Zoning

Our main goal and responsibility at the Zoning Division is to serve the public and support the community. Every project matters to us, and we work hard to promote proper land use and development by following the guidelines set in the Unified Land Development Code. To continue providing excellent service and ensure we have the resources to review and inspect projects promptly, we are introducing some new steps. These will help give our neighbors the time they need for review and discussions, making the Zoning review process smoother and more efficient for everyone.

The Zoning Division can assist with:

  • General Zoning Questions
  • Banner Sign Event Permit Application
  • Board of Adjustment (BOA) Processes
  • Zoning Verification Letters

For questions, help or to request a meeting contact us at Zoning@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-6520. Walk-in hours for simple inquires are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 10 am.

 

 

Board of Adjustment

The purpose of the Board of Adjustment (BOA) is to review applications for temporary nonconforming use permits, special exceptions, and variances to the Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR). The BOA has the authority to grant relief when permitted under the ULDR. Additionally, the board reviews and decides on appeals related to interpretations, applications, or decisions made by administrative officials in enforcing the ULDR.

To have your application considered at a BOA meeting, please submit a complete BOA Application(PDF, 991KB) package. All required documents are due by the date of the deadline noted for each meeting. The final completed application is due one month prior to the actual meeting date. If you have questions about the process, or if you'd like to request a variance or special exception meeting with staff, please contact us at 954-828-6520 or BoardofAdjustment@fortlauderdale.gov.

For more information about past or upcoming BOA agendas, meeting results, minutes, or supporting documents, visit the Board of Adjustment page.

Key Dates

Meeting Date: Second Wednesday of every month. BOA meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department- Community Center Meeting Room, 1300 West Broward Boulevard, Community Room #1004, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.

Sign Affidavit Due Date: Five (5) days before a meeting.

Public Sign Notification Deadline: 15 days before a meeting.

Application Deadline: 2026 BOA Meeting Dates/Deadlines(PDF, 103KB)  detailed schedule.
All applications must be completed and submitted by 5:00 PM on the Application Deadline date.

2026 BOA Meeting Dates and Application Deadlines 

Meeting Date Application Deadline
January 14, 2026 December 5, 2025
February 11, 2026 January 9, 2026
March 11, 2026 February 6, 2026
April 8, 2026 March 6, 2026
May 13, 2026 April 3, 2026
June 10, 2026 May 8, 2026
July 8, 2026 June 5, 2026
August 12, 2026 July 6, 2026
September 09, 2026 *This meeting date has been rescheduled to September 17, 2026 August 7, 2026
October 14, 2026 September 4, 2026
November 10, 2026 October 9, 2026
December 9, 2026 November 6, 2026

Zoning FAQ

Can I install a fence along my front property line by the street?

Only if you are located within the Riverland annexed and any of the Broward County zoned areas. Fences within the City zoned areas must be setback a minimum of 3 feet from all street side property lines. Fences may never be installed within a required sight triangle.

Can I install a fence along my seawall?

No, nothing but a mooring device can be installed or attached to a seawall.

Has the seawall ordinance changed?

Yes, as of July 1st, 2016. You can obtain a copy of the new ordinance here: Seawall Ordinance

Please note that the seawall ordinance is in the process of being updated again. Stay tuned for updates.

Can I install a pool in my front yard?

Yes, but it must be a minimum of 5 feet from all property lines.

Can I install a dock on Seminole Lake or any other privately owned waterway?

Yes, if you have written permission from the property owner of the waterway. This must be submitted with the dock application package.

Do interior signs need a permit?

Yes. All interior signs need to have signed and sealed shop drawings by a Florida licensed Engineer. They do not need wind load calculations.

Can I install a sign as owner/builder?

The only sign that would be allowed for installation as an Owner Builder would be a painted sign on an existing wall, if allowed by the ULDR, a zoning permit is required.

What is a sight triangle?

Sight triangle: A triangular shaped portion of land established for unobstructed visibility of motorists entering or leaving a street or driveway intersection in which nothing, whether stationary or movable (i.e., vehicles, vehicular maneuvering area, signs, landscaping or objects of any kind) is permitted to be located between a height of two and one-half (2½) and eight (8) feet above the elevation of the adjoining edge of pavement. An exception to the prohibition is a tree with clear trunk between two and one-half (2½) and eight (8) feet. Sight triangles shall be provided at the following locations:

  1. The intersection of an alley or street and a driveway, or
  2. The intersection of an alley and a street, or
  3. The intersection of a street and a street.

What are the different sizes of sight triangles?

Sec. 47-2.2., Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Measurements:

A triangular shaped area of land, as defined in Section 47-35, Definitions, and measured as follows:

  1. Ten (10) feet from the intersection point of the edge of a driveway and curb, or in the event that there is no curb, the edge of the alley or street pavement; or
  2. Fifteen (15) feet from the intersection point of the extended property lines at an alley and a street; or
  3. Twenty-five (25) feet from the intersection point of the extended property lines at a street and a street.

What is the zoning for my property?

To find the zoning for your property visit City of Fort Lauderdale Property Reporter GIS.

  1. Enter the property address
  2. Select Expand All

What are the permitted uses for my property?

Visit City of Fort Lauderdale Unified Land Development Code.

  1. Type the zoning district in the search area, then press enter
  2. Select the "Permitted and Conditional Uses" option

I have additional Zoning questions, who should I contact?

Zoning staff is available to answer general questions by phone, email and in person.

Phone

954-828-6520, option 4

In Person

Development Services Department
700 N.W. 19th Avenue,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311

Zoning Plans Examiners are available Monday- Friday between 8am-10:30am

Email

Michael Rinkus
mrinkus@fortlauderdale.gov

David Dunshee
ddunshee@fortlauderdale.gov

James Hollingsworth
jhollingsworth@fortlauderdale.gov

Note: In your email, please include the property address/folio number, survey, plans, and your detailed question(s). In some cases, a meeting with staff may be recommended.

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