation. Electrical work must comply with the NEC. Pool water must be maintained in sanitary condition.

Pompano Beach requires pool safety fencing under FL Statute 515 and the Florida Building Code. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Natural barriers (hedges) may qualify if code-compliant. Pool permits are not issued without barrier compliance. Regular maintenance of barriers is mandatory.

Hot tubs and spas in Pompano Beach must comply with FL Statute 515 pool safety requirements. A barrier or ASTM F1346 approved locking safety cover is required. Building and electrical permits are needed. Equipment noise must comply with Chapter 97. Water must be maintained in sanitary condition per property maintenance code.

Pompano Beach requires building, electrical, and plumbing permits for swimming pool construction. Pool permits are not issued without barrier compliance under FL Statute 515. Plans must show compliance with the Florida Building Code. The Building Inspections Department processes applications. Multiple inspections are required during construction.

Pompano Beach enforces pool safety under FL Statute 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act). All pools require barriers of at least 48 inches. Residential pool alarms may be required. Door and window alarms for pool access are recommended. Pool enclosures must prevent unsupervised child access. Regular safety inspections apply to rental properties with pools.

Garage conversions to ADUs are permitted in Pompano Beach under §155.4303.A, subject to standard ADU rules (1,000 sq ft max, 25% of principal). Converted garages must provide replacement off-street parking. Garages/carports must be 20 feet from the street side lot line (§155.4303.P).

Pompano Beach allows one ADU per single-family lot under §155.4303.A, capped at the lesser of 1,000 sq ft or 25% of the principal dwelling. ADUs may be attached or detached. 1-2 off-street parking spaces required. FL §163.31771 (2024) requires cities over 75K to allow ADUs.

Storage sheds in Pompano Beach are regulated under §155.4303.FF. Maximum size is 20% of the principal structure area (minimum 300 sq ft allowed). Must be at least 3 feet from side/rear lot lines. Structures closer than 5 feet to a lot line require 6-foot screening fence or 5-foot hedge.

Pompano Beach regulates carports as accessory structures under Zoning Code Section 155.4303. Carports require building permits and must comply with setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for the applicable zoning district. The city follows the 2023 Florida Building Code with Broward County HVHZ provisions for structural standards.

Pompano Beach regulates accessory dwelling units and small structures under the Zoning Code Part 3 (Accessory Uses and Structures). Tiny homes on permanent foundations may qualify as ADUs if they meet minimum habitable space requirements under the Florida Building Code. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent residences.

Open burning in Pompano Beach is regulated by Chapter 95 (Fire Prevention) and Broward County open burning rules. Burning rubbish requires a permit under §95.07. Bonfires on public streets prohibited under §95.04. Recreational campfires with untreated wood are allowed under state rules if attended.

Recreational fire pits are allowed in Pompano Beach under state rules if they use untreated wood, are attended at all times, and fully extinguished before leaving. Must comply with Broward County setback and nuisance rules. FL Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1) adopted per §95.02.

Pompano Beach does not require a permit for tree trimming, but trimming must be performed by a Broward County Licensed Tree Trimmer. Section 155.5204 (Tree Preservation) prohibits severe pruning, topping, or shaping trees as shrubs. Trees that have been topped no longer count toward required buffering. Sight visibility triangles must be maintained at intersections.

Pompano Beach requires a Tree Permit (§155.2411) before removing, relocating, or substantially altering any tree. All palms are protected. Applications must be submitted by a Broward County Registered Tree Trimmer with ISA Certified Arborist assessment. Fees doubled for unpermitted work.

Pompano Beach follows SFWMD year-round landscape irrigation rules. Watering is limited to two days per week (odd/even address schedule). Irrigation is prohibited between 10 AM and 4 PM. The city promotes Florida-friendly landscaping to reduce water use. Drought conditions may trigger additional restrictions. Broward County may impose supplemental water use rules.