Show All Answers

1. Where can I find the City's Code of Ordinances and Land Development Regulations (LDRs)?

To access the City’s code, click Code of Ordinances and the Land Developments Regulations.

2. In what zoning district is my property located?

View the zoning map (PDF) to view where your property is located.

3. What can I do with my property?

The use of your property is determined by the zoning district’s Permitted and Conditional Uses. Once you have identified the zoning district of the property, zoning regulations can be found under Section 122 of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs).

4. How can I rent my property transiently?

Your property can be rented transiently if it is in a zoning district that allows for this use. Those districts are HRCC-1, HRCC-3, HCT, HNC-1 and HNC-3. Redevelopment or conversion of permanent housing to transient or other commercial uses shall be permitted only if no on-site reduction of permanent housing occurs within the HNC-1 and 3 districts. Please contact our Department for further clarification 305-809-3720.

5. How many dwelling units are associated with my property?

Each zoning district has a density calculation for the number of units allowed per acre.  Please contact our Department at 305-809-3725 to determine the number of legal units associated with your property.

6. Can I subdivide my property to create a new lot?

A property may be subdivided so long as the lots created through the subdivision meet the minimum lot size per the zoning district requirements. Additional information can be found in the City’s Code of Ordinances, Land Development Regulations (LDRs) under Chapter 118.

7. What is required to build an addition on my house?

The addition shall meet the zoning district’s dimensional requirements to building coverage, impervious surface ratio and setbacks. Construction will require building and site plans prepared by a registered architect or engineer and be approved and permitted by the Building Department. If your property is under HARC jurisdiction, the proposed addition would also need to meet the Historic Architectural Design Guidelines.

8. Do I need a building permit or other permits to erect a fence, shed or other accessory structure?

Yes, please see the City’s Code of Ordinances, Land Development Regulations (LDRs) Section 122-1181 through 122-1187.

9. Who do I contact if I believe unpermitted construction is occurring?

Code Compliance can be reached at 305-809-3740.

10. What are the sign regulations for my business?

Sign regulations vary depending upon location within a particular zoning district. If your business is in the historic district, regulations can be found on pages 49-50w of the Historic Architectural Design Guidelines.  

11. What restrictions apply in Key West to convert a building into a guesthouse?

The City has very few zoning districts in the historic district which allow transient use, and the City has very strict off-street parking and density (units-per-acre) requirements. These restrictions coupled with a current cap on new transient licenses makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to convert a residential property to transient use.

12. Can I operate a business out of my house?

A home based business is allowed so long as the use does not exceed 20% of the existing floor area and that there is no customer traffic to the property.

13. When do I need a variance to the Land Development Regulations (LDRs)?

If you intend to construct or add to a structure, and the proposed construction would not meet standards or other requirements in the Land Development Regulations.