How to Get an ADU Permit in Miramar: Complete 2026 Guide
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December 19, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Miramar requires ADU permits through the Building Division at 2200 Civic Center Place, with all applications submitted through the EnerGov electronic portal
The Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) took effect January 1, 2024, establishing current building standards for all ADU construction
Florida Statute 553.792 mandates 30-60 business day plan review timelines with strict 10-day response deadlines for corrections
All Miramar ADUs require an ADU Affidavit affirming the unit will not be sold separately from the primary residence and that the owner will reside on the property
Total permit and government costs range from $10,000-$40,000, including impact fees and utility connections
City offices operate Monday-Thursday only, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM—closed Fridays, weekends, and holidays
Mesocore's factory-built modular ADUs meet Florida DBPR registration requirements and carry 180 mph wind ratings, simplifying code compliance in Broward County
Miramar's ADU permitting process follows Broward County standards while incorporating city-specific requirements that homeowners must address before breaking ground. For property owners seeking rental income or multigenerational housing solutions, Mesocore's Model E ADU offers a factory-built option that arrives with pre-installed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems—streamlining the permit documentation and inspection requirements that often delay traditional construction.
The complete process involves a 10-step permit procedure from initial zoning verification through Certificate of Occupancy. Understanding Miramar's architectural consistency requirements, affidavit mandates, and hurricane-resistant building standards is essential before starting your ADU project.
Understanding Miramar's ADU Permit Requirements
ADUs in Miramar fall under Section 94-303 of the city's zoning ordinances, which permits accessory apartments with specific extra requirements. The Planning & Zoning Division reviews all ADU applications for compliance with local land use regulations before building permits can be issued.
Zoning and lot requirements determine whether your property qualifies for an ADU. Before applying, you must:
Verify your property is zoned for single-family residential use
Confirm your lot meets minimum size requirements
Check setback requirements (typically 4 feet minimum from side and rear property lines)
Review height limitations specific to your zone
Assess lot coverage restrictions
The ADU Affidavit is mandatory. All Miramar ADU applicants must sign a notarized affidavit stating the unit will not be sold separately from the primary residence and confirming the property owner will reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU. This requirement applies regardless of your intended use—even if you plan to house family members. The 159KB PDF form is available on the city website.
Architectural consistency requirements affect your design options. Miramar enforces design compatibility standards requiring ADUs to match or complement the primary residence in:
Exterior materials and finishes
Paint colors
Roof pitch and style
Overall architectural character
This means cookie-cutter designs may face rejection. Pre-consultation with Planning & Zoning is recommended before finalizing your ADU design.
Working with the Miramar Building Department
The Miramar Building Division serves as your primary point of contact throughout the permit process. All applications, reviews, and inspections flow through this office.
Contact information:
Address: 2200 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025
Phone: (954) 602-3200, Option 1 for permits
Building Official: Julio Briceno (jbriceno@miramarfl.gov)
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The EnerGov portal handles all applications. Miramar uses the EnerGov portal for permit submissions, document uploads, and status tracking. You can access the portal 24/7 for online submissions, though staff support is only available during business hours.
Plan review contacts by discipline:
Building/Structural: (954) 602-3203, 3206, 3209, 3210, 3215, 3216
Electrical: (954) 602-3228, 3370, 3211
Mechanical: (954) 602-3245
Plumbing: (954) 602-3219, 3221
Fire safety requires separate scheduling. The Fire Life Safety Division handles fire plan reviews by appointment only. Schedule your fire review early in the process to avoid delays.
What Types of ADUs Are Allowed in Miramar?
Miramar permits several ADU configurations, each with distinct requirements and permit pathways.
Detached ADUs are standalone structures separate from the primary residence. These require full foundation work, utility connections, and compliance with accessory structure setbacks. Typical size range is 300-1,200 square feet per Florida ADU laws.
Attached ADUs share a wall or structure with the main house but maintain a separate entrance. These often face fewer utility connection costs but must meet fire separation requirements.
Garage conversions can transform existing detached garages into living space, though the structure must meet Florida Building Code requirements for habitation.
Modular and prefabricated ADUs offer significant advantages in Miramar's permit environment. Factory-built units with pre-certified systems can accelerate plan review timelines and reduce on-site inspection requirements.
Mesocore's Model E ADU for Miramar Homeowners
The Model E ADU represents a detached, factory-built solution specifically designed for Florida's regulatory environment. At 410 square feet with 1BR/1BA, the unit arrives as a 20-foot container that expands on-site to full dimensions. The factory-installed MEP systems hold Intertek certification, and the unit maintains IBC and DBPR approval—credentials that can simplify Miramar's plan review process.
Streamlining Your ADU Permit with Factory-Built Solutions
Miramar's permit process includes multiple inspection stages that can extend construction timelines. Factory-built solutions address several common delay points.
Pre-certified systems reduce plan review complexity. When mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are factory-installed and third-party certified before delivery, the permit documentation becomes more straightforward. Reviewers can reference existing certifications rather than evaluating custom-designed systems from scratch.
Florida Statute 553.792 timeline requirements create strict deadlines that benefit applicants with complete, professional documentation. Under this statute:
First review cycle must complete within 30 business days for ADUs under 7,500 square feet
Applicants must respond to corrections within 10 business days or the permit is denied
Second review cycles have 10-business-day maximums
The waiver option provides flexibility. Applicants may waive the Statute 553.792 timeline requirements to allow concurrent review across all disciplines. This approach offers:
Faster overall processing through simultaneous reviews
Extended response time for corrections (no 10-day deadline)
Reduced risk of denial for late responses
A notarized waiver form must be uploaded to EnerGov to exercise this option.
Mesocore's Intertek Certification Advantage
Mesocore's factory-installed MEP systems carry Intertek certification—a third-party quality verification that can eliminate rough-in inspections for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems in qualifying jurisdictions. This reduces total inspection requirements and accelerates construction timelines compared to site-built alternatives.
Financial Considerations and Incentives for Miramar ADUs
ADU permit costs in Miramar extend well beyond the basic building permit fee. Understanding the full cost structure helps with accurate budgeting.
Permit and government fees:
Building Permit Base: 1.75% construction value + 8% surcharge (varies by project)
Plan Review: Percentage of construction value (50-65% of permit fee)
Electrical Permit: Per square foot or value ($200-$800)
Plumbing Permit: Per fixture count ($200-$600)
Mechanical Permit: Per HVAC unit ($200-$500)
Broward County Impact Fees: Per dwelling unit ($3,000-$15,000+)
Water/Sewer Capacity: Per ERU or meter size ($4,000-$16,000)
Total estimated permit and government costs: $10,000-$40,000
Tax incentives offset costs. Florida offers several programs that improve ADU financial performance:
Federal solar tax credit (30% through 2032) for integrated solar systems
Florida 0% sales tax on solar equipment
Property tax exemption for renewable energy installations
Florida "Granny Flat" property tax reduction up to 20% for senior relative (62+) occupancy
Mesocore ADU Financing and Cost Savings
The Model E ADU starts at $129,000—significantly below typical Florida ADU construction costs of $250,000+. Financing for Mesocore ADUs is available through a partnership with Ocean Capital Lending. Interested buyers should consult directly for available loan products and terms.
The integrated 6kW solar system and 20kWh battery storage deliver annual utility savings of $1,500-$1,820, while qualifying for the federal solar tax credit. In Palm Beach County, Mesocore ADUs have received approval to operate independently from the main house—eliminating utility hookup and separate meter costs entirely.
Hurricane Resilience for Your Miramar ADU
Broward County's coastal location requires all ADU construction to meet stringent HVHZ standards. The Florida Building Code 8th Edition enforces these requirements statewide.
Mandatory hurricane-resistant features:
Impact-rated windows and doors meeting Florida Product Approval standards
Structural connections engineered for sustained high winds
Roof systems rated for uplift resistance
Continuous load paths from roof to foundation
Insurance implications are substantial. ADUs with verified hurricane-resistant construction may qualify for insurance premium discounts of 30% or more on wind coverage.
Mesocore's hurricane-resistant construction carries 180 mph wind ratings—exceeding Category 5 hurricane thresholds of 157 mph. The robotically welded structural steel core and impact-rated windows provide documented protection that meets Broward County's HVHZ requirements without additional engineering or custom specifications.
Installation and On-Site Construction Process
Traditional ADU construction in Miramar requires multiple inspection stages across 4-6 months. Understanding the inspection sequence helps with project planning.
Required inspections for typical ADU construction:
Foundation/Footing inspection (before pouring concrete)
Slab inspection
Framing inspection (before insulation)
Rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections
Insulation inspection
Fire safety inspection
Final inspections for all trades
Certificate of Occupancy inspection
Scheduling inspections: Use the online scheduling system or call (954) 602-3200. Inspections scheduled before 3:00 PM are conducted the next business day. Contact inspectors between 7:30-8:00 AM on inspection day for arrival windows.
Construction debris note: Waste Pro at (954) 967-4200 handles construction debris removal—regular trash collection does not include building materials.
Mesocore's 10-Day On-Site Installation Advantage
Mesocore units ship as standard 20-foot containers requiring crane placement on prepared foundations. Because all MEP systems are factory-installed and pre-tested, the 10-day on-site installation eliminates the 2-4 week rough-in phase typical of traditional construction. The unit expands to full square footage on-site, with only utility connections, final weatherproofing, and system activation required during the installation period.
This approach bypasses multiple inspection stages while delivering a move-in ready ADU in a fraction of traditional construction timelines.
Why Mesocore Makes Sense for Miramar ADU Projects
Miramar's ADU permit requirements—from HVHZ compliance to affidavit mandates to architectural consistency standards—create multiple hurdles for homeowners pursuing traditional construction. Mesocore's modular approach addresses these challenges directly.
Regulatory compliance built in. Every Mesocore unit maintains IBC approval and Florida DBPR modular home program registration. The 180 mph wind rating exceeds Broward County HVHZ requirements. Factory-installed systems carry Intertek certification that can reduce inspection burdens in qualifying jurisdictions.
Sustainability features included. The solar and battery system eliminates utility bills while qualifying for federal and state tax incentives. The 1,700-gallon rainwater collection system provides additional off-grid capability. Energy-efficient appliances and whole-house HEPA filtration come standard.
Speed matters for ROI. Traditional ADU construction takes 4-6 months after permits are approved. Mesocore's 10-day installation timeline means faster rental income. With potential for significant rental income in many Florida markets, a Mesocore ADU can offer a strong return on investment.
For Miramar homeowners ready to explore modular ADU options, contact Mesocore to schedule a consultation or factory tour at the West Palm Beach facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic size and height restrictions for ADUs in Miramar?
Miramar permits ADUs in the 300-1,200 square foot range consistent with Florida ADU laws. Height restrictions vary by zoning district—check with Planning & Zoning at (954) 602-3200 for your specific property. The minimum size is 300 square feet per Miramar tiny home provisions.
How long does it typically take to get an ADU permit approved in Miramar?
Plan review timelines run 30-60 business days for the first review cycle under Florida Statute 553.792, with 5 business days for prescreen review. Most applications require 1-2 revision cycles at 10 business days each. Total permit timeline typically spans 2-4 months before construction can begin.
Can I finance an ADU through a special program in Florida or Miramar?
Financing for Mesocore ADUs is available through a partnership with Ocean Capital Lending. Interested buyers should consult directly for available loan products and terms. Traditional construction loans, HELOCs, and Florida Housing Finance Corporation programs may also apply depending on affordability requirements.
What are the benefits of choosing a modular ADU for my Miramar property?
Modular ADUs with factory-installed, pre-certified systems can reduce plan review complexity, eliminate multiple rough-in inspections, and compress construction timelines from months to weeks. The Mesocore Model E ADU installs in 10 days after site preparation, compared to 4-6 months for traditional construction.
Do Mesocore ADUs meet Miramar's hurricane-resistant building codes?
Yes. Mesocore units carry 180 mph wind ratings that exceed Broward County's HVHZ requirements and surpass Category 5 hurricane thresholds of 157 mph. The robotically welded steel core, impact-rated windows and doors, and engineered connections provide documented protection qualifying for insurance premium discounts.
