Building Department- Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach John's Pass Shopping Village Sign The City of Madeira Beach is presently utilizing the Pinellas County Building Department for all building permits as well as enforcement of all of the cities land development regulations. All questions relating to construction and land use for single family dwellings along with duplex and triplex construction as well as additions to the same will be handled through Pinellas County Building Department.
All new multi-family (apartments,condominiums and hotel/motel) as well as commercial development question are to be directed to Ms. Paula Cohen at 391-9951.

The City of Madeira Beach has three (3) residential zoning districts, and four (4) commercial district. Below you will find a list of some of the more common questions asked about these districts and their regulation as to what can be constructed or remodeled.

1. In what zoning district can I build a duplex?
There are two districts that allow for the construction of duplexes within the city. They are zones R2 and R3.

2. Can I add on a second floor to my home and not be in violation of FEMA or city regulations?
First concern is the FEMA 50% rule. As long as the addition does not exceed 50% of the structural value than you would be allowed to add the second floor to your home. Second part is meeting the cities regulations. As long as the existing structure meets all of the requirements for the zoning district you would be able to obtain a building permit. We will verify that your present structure meets all setbacks, lot size, lot coverage , floor area ratio and impervious surface ratio.

3. Am I allowed to have a utility shed in my back yard?
Yes, however you will be limited to a specific size and placement on your property.

4. May I install a fence on my property?
Fences are allowed with certain restrictions. Fences located in the front setback area are restricted to three (3) feet if solid or four (4) feet if they are see through (chain link, picket etc.). The same is true for rear setback area for lots on the bay. All other lots may install a fence with a maximum height of six (6) in the side and rear yard.

5. Must a new home be constructed on pilings?
If the proposed construction is located on the west side of Gulf Blvd. it will be required to be on pilings based on Chapter 39 Coastal Construction Code. If the structure is east of Gulf Blvd. standard construction is allowed. However it is still good engineering to have the soil tested for density and compaction to support a structure on standard footings.

6. If my property front on the bay am I allowed to build a dock?
Yes as long as it is constructed within the center one third (1/3) of your water front and the total length is no more than one half (1/2) of the water front width.

7. Are swimming pools allowed in the back yard on water front property?
You are allowed swimming pools on water front property as long as you maintain the required setbacks from the seawall as well as the side property lines and from the structure itself.

8. What is the maximum height that a single family dwelling can be?
In an R1 or R2 district no roof shall exceed 30 feet from grade for existing structures or from the base flood elevation for new construction for flat deck roofs or to a point at the average height of the highest roof having a pitch. For construction in an R3 district the only difference is the allowable height is raised to 40 feet.

9. Can I install a screen enclosure over an existing swimming pool?
Screen enclosures are allowed, however they must meet the required setbacks for the principal structure.

10. Do the plans for a room addition or a new home need to be drawn by and architect?
All plans for new construction or additions must be signed and sealed by a Florida registered architect or engineer, or they must be drawn in compliance with RCS-2001. This hurricane resistant manual can be obtained along with its worksheets at the O. E. Olsen & Associates, Inc., 3342 Tyron Blvd, St Petersburg, FL, or call (727)345-9397. All new construction west of Gulf Blvd. must be drawn by an architect or engineer. This is also true for any addition to a structure that is already built to FEMA compliance.

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