Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I find out how my property is zoned?
Yes, if your property is in unincorporated Volusia County, you can look up the zoning classification at the following link: Connect Live - Volusia County, Florida (vcgov.org)
You will need a tax parcel ID to look up the property. The tax parcel number is a twelve-digit number found on your tax bill or tax receipt, or on the Property Appraiser’s website (Volusia County Property Appraiser's Office (vcgov.org)). It is a twelve-digit number that assists the Zoning Technician in locating your property. Please note, the information provided by Connect Live may not accurately reflect active Code Violations on a property or recent updates to the Code of Ordinances.
To search by a map, use the Growth and Resource Management Interactive Map at Open Folders in AMANDA (arcgis.com)
Q. Do I need to submit documents on my building permit application for zoning review?
Yes, a building permit application shall include a current parcel survey (signed and sealed by a professional land surveyor) dated within the last 5 years, and a site plan drawn to scale showing the shape and dimensions of the lot, any existing structures, size and location of the proposed structure, use of any existing structures, the intended use of each proposed structure, the number of dwelling units, and the location of any existing roads, any platted rights-of-way, any platted easements, water bodies, water courses, and wetlands.
Q. Can I find my building setbacks online?
Yes, a building setback is the required distance that a building must be located from the property lines. Building setbacks are determined by your zoning classification. Using the twelve-digit parcel number, you can find the zoning classification at the following link: Connect Live - Volusia County, Florida (vcgov.org) Click on the blue hyperlink for a list of permitted uses, special exceptions, and dimensional requirements.
Q. Is my lot eligible for a building permit?
Not all properties are eligible for a building permit. The property must comply with subdivision regulations and have legal and physical access. A Zoning Technician can verify this for you when you provide a tax parcel number. You can reach a Zoning Technician at (386) 736-5959 Ext. 12719 or zoning@volusia.org.
Q. Can my lot be subdivided?
Every zoning classification requires a minimum lot size. Each piece of property has a Zoning Classification and a Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Designation. These two documents and the Volusia County Land Development Code govern how a property can be divided. The Zoning Technician will need a tax parcel number to answer your inquiry. You can reach a Zoning Technician at (386) 736-5959 Ext. 12719 or zoning@volusia.org.
Q. Is there a difference between a modular and mobile home dwelling?
Yes, a modular home dwelling is built to Florida Building Code. A mobile home dwelling is built to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards and is built on a permanent chassis and installed on a permanent or temporary foundation (concrete pads, dry-stacked blocks, and tie-downs).
Q. Can I put a mobile home on my property?
Mobile homes are permitted on a vested lot or lawfully established mobile home park and in a zoning classification that allows mobile home dwellings: MH-1, MH-2, MH-3, MH-3, MH-4, MH-5, MH-6, MH-7, MH-8, FR, RC, RA, RR, A-1, A-2, A-3, and A-4.
Q. Are short-term rentals allowed on my residential property?
No, short-term rentals are not permitted in single-family residential zoning classifications. Short-term rentals are only permitted in zoning classifications that permit hotels or motels as a permitted principal use. Short-term rentals are defined as periods of less than 30 days. Contact the zoning office for specific information regarding your property.
Q. Can I run a business out of my home?
Yes, home-based businesses may be permitted in accordance with state law and the Volusia Code of Ordinances. It does not allow client visits or large deliveries of stock or commodities. The specific regulation regarding employees, equipment and storage of commodities is contained in Sec 72-283 of the Volusia County Zoning Ordinance, as amended. A copy of this Ordinance can be obtained from our office.
Please note, there are some planned unit developments that do not allow their residents to conduct a home business.
Q. Can I put a fence on my property, where and how high can it be?
Yes, the fence must be placed on the inside of your property line. There is no setback required for a fence. In general, fences in residentially zoned areas, cannot exceed six feet along the rear and side yards of an interior lot and four feet within a front lot yard. Regulations differ for waterfront lots, corner lots and lots abutting a golf course. Fences must be erected with the finished side facing the adjoining lot or any abutting right-or-way. Call the Zoning Office when planning your fence construction. Fence permits are not required for agriculturally zoned properties (A-1, A-2, A-3, and A-4, FR, RA).
Q. Can I have a Community Residential Home in my neighborhood?
Yes, state and county law allow up to six unrelated people to reside in a house without any special permit from the Zoning Office. More than 6 unrelated people in a dwelling unit will require special exception approval from the Volusia County Council.
Q. Is an accessory dwelling unit allowed?
Yes, certain residential zoning classifications allow accessory dwelling units, which can be attached or detached to a principal dwelling. Contact the zoning office for specific information regarding your property or reference section 72-277 of the zoning ordinance: Sec. 72-277. - Accessory structures and exceptions to minimum dimensional requirements; accessory dwelling units. | Code of Ordinances | Volusia County, FL | Municode Library .
Q. What is the Resource Corridor Zoning Classification?
This classification was created to protect the areas of the county identified as Environmental System Corridor on the Future Land Use Map. Call the Zoning Office for specific information regarding your property.
Q. Can I park my boat or RV on my property?
Yes, if the property has a permitted residential dwelling. In residential zoning classifications, boats, RV’s and utility trailers are required to be parked behind or beside the dwelling unit. They must not be located in front yards and must be set back at least five feet when in side or rear yards. Boats and RV’s may not be parked on vacant property. For specific regulations contact the Zoning Office. This does not address HOA restrictions.
Q. Can I rezone my property?
No, though you can submit a rezoning application. County Council has the authority to approve or deny rezoning applications. You may also download the Rezoning Application from our website. A pre-application meeting with a planner is the next step in the process. This meeting is at no cost to you and can be very helpful in the rezoning process. The rezoning process involves two public hearings.
Q. Can I put a storage shed in my back yard, and how close to the property line can it be placed?
Yes, if there is a permitted principal structure on the property. Typically, a storage shed must be located in side or rear yards may be located no closer than a minimum distance of five feet from the corresponding lot lines. If your shed or storage building is over 500 square feet, then that structure must meet the same setbacks as the principal structure. However, if you live on a waterbody, a corner lot, or if your property is subject to easements, this could change. Please call the Zoning office to verify your zoning setbacks and your particular situation.
Q. Can I put a carport in front of my garage?
Yes, in most residential areas, a carport may only be placed in front of a residence if it is attached to the residence and meets the front yard building setback requirement for the area in which it is constructed. This does not address private HOA restrictions.
Q. I have a lot of things to store. Is there a limit to the size of the storage shed I can put on my property?
Yes, the Ordinance does not reference a maximum size for storage sheds or other types of accessory structures. However, there is a 35% maximum lot coverage requirement for most residential areas that would include all buildings and structures on the property.
Q. I own the lot next to the one I live on. Can I put a storage shed on the vacant lot?
No, in most residential areas, you may build a storage shed or other types of accessory structures on an adjacent vacant lot only if you combine the two lots to one unified lot. This is accomplished through our Land Development Office and may also involve vacating any easements that may be between the lots.
Q. In residential zoning, can I build a garage or storage shed before I build my house?
Yes, only if you have obtained a building permit for the single-family dwelling (the principal structure) first. In agricultural zones, a principal structure may consist of a barn or other agricultural use building.
Q. Does my pool or other accessory structure have to meet the same setbacks as my house?
Generally, no. For a swimming pool, or other accessory structure less than 500 square feet in area, setbacks are usually less than the required principal structure setbacks, but these accessory structures can only be located in rear or side yards, not in the required front yard area (see section 72-277(a)(4) of the ordinance). Call the Zoning office for specific information regarding your property.
Q. Is there a limit to how many horses are allowed per acre of land?
No, provided the zoning allows horses/livestock. Horses are permitted in the following zoning classifications: A-1 (Prime Agriculture), A-2 (Rural Agriculture), A-3 (Transitional Agriculture), A-4 (Transitional Agriculture), RR (Rural Residential), RA (Rural Agriculture Estate), RC (Resource Corridor), FR (Forestry Resource), MH-3 (Rural Mobile Home), MH-4 (Rural Mobile Home), and MH-8 (Rural Mobile Home).
Q. Does my fence have to face "good side" toward neighbor?
Yes, fences must have the "good side" facing out in all classifications.
Q. May I obtain a copy of Volusia County Zoning Ordinance?
Yes, the Ordinance is accessible on the internet at ARTICLE II. - ZONING | Code of Ordinances | Volusia County, FL | Municode Library .
Q. I live on waterfront property. Can I build a dock and boathouse?
Yes, docks and boathouses are permitted on waterfront property, subject to Section 72-282 of the Zoning Ordinance. Docks must be constructed no closer than 15 feet to the side lot lines, or their extension into the water. Per the Ordinance, a dock includes the pier, platform, walkway or boathouse extending over water. The structure may not have more than 750 square feet of area, excluding walkway extensions, and shall not be higher than 15 feet above the mean high-water mark. They may not be used for dwelling purposes or contain any sleeping or living quarters. Building permits are required and, in certain instances, permits will be required from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and/or the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
Q. How do I get an agricultural exemption?
Agricultural exemptions are processed through the Property Appraiser’s office. In addition to agricultural zoning, the property must be primarily used for Bonafide agricultural purpose. FOr more information, please click here: Agriculture | Volusia County Property Appraiser's Office (vcgov.org)
You can contact the Property Appraiser’s Office at (386) 775-5257 for more information.
Q. How do I look up permit applications or violations on a property?
You can look up this information up using the address or parcel number on Connect Live: Connect Live - Volusia County, Florida (vcgov.org)
Q. Where can I find more information on zoning code violations and enforcement?
