Coconut Creek, FL Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Section 13-332 creates the A-1 agricultural district, whose stated purpose is to permit agricultural production and related rural activities and to protect undeveloped areas from premature or substandard urban development. Subsection (b) lists the permitted uses: agriculture uses and buildings, single-family detached dwellings, hunt clubs and riding stables, plant and tree nurseries (sales operations excluded), public and private schools and public utilities, public outdoor leisure and conservation areas, utility facilities and accessory uses. Most of the nonresidential items point to section 13-339, which sets its own standards of a two-acre lot, a 50-foot front and side setback and a 75-foot rear setback. Golf courses need special land use approval under subsection (c).

Homes in A-1 follow subsection (d): a two-acre minimum lot, 200 feet wide and 300 feet deep, front and side setbacks of 50 feet, a rear setback of 75 feet, building height capped at 35 feet, paved area capped at 5 percent of total lot area, at least 85 percent open area and 75 percent open space. Minimum air conditioned dwelling size starts at 2,000 square feet for one bedroom and rises to 2,600 square feet for four bedrooms, and primary structures need a minimum 3:12 roof pitch with non-asphaltic roofing. Section 13-331(b) exempts A-1 and RS-1 from the rule that public water and wastewater must be available before development. Subsection (a) adds that lands in the district are rezoned when appropriate under the land use provisions of the comprehensive plan.

Livestock is handled in the animal chapter, not the zoning chapter. Section 5-5(b) bars keeping agricultural animals in any zoning district unless it is part of a bona fide farm operation on land classified as agricultural land, and the operation must conform to the relevant agricultural best management practices. Section 5-5(a) requires all farm animals to be kept so as not to create a nuisance as defined by F.S. § 823.14, the "Florida Right to Farm Act," and requires the owner of an escaped animal to recapture it immediately and tell the police department.