Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am installing a fence; do I need a permit?

A. Fences  require a permit and there are certain rules and regulations that restrict their height and placement. Please call us for further information.

Q. What are the setbacks for my lot?

A.Standard Four Sided Lot

	Main Structure	Accessory Structure
Front	30′	30′
Side	8′	5′
Rear	30′	5′

Corner Lot

The setbacks for structures located on a corner lot are dependent on the way the structure is situated on the lot. It is too difficult for City staff to ascertain the setbacks and a plot plan must be submitted before the setbacks can be determined. Please call us for further information.

****Please remember that all setbacks are measured from the eave of the structure!****

Q. I am building a small storage shed in my backyard; do I need a permit?

A. Yes, a permit is required for any type of accessory structure on your property.  A maximum of two (2) accessory structures are permitted on each property.

Q. What is the maximum building height?

A. Building heights are determined by zoning district; however, the maximum height of any building is 35 feet measured from average grade.

Q. When building in the City of Gulf Breeze, do I also need a Santa Rosa County Building Permit?

A. Yes.

Q. I am replacing my roof; do I need a permit?

A. The City does not require a permit if you are only replacing the shingles; however, Santa Rosa County requires a permit. If you make changes to the roof line, a permit from the City will be required.

Q. I am pouring a driveway, do I need a permit?

A. A new driveway requires a site plan which shows the layout and the type, location, and diameter of existing trees in the proposed driveway area. Pouring a driveway in violation of the city’s code can be a costly mistake. Never pour a driveway so that it drains water off onto the adjacent property owner. And, know the 40% coverage rule:

Sec. 18-78. – Parking of vehicles in residential districts.

The boundaries of a driveway must be clearly delineated by using materials commonly used for construction of driveways or by clearly outlining the driveway by means including, but not limited to, landscape features such as gravel, shells, or border features. Not more than 40% of the front yard may be so delineated as a driveway; provided however, a delineated driveway may in all instances be of sufficient size so as to accommodate parking of at least one recreational vehicle and three passenger vehicles (i.e., vehicles that are not recreational vehicles or commercial vehicles) notwithstanding that the size of such driveway may exceed 40% of the front yard. The delineated driveway must be designed and constructed such that it can support the weight of the vehicle that will be regularly parked upon it. There shall be no more than one contiguous driveway in the front yard; provided, however, for corner lots, there may be a second driveway in the side yard of the corner lot provided that the combined area of both driveways does not exceed 40% of the combined areas of the front yard and side yard.

Q. How long does it take to have my plans approved?

A. It depends on the size and type of project. Small Level I development projects, such as a single family homes or pools, will only take 1-3 days. A large Level 3 development project such as a commercial building will take several weeks.

Q. Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

A. Any tree that measures 12 inches or greater in diameter 4′-6″ above grade requires a tree removal permit. This does not apply to Popcorn trees and Cherry Laurels. On commercial lots, any tree measuring 6 inches or greater in diameter 4′-6″ above grade requires a tree removal permit.  If you are unsure of the tree’s diameter, please call Natural Resources of Public Works for assistance.