Planning FAQs
I Want to....
Submit an Application
All applications such as Annexation, Comp Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Conditional Use Permit, Lot Split, Parcel Combination, etc. can be found on the Current Planning-Development Review webpage on the Community & Economic Development Department webpage. The Planning Application Checklist describes all the items necessary to submit a planning application. Visit the Citizen Portal to apply for a permit.
Check my Zoning
You can view your zoning, future land use designation, and other parcel information using the interactive web-based GIS map, which is configured to search by address and parcel ID number. Zoning determines the permitted uses of a property, along with development standards such as setbacks and allowable lot coverage. For more detailed information, please refer to the Land Development Regulations, which outline the specific standards for each zoning district. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Planning Department at 352-523-5050.
Build a Structure such as a Shed, Pool, Patio Gazebo, etc.
All structures larger than a mailbox or birdbath require a permit and must comply with the Florida Building Code. For information on permit submittal requirements and to apply, please contact the Building Department. Any associated electrical or plumbing work will also require separate permits. In addition, the structure must meet the required setbacks from the property line and from the principal structure. Setback standards specific to your zoning district can be found in Article 5 of the Land Development Regulations. Please note: there is a 30-day turnaround time for review, beginning once a complete application with plans has been submitted.
Build a Fence
Typically, a fence up to 6 feet in height is allowed behind the front plane of the residence. A privacy fence is permitted in the rear yard, while a fence up to 4 feet in height with at least 50% opacity is allowed in the front yard. For corner lots, special considerations apply, as the Land Development Regulations treat the home as having double frontage. Additional standards regarding fence placement, height, and permitted materials can be found in Article 6 of the Land Development Regulations. For information on permit submittal requirements and to apply, please contact the Building Department.
Put Up a Sign
In addition to the standard building permit requirements, a separate Sign Permit Application is required. Engineered specifications of the sign, including all dimensions, must be submitted as part of the application. Illuminated signs are permitted, but the display must remain static and cannot scroll or flash. The size of the permitted sign is based on the building’s frontage; generally, the largest allowable wall sign may be up to 150 square feet. There are separate standards for different types of signs. Ground and monument signs have their own regulations, and overhanging signs are permitted to extend up to four feet from the building, provided they maintain a clearance of at least nine feet above the sidewalk. These and other sign-related standards can be found in Article 6 of the Land Development Regulations. Temporary signs typically require a permit as well. They may not be displayed for more than 24 calendar weeks and are limited to a maximum size of 32 square feet and a height of 8 feet. Temporary signs may not be located within the public right-of-way or placed in a way that obstructs the required sight triangle.
Build a Residential Addition
All residential additions require a permit. Development standards—including height, setbacks, and lot coverage—are determined by the property's zoning district and must be met as part of the permitting process. To find the zoning for a specific property, you can use the City’s interactive web-based GIS map. Simply enter the address to identify the zoning designation, then refer to Article 5 of the Land Development Regulations for the corresponding setback and development standards. If the property is located within a Planned Development (PD) or a subdivision governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), the City’s standards still apply and will supersede any additional neighborhood-specific requirements. For clarification or to confirm applicable development standards, please contact the Planning Division directly.
Connect to Dade City Utilities
Currently, we are only servicing new construction projects that have pre-existing Dade City Utilities Service Agreements. At this time, all available wastewater capacity has been fully allocated to site developers within Dade City. City, County, and State officials are actively working to secure funding and are in the preliminary design phase for a new wastewater treatment facility. However, until that facility is operational, we do not have the capacity to accommodate any additional developments. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact the Utilities Department.
Operate a Business from My Property
First, determine whether the proposed use is compatible with the zoning district of your property. You can identify the zoning designation by using the City’s interactive web-based GIS map —simply enter the address to locate the appropriate zoning. Once identified, refer to Article 4 of the Land Development Regulations for the table of allowable land uses. Many of the use categories listed in the table pertain to traditional business models with brick-and-mortar operations, on-site employees, and associated parking standards. However, more contemporary at-home businesses, such as e-commerce or professional work that does not involve clients visiting the property, are generally permissible. That said, there are restrictions on many home-based businesses, with the exception of group living homes for six or fewer adults. The intent of the code is to limit walk-up traffic in residential areas in order to preserve neighborhood character.
Build a New Driveway
Please complete the Right-of-Way Permit Application before beginning any construction or work within the public right-of-way. The application must include a to-scale drawing that clearly shows the full scope of the proposed work for City review. All work must be designed to avoid interference with existing Public Utilities or other components of the Public Works system.