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

Zephyrhills requires the finished side of fences to face outward toward neighbors. Fences must be installed on the property owner's side of the lot line. Florida's spite fence statute (FL §823.11) applies. Water meters must not be fenced in without prior approval.

Zephyrhills regulates fences under LDC Section 7.06.00 and Ordinance 1393-19. Front yard fences cannot exceed 4 feet within the 20-foot front setback. Side yard fences up to 6 feet are allowed beyond the 20-foot front setback. Rear yard fences cannot exceed 6 feet.

Zephyrhills requires permits for all new and replaced fences. Applications require a plot plan showing water meters, easements, and property lines. Permit fees are $45 for 0-100 feet plus $10 per additional 100 feet. Property markers must be exposed during final inspection.

Zephyrhills enforces the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515). At least one approved safety feature is required: pool barrier, safety cover, door/window alarms, or self-closing devices. Failure to comply is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Swimming pool barriers in Zephyrhills must comply with Florida Building Code and the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515). Barriers must be at least 48 inches high. Building permits are required through the Zephyrhills Building Department (813-780-0020).

Above-ground pools in Zephyrhills must comply with Florida Building Code barrier requirements and FL §515. Pools with walls 48 inches or higher may serve as their own barrier if access points are secured. Building permits are required for permanent installations.

Garage conversions in Zephyrhills require a building permit and compliance with Florida Building Code. Converted spaces must meet minimum parking requirements for the zoning district and all habitable space standards.

Accessory dwelling units in Zephyrhills are regulated under LDC Part 7.09.29 (Accessory Dwelling Units). The city has specific ADU provisions in its Land Development Code. Building permits are required and ADUs must comply with zoning district standards.

Zephyrhills regulates carports as accessory structures under Part 7.09.01.01 of the Land Development Code, with additional density, area and setback standards in Table 7.01.01. A building permit is required for all carports, and the Florida Building Code (FBC 2023) wind-load standards for the Zephyrhills design wind speed (~140 mph) apply. Confirm specific zoning-district setbacks with the Planning Department at 813-780-0000.

Sheds and accessory structures in Zephyrhills are regulated under LDC Part 7.09.01.01 (Accessory Uses and Structures). The city's code enforcement enforces minimum housing standards covering the integrity of accessory structures. Sheds under 150 sq ft generally do not require a permit but must have tie-downs and meet setbacks.

Recreational fire pits in Zephyrhills must comply with Florida Fire Prevention Code. Fires must be contained in an approved fire pit and maintained at safe distances from structures and combustible materials. Must be attended at all times.

Outdoor burning in Zephyrhills is regulated by the city code and Florida Forest Service guidelines. Open burning requires compliance with FL Admin Code 5I-2 and may require authorization from the Florida Department of Agriculture. Recreational fires in contained devices are generally permitted under state rules.

Tree trimming in Zephyrhills is regulated through the Land Development Code. Dead trees and limbs must be removed as part of property maintenance. Pasco County's tree preservation ordinance (Section 802) also applies with mitigation fees of $75/inch for standard trees and $150/inch for heritage trees.

Tree removal in Zephyrhills is subject to the LDC Article IV (Natural and Cultural Resources) and Pasco County's tree preservation ordinance. Heritage trees (live oaks 34"+ diameter, Southern magnolias 24"+) require $150/inch mitigation. Standard trees require $75/inch.

Zephyrhills follows SWFWMD water restrictions enforced through Pasco County. Lawn irrigation is limited to one day per week under the current Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order through July 2026. Watering hours are 6 PM–8 AM for potable water, midnight–8 AM for reclaimed water.