Davie Florida Lot Sizes: What You Can Build

What should I know about Davie Florida Lot Sizes: What You Can Build?

What Are Davie’s Primary Residential Zoning Classifications?

Davie’s Land Development Code defines multiple residential zones with distinct minimum lot sizes and density allowances. The primary residential zones are R-1, R-2, and the agricultural and equestrian designations that cover significant portions of western and central Davie.

The R-1 zone covers conventional single-family residential development with a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet. R-1 is the most common classification in established Davie neighborhoods including Forest Ridge, Westridge, and Stirling Lakes. In R-1, you are building one single-family home on the lot. Accessory structures are permitted subject to setback and coverage requirements.

The R-2 zone allows for smaller minimum lot sizes and in some configurations allows duplex development. R-2 designations in Davie are concentrated in older residential areas with existing higher-density housing stock.

Agricultural and equestrian zoning covers large portions of western Davie. Minimum lot sizes in these zones run from one acre to five acres depending on the specific designation. These zones are what give Davie its equestrian character. Horse keeping, agricultural structures, barns, and paddocks are permitted uses in these zones subject to the Town’s specific use standards. See the Davie Florida neighborhoods guide for which areas of the town these zones cover.

What Setbacks Apply to Davie Properties?

Setbacks define the minimum distance a structure must maintain from each property boundary. In Davie, setbacks vary by zone and by the type of structure being built. Principal structures (your house) have different setbacks than accessory structures (a detached garage, a pool house, a barn).

In the R-1 zone, typical setback requirements are a front setback of 25 feet, side setbacks of 7.5 feet per side, and a rear setback of 25 feet. These figures are derived from the Town of Davie Land Development Code, which governs all land use decisions within the municipality. The Land Development Code is the authoritative reference for any specific project. Setbacks for corner lots are modified because both street-facing sides are treated as front or corner-side yards with their own requirements.

Agricultural and equestrian zones have different setback rules scaled to the larger lot sizes. Structures on a 5-acre parcel in an agricultural zone are subject to setbacks measured from the property boundaries of that parcel, not from adjacent roads or neighbors’ driveways.

Maximum building height in Davie residential zones is typically 35 feet for principal structures in standard residential zones, though specific applications may differ. Any project that varies from standard setbacks or height limits requires a variance, which is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board and voted on by the Town Council.

How Do I Find the Zoning Classification for Any Davie Parcel?

The Broward County Property Appraiser database at bcpa.net is the first resource. A search by address returns the parcel record, which includes the land use code and in many cases a reference to the zoning classification. The BCPA data tells you what is currently assessed and permitted on the parcel, and gives you the folio number you need to pull additional records.

For the authoritative zoning designation, the Town of Davie Planning and Zoning Division maintains the official zoning map. The planning division is accessible through davie-fl.gov. If you are evaluating a parcel for a specific development purpose, a pre-application meeting with Town of Davie Planning and Zoning is the right starting point before any formal application is filed.

The zoning classification determines permitted uses, accessory uses, and conditional uses. A conditional use is one that is allowed in the zone but requires a separate approval process and public hearing. Horse keeping in certain residential zones adjacent to equestrian areas is an example of a conditional use in some Davie zoning districts.

Overlay districts add another layer. Parts of Davie near the Broward County line or in specific planning areas may have overlay designations that modify the base zone requirements. Any parcel evaluation should check both the base zone and any applicable overlay.

What Can You Build on a Davie Agricultural Parcel?

Agricultural parcels in Davie are among the most flexible in Broward County in terms of what is permitted. On a properly zoned agricultural parcel, permitted structures typically include the primary residence, barns, stables, workshops, accessory dwelling units subject to specific code provisions, and agricultural support structures.

Davie is known regionally for its equestrian community. The Town of Davie’s zoning code specifically addresses equestrian uses including stabling, riding arenas, and trail access. Long Lake Ranches, portions of the area west of University Drive, and several non-gated estate neighborhoods in western Davie are built on parcels ranging from 1 to several acres with equestrian uses permitted as a matter of right in certain zones.

If you are purchasing an agricultural parcel with the intent to build a barn or equestrian facility, verify the current zoning designation with the Town of Davie Planning Division and confirm that your intended use is a permitted use in that zone. Some agricultural designations have changed over time as Davie’s development pattern has shifted, and a parcel that was agricultural a decade ago may have a different current classification.

Lot coverage limits also apply in agricultural zones. Even on a 5-acre parcel, total impervious surface coverage (all structures, driveways, and paved areas) is limited to a percentage of the lot area defined in the code. This limit shapes how much you can build before triggering stormwater permitting requirements and coverage variances.

What Permits Are Required to Build in Davie?

All construction in Davie requires a building permit issued through the Town of Davie Building Division. Permit applications are reviewed by Building, Planning, and where applicable Engineering before approval. Accessory structures go through a more streamlined review than new principal structures or projects requiring a variance.

Complex projects, including any construction that varies from setback requirements, must go through the Planning and Zoning Board before the building permit is issued. The Town of Davie Building Division is accessible at davie-fl.gov. A pre-application consultation with Town staff before submitting a formal application saves time on larger projects.

Projects near Davie’s canal network may also require South Florida Water Management District permits for environmental impacts to wetlands or drainage infrastructure, in addition to the local building permit.

For buyers evaluating a Davie parcel with development plans, the Davie Florida property taxes 2026 guide explains how new construction affects assessed value. New construction triggers reassessment regardless of the prior owner’s Save Our Homes protection.

To discuss a specific parcel or the development potential of a property you are considering, reach out through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum lot size in Davie Florida residential zones?

The R-1 single-family residential zone has a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet. Agricultural and equestrian zones in western Davie require significantly larger parcels, typically one acre to five acres depending on the specific zoning designation.

How do I look up the zoning for a specific Davie parcel?

Start with the Broward County Property Appraiser at bcpa.net to get the folio number and land use code. For the authoritative zoning designation, contact the Town of Davie Planning and Zoning Division through davie-fl.gov or review the town’s official zoning map.

Can I build a barn or horse stable on a Davie property?

Agricultural and equestrian zones in western Davie permit barns, stables, and equestrian facilities as permitted or conditional uses. The specific zone classification and any applicable overlay designations determine what is permitted on a given parcel. Verify with Town of Davie Planning before purchasing.

What are the setback requirements in Davie R-1 zones?

In the R-1 zone, standard setbacks are 25 feet front, 7.5 feet per side, and 25 feet rear for principal structures. Corner lots and accessory structures have modified requirements. The Town of Davie Land Development Code is the authoritative source for setback requirements on any specific parcel.

Do I need a permit for an accessory structure on my Davie lot?

Yes. All construction in Davie requires a building permit from the Town of Davie Building Division. This includes accessory structures such as detached garages, workshops, sheds over a certain size, and pool enclosures. Permit application information is available at davie-fl.gov.

How does lot coverage work in Davie residential zones?

Lot coverage limits define the maximum percentage of a lot that can be covered by impervious surfaces including the principal structure, accessory structures, driveways, and paved areas. Exceeding the coverage limit requires a variance or a different project design. Specific limits vary by zone in the Town of Davie Land Development Code.

What is the height limit for residential structures in Davie?

The standard maximum building height in Davie residential zones is 35 feet for principal structures. Specific zones and overlay districts may have different limits. Projects exceeding the standard height limit require a variance through the Planning and Zoning Board and Town Council approval.

Anthony Spitaleri is a Broker Associate and REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Weston, serving Davie and the surrounding Broward County markets. He has lived in Davie since 2002 and works exclusively with buyers and sellers in the area. To discuss your move or sale, schedule a call at /contact/.

Additional authoritative resources:

• Market data: U.S. Census Bureau (Data Explorer)

Anthony Spitaleri
Living in Davie Florida
954-235-5783
Davie, Florida
livingindavieflorida.com

About Anthony Spitaleri

Anthony Spitaleri is a top real estate agent in Davie, Florida and a Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker. A Davie native with deep knowledge of the local market, Anthony created livingindavieflorida.com, the most comprehensive Davie real estate resource available, featuring in-depth guides for all 52 Davie neighborhoods including Long Lake Ranches, Hawkes Bluff, Ivanhoe Estates, Rolling Hills, and Shenandoah. The site provides original weekly market data, interactive tools including a Flood Zone Checker, School Zone Finder, and HOA Fee Comparison, and a 24/7 AI concierge that answers Davie real estate questions. Anthony specializes in luxury homes and estates above $1 million, acreage properties with no HOA, and relocation buyers moving to Davie from out of state. He is a Certified Strategic Coach through Coaching Services International (CSI), an active member of the Davie Cooper City Chamber of Commerce, and a weekly volunteer at Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Davie. His data driven, neighborhood level approach to pricing, marketing, and negotiation reflects his belief that Davie’s 52 distinct communities, variable flood zones, and diverse HOA structures demand a specialist, not a generalist.

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Article”,
“headline”: “Davie Florida Lot Sizes: What You Can Build”,
“description”: “Davie FL lot sizes range from 7,500 sq ft in R-1 zones to multi-acre agricultural parcels. What zoning allows, setback rules, BCPA parcel lookup, and permit requirements explained.”,
“datePublished”: “2026-05-04”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Anthony Spitaleri”,
“jobTitle”: “Broker Associate, REALTOR”,
“worksFor”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Coldwell Banker”
},
“sameAs”: [
“https://livingindavieflorida.com/about/”,
“https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyspitaleri/”
]
},
“mainEntityOfPage”: “https://livingindavieflorida.com/davie-florida-lot-sizes-what-you-can-build/”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Living in Davie Florida”,
“url”: “https://livingindavieflorida.com”
}
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the minimum lot size in Davie Florida residential zones?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The R-1 single-family residential zone has a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet. Agricultural and equestrian zones in western Davie require significantly larger parcels, typically one acre to five acres depending on the specific zoning designation.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I look up the zoning for a specific Davie parcel?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Start with the Broward County Property Appraiser at bcpa.net to get the folio number and land use code. For the authoritative zoning designation, contact the Town of Davie Planning and Zoning Division through davie-fl.gov or review the town’s official zoning map.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I build a barn or horse stable on a Davie property?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Agricultural and equestrian zones in western Davie permit barns, stables, and equestrian facilities as permitted or conditional uses. The specific zone classification and any applicable overlay designations determine what is permitted on a given parcel. Verify with Town of Davie Planning before purchasing.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What are the setback requirements in Davie R-1 zones?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “In the R-1 zone, standard setbacks are 25 feet front, 7.5 feet per side, and 25 feet rear for principal structures. Corner lots and accessory structures have modified requirements. The Town of Davie Land Development Code is the authoritative source for setback requirements on any specific parcel.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Do I need a permit for an accessory structure on my Davie lot?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. All construction in Davie requires a building permit from the Town of Davie Building Division. This includes accessory structures such as detached garages, workshops, sheds over a certain size, and pool enclosures. Permit application information is available at davie-fl.gov.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How does lot coverage work in Davie residential zones?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Lot coverage limits define the maximum percentage of a lot that can be covered by impervious surfaces including the principal structure, accessory structures, driveways, and paved areas. Exceeding the coverage limit requires a variance or a different project design. Specific limits vary by zone in the Town of Davie Land Development Code.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the height limit for residential structures in Davie?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The standard maximum building height in Davie residential zones is 35 feet for principal structures. Specific zones and overlay districts may have different limits. Projects exceeding the standard height limit require a variance through the Planning and Zoning Board and Town Council approval.”
}
}
]
}