Development Services: Frequently Asked Questions

The Service Advisor can provide you with some assurance that the proposed activity you wish to pursue on your property is permissible under the current laws and regulations.  The Service Advisor will check to ensure that the site is properly zoned, that the site is a legal lot of record and that the type, intensity and density of your proposed activity is permissible under the current Leon County Land Development Code (LDC).  Although the Service Advisor will provide you with an informal review, you will need to submit for a formal land use determination prior to proceeding through any of the permit and approval processes at DSEM.

The Leon County Land Development Regulations provide direction on the appropriate location for accessory buildings (or pools).  Certain setbacks must be met and there are criteria in regard to size and location within the yard.  There may also be certain environmental features that need to be taken into consideration when deciding on the placement of an accessory building.  A Service Advisor can assist you with determining the best location for your accessory building or pool.

Your zoning will vary based on where you are located in the County.  Your zoning will determine what type of development can occur on your property.  In order to find out your property zoning, please call 850-606-1300 and ask for the Service Advisor in Development Services.

Yes, you can sell all or part of your land. However, in order to legally transfer the property in a manner where it can be developed, you will need to make sure it is a legal subdivision.  Therefore, prior to selling the property you will need to apply for and receive the appropriate subdivision approval. For more information on subdividing your property, please contact the Service Advisor in Development Services.

It depends on whether your zoning allows for additional dwelling units.  For more information, please contact the Service Advisor in Development Services at 850-606-1300.

It depends on several conditions ranging from zoning to size and location of the property. For more information, please contact the Service Advisor in Development Services at 850-606-1300.

No, you do not need a permit for a traditional fence (i.e. chain link, wooden, etc). You do need a permit if you are constructing a solid wall. It is also important to ensure the fence will be constructed on your property and to check with your local HOA requirements as the County is not party to private covenants or restrictions.

Yes.  You can have an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in any residential zoning district, provided the ADU contains no more than 800 square feet of heated and cooled space.  The ADU can be attached or detached to the existing principal home.  You will need to submit for a Residential Compliance Certificate (RCC) to begin this process prior to submitting a building permit.  Please contact the Service Advisor for Development Services at 850-606-1300, option 3 for more information.

Please note that any additional square footage or impervious surface area beyond the 800 SF of heated and cooled space associated with a detached ADU, such as, but not limited to a porch, garage, patio, storage room or driveway expansion, may require submittal of a Natural Features Inventory (NFI) but shall require submittal of an associated environmental management permit (EMP) to address the additional stormwater runoff created by the increase in impervious surface area.  Please contact the Service Advisor for Environmental Services at 850-606-1300 option #6 for more information prior to submittal.