What is the MAX size you can build a shed/storage at a home in Miami? (house)

[treedog]

I am interested in adding a large pre-built shed/storage (from Ted's Sheds for example). I know most sheds max out at 10' by 10' but they make them up to 14' by 50'. So how big can I go?

My property is in 33125 zip code, 50' x 175' lot (almost 9000 sq ft), my home is 1800 sq ft and is the only structure on the property. My back yard is about 75 feet by 50 feet. I would love to do something that is 20' by 20' or so but I'm not sure if that is allowed?

Thanks for any help.

[gbugmiami]

I have no clue, but thats never stopped me from replying before. I think It depends on the size of your lot vs. the size of your house for a total 'developed' percentage, which you knew. I did a quick search of metro-dade.gov and couldnt find the exact % for you. I'd call Ted's sheds as a customer, I bet they know and would be happy to try and sell you a shed, and tell you what you can buy.. If you want a more accurate answer, fax them a quick drawing with sizing of your lot and house. 20 by 20 is large. I know my friend has probably a 10x20 (garage, foundation poured etc, maybe different than a premanufactured building by code), on a 8000 sf lot with a 1300 sf house and thats as big as was allowed legally. (offset between house and property line sized it). Not sure if that matters for premanufactured. (the offset to property line at least).

[treedog]

Thanks for the reply gbug The first thing I did was call Ted's Sheds and they told me the only real issue are the setbacks. You basically have to be at least 50ft away from the front property line then 7.5ft from the sides and 10 feet away from the house. Being that my backyard is about 75feet by 50 feet, I might be able to do a 30x30ft that is assuming there is no percentage of land coverage rule for sheds...which the guy from Ted;s Sheds said there is not. Gotta keep trying to get more info but so far it sounds promising

Anyone else have any ideas?

[tallrick]

You need to check your zoning for that area, and also look for deed restrictions. Generally side setbacks for structures are 10% of lot size and front and rear setbacks are 25 feet minimum for the home, and 10% of lot length for outbuildings. 10 feet is required between the living space and the outbuildings. The percentage of lot you can cover is determined by your zoning classification. Once you know it, go to municode online for your city or county ordinances. *WARNING* you need a lot of reading and time to figure this stuff out.

[treedog]

Tallrick, thanks for your reply. I had a feeling there was more to it than what the guy from Ted's Sheds told me. He said all I needed was a simple permit that would cost about $100 and was no problem to get.

Using the numbers you provided and 30% lot coverage it seems I might be able to do something that is about 30'x30' assuming those numbers apply to me.

A follow up question would be what about maximum height? where can I find out about that?

[tallrick]

There is no maximum shed height for the county. Some cities limit shed height to 12 feet. There is a height restriction on all single family homes to 25 feet high, but I have seen homes over the limit. I personally know of a home on a 75' x 100' lot with a 20 x 30 garage in the backyard. It is 18 feet high at its peak point.

[treedog]

tallrick, that 20x30 with 18' peak height sounds like my dream garage!

In my home the clearance on the sides is only 5 feet so, sadly I would not be able to get a car into the backyard But I still want the storage space.

I was able to find out more details about the property. It is an R2 Duplex residential in City Of Miami (my mom lives on one side and she rents out the other but she owns the entire property which is paid off).

Here are the specs:

Min Lot size: 5,000 sq ft (it is 8900 sq ft)
Setbacks: Front 20 ft, Side 5 ft, Rear 20 ft and 10 ft for accessory use structures

Min Lot width: 50 ft (it is 50 ft wide)

Height: 25 feet from flood level or average sidewalk elevation, whichever is higher

Floor area ratio: Max of 0.80 times the gross lot area
Building Footprint: Max of 0.40 times the gross lot area
Green Space: Min .15 times the groos lot area

Ok, so all this sounds pretty promising right? I am thinking 30x30 with 14-16' ceilings...maybe What do you think?