How to Get an ADU Permit in Lehigh Acres: Complete 2026 Guide
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December 19, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Lehigh Acres falls under Lee County jurisdiction, requiring permits through the Community Development Department at 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers
ADU size cannot exceed 50% of primary dwelling living area under Lee County Land Development Code Section 34-1177, with only one ADU per property
While costs vary, homeowners can estimate total permit and professional fees to range from approximately $10,000 to $17,000, including building permits, impact fees, and professional services
Impact fees for a new dwelling unit can be substantial, often ranging from $6,500 to over $7,000, funding public services like roads, parks, schools, and emergency services
The complete process spans 10-24 weeks from application to Certificate of Occupancy through 8 major steps
Applications must be submitted through eConnect portal, with contractors required to use electronic submission
Mesocore's factory-installed, Intertek-certified MEP systems can eliminate rough-in inspections and accelerate the permitting timeline
Adding an ADU to your Lehigh Acres property offers substantial income potential and housing flexibility, but the permit process requires careful attention to Lee County's specific requirements. As an unincorporated community, Lehigh Acres follows Lee County regulations rather than municipal codes. For homeowners seeking a streamlined path through permitting, Model E ADU arrives with factory-installed systems that simplify inspections and reduce on-site construction time to just 10 days.
Understanding Lehigh Acres ADU Requirements and Zoning Laws
ADU construction in Lehigh Acres is governed by Section 34-1177 of the Lee County Land Development Code. Before investing in design work, verify your property's eligibility through the Lee County Planning & Zoning Division at (239) 533-8585 or email PODPlanREV@leegov.com.
What Are the General Residential Zoning Districts in Lehigh Acres?
Lehigh Acres properties fall into several zoning designations:
RS-1 and RS-2: Standard residential single-family zones found throughout North and Central Lehigh Acres
AG-1 and AG-2: Agricultural zones common in South and East Lehigh Acres with larger minimum lot sizes
RE: Rural estate zoning in eastern areas
MXD: Mixed-use districts in the downtown area
Contact zoning staff with your STRAP number for specific property confirmation. Use the Lee County GIS tool to verify your current zoning designation before proceeding.
How Do Lot Size and Coverage Restrictions Affect ADU Placement?
Lee County regulates ADU size through Section 34-1177 of the Land Development Code, establishing these size parameters:
Maximum size: Cannot exceed 50% of the primary dwelling's living area
Minimum size: Typically 250-400 square feet per state standards
Limit: Only one ADU per property
Understanding Required Setbacks for Accessory Structures
ADUs must meet the same setback standards as the underlying zoning district:
Typically 15-25 feet from rear and side property lines
Cannot encroach on easements
Must maintain visual harmony with primary residence
Historic districts have additional review requirements—contact DCDHistoric@leegov.com
Benefits of Adding an ADU to Your Lehigh Acres Property
Generating Passive Income with a Rental ADU
Florida's rental market creates strong demand for accessory dwelling units. In comparable Florida markets, ADUs generate average monthly rental income of $2,200, making them attractive investments for property owners. Lehigh Acres' growing population and relative affordability compared to coastal Lee County communities position ADUs well for tenant demand.
Creating Flexible Spaces for Family and Guests
Beyond rental income, ADUs serve multiple purposes:
Multigenerational housing: Separate living quarters for aging parents or adult children
Guest accommodations: Private space for visiting family
Home office: Dedicated workspace away from the main residence
Caregiver housing: Accessible quarters for live-in assistance
Boosting Your Property Value and Resale Potential
ADUs add measurable value to properties while providing housing flexibility. The combination of rental income potential and additional living space makes properties with ADUs more attractive to future buyers seeking investment opportunities or multigenerational living arrangements.
The ADU Permit Application Process in Lehigh Acres: Step-by-Step
The permitting process involves 8 major steps from pre-application through Certificate of Occupancy.
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
Contact Lee County Planning & Zoning Division:
Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: (239) 533-8585
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Step 2: Determine Contractor Path
Licensed Contractor Requirements:
State-issued contractor license
Lee County contractor registration
Insurance: $300,000 general liability, $50,000 property damage
3% administrative fee on contract
Owner-Builder Option:
Must personally appear at permit office
Sign Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement
Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) still require licensed contractors
Cannot sell property within 1 year without disclosure
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Essential documentation includes:
Site Plan (1/8" = 1' scale minimum) with lot dimensions, setbacks, and proposed ADU location
Construction Drawings sealed by Florida-registered architect/engineer
Energy Calculations per Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023)
Product Approvals with FL Product Approval numbers including decimals (FL239.6, not FL239)
Flood Documentation if in FEMA flood zone—requires Elevation Certificate
Step 4: Submit Application via eConnect
Access the eConnect portal to submit applications electronically. Contractors are required to use eConnect—paper applications are not accepted. Owner-builders may use paper but electronic submission is encouraged.
Step 5: Plan Review Process
Completeness check: 3-5 business days
Multi-discipline review: 3-6 weeks for complete applications
Correction deadline: 30 days to resubmit
A common rejection reason is submitting incomplete product approval numbers, such as forgetting the decimal point (e.g., FL239 instead of FL239.6).
Step 6: Pay Permit Fees
Fee breakdown for a typical 600 sq ft ADU:
Permit Fees:
Building Permit: $200 minimum
Plan Review: $75
Zoning Review: $30
State Surcharges: ~$8
Permit Subtotal: ~$313
Impact fees for a new dwelling unit can be substantial, often ranging from $6,500 to over $7,000. These fees fund public services like roads, parks, schools, and emergency services.
Choosing Your ADU: Modular vs. Traditional Construction
Comparing Costs: Modular vs. Site-Built ADUs
Traditional site-built ADUs in Florida typically cost:
400 sq ft: $80,000-$200,000
600 sq ft: $120,000-$300,000
800 sq ft: $160,000-$400,000
Model E ADU starts at $129,000 for 410 square feet, delivering 10-25% savings versus traditional construction while including integrated solar and battery systems.
Speed of Construction: Factory-Built Advantages
Construction timelines:
Site-built ADU: 8-16 weeks construction
Mesocore modular: 10-day installation
Factory production occurs simultaneously with site preparation, eliminating sequential delays that plague traditional construction.
Assessing Quality and Durability
Factory-controlled environments provide consistent quality control. Mesocore units undergo Intertek certification of all MEP systems before delivery, ensuring compliance verification happens at the factory rather than through multiple on-site inspections.
Financing Your ADU: Options and Incentives in Florida
Exploring Loan Options for ADU Construction
Several financing options exist for Lehigh Acres ADU projects:
HELOC: Up to 85% combined loan-to-value
Cash-out refinance: Up to 80% home value
FHA 203(k) loans: 3.5% down payment option
Mesocore has partnered with Ocean Capital Lending to offer ADU-specific financing programs covering land acquisition and construction costs, with conversion to traditional mortgage upon completion.
Explore detailed financing options to find the right structure for your project budget.
Leveraging Federal and State Incentives
Take advantage of available tax incentives:
Federal: 30% solar credit through 2032 via Form 5695
Florida: 0% sales tax on solar equipment
Property tax: Renewable energy installations property tax exempt
"Granny Flat" reduction: Up to 20% property tax reduction for ADUs housing seniors 62+
Affordable Housing Fee Waivers
If your ADU will be income-restricted to 80% AMI, you may qualify for impact fee waivers under the Florida Live Local Act. Contact Lee County Housing Division at (239) 533-7953.
Mesocore ADUs: Built for Florida and Lehigh Acres Conditions
Hurricane Resilient Design for Florida's Climate
Lee County requires construction to meet 150-170 mph winds. Mesocore's hurricane-resistant construction exceeds these requirements:
180 mph wind rating—exceeds Category 5 thresholds
Robotically welded structural steel core
Impact-rated windows and doors
Engineered connections qualifying for insurance discounts
Integrated Sustainable Systems for Energy Independence
Every Mesocore unit includes:
6kW solar panel array with 14 PV panels
Dual 10kWh lithium-ion batteries (20kWh total)
1,700-gallon rainwater collection system
Energy-efficient appliances
Some jurisdictions have approved Mesocore ADUs to operate independently from the main house—no utility hookup or separate meter required. This off-grid capability can eliminate connection fees and ongoing utility expenses.
Intertek Certified Quality: A Streamlined Permitting Advantage
Mesocore's factory-installed MEP systems are Intertek-certified before delivery. This third-party certification can eliminate rough-in inspections for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems in some jurisdictions, reducing total inspection requirements and accelerating construction timelines.
Navigating Inspections and Ensuring Code Compliance
Key Inspection Stages for ADU Construction
Standard inspection sequence per Lee County requirements:
Foundation Phase:
Foundation/Footing Inspection (101)
Floor/Slab Inspection (102)
Framing Phase:
Sheathing/Straps/Engineering (130)
Rough Framing (105)
Rough Electrical (304)
Rough Plumbing (404)
Rough Mechanical (401)
Final Phase:
Insulation (107)
Final Building (106)
Final Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical
Schedule inspections through eConnect or call (239) 533-8997. Inspections are available 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday-Friday.
Meeting Florida Building Code and HVHZ Standards
All construction must comply with Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023), including:
Product approvals matching site wind speed conditions
Proper hurricane strap installation
Energy compliance via blower door test (5 ACH50 maximum)
Why Mesocore Makes ADU Permitting Easier in Lehigh Acres
Building an ADU in Lehigh Acres involves substantial coordination between architects, contractors, utility companies, and Lee County departments. Mesocore simplifies this process through several key advantages:
Pre-Certified Systems: All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems arrive factory-installed and Intertek-certified. This eliminates multiple rough-in inspections and reduces opportunities for failed inspections that delay projects.
Turnkey Documentation: Mesocore's pre-engineered designs include documented structural calculations, product approvals, and energy compliance—reducing the back-and-forth that causes most permit delays.
Accelerated Timeline: While site-built ADUs take 8-16 weeks of construction, Mesocore's 10-day installation means faster path to rental income or family occupancy.
Hurricane Engineering: The 180 mph wind rating exceeds Lee County requirements, simplifying structural approval and qualifying for insurance discounts.
Integrated Solar and Battery: The included 6kW solar system with 20kWh battery storage qualifies for the 30% tax credit and delivers annual utility savings of $1,500-$1,820.
For Lehigh Acres homeowners, Mesocore offers free consultations to evaluate property suitability and outline the complete path from permit application to move-in. Contact Mesocore at 561-386-7252 or info@mesocore.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ADU and why is it popular in Florida?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a secondary residence on a single-family property with independent kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping facilities. ADUs are popular in Florida due to high rental demand, multigenerational housing needs, and property value benefits. In Lee County, ADUs are regulated under Section 34-1177 of the Land Development Code.
How long does it typically take to get an ADU permit in Lehigh Acres?
The complete process spans 10-24 weeks from application to Certificate of Occupancy. Plan review takes 3-6 weeks for complete applications, with construction and inspections adding another 8-16 weeks. Modular construction with Mesocore can reduce on-site work to 10 days.
Can a Mesocore ADU operate completely off-grid in Lehigh Acres?
Mesocore ADUs include a 6kW solar array with 20kWh battery storage and rainwater collection systems enabling off-grid capability. Some Florida jurisdictions have approved Mesocore units to operate independently without utility hookups. Verify specific requirements with Lee County for your property.
What are the main costs associated with building an ADU in Lehigh Acres?
While costs vary, homeowners can estimate total permit and professional fees to range from approximately $10,000 to $17,000, including building permits (~$313), impact fees ($6,500-$7,000+), and professional services. Construction costs are additional, with Model E starting at $129,000.
Are there property tax benefits for ADUs with solar panels in Florida?
Yes. Florida exempts renewable energy equipment from property tax increases—your solar panels and batteries won't increase taxes. Additionally, the federal government offers a 30% tax credit on solar installations through 2032, and ADUs housing relatives 62+ may qualify for up to 20% property tax reduction under Florida's "Granny Flat" provision.
