Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Blueprint for Homeowners

To simplify the permitting process for property owners, Miami-Dade County has created and implemented a pre-approved ADU program that streamlines the building permitting process to add a dwelling unit to your home. Through this process you can browse pre-approved ADU designs that have been submitted by design firms.

Here is how the program works:

Browse the Gallery! Explore the catalog of pre-approved ADU plans that vary in size, type, and style. Review images and details for designs to find one suitable for your needs and site.

Choose a Design. Once you choose a plan, connect with its designer through the contact information provided. The designer can guide you through the permitting process, describe other services they offer, and share the fee to use their design.

Begin the Permitting Process. To begin, you'll need a site plan showing the pre-approved ADU on your site. This allows Miami-Dade County to review zoning and other site-specific factors.

Submit your design/permitting documentation. Submit permit application and plans to Miami-Dade County for review and final approval.

Soon, Miami-Dade County will have a gallery showcasing ADU plans that have been pre-approved by the Miami-Dade County Building Department. Scroll through the gallery, view images of the design, and connect with its designer to finalize the plans for permitting.

Note: Miami-Dade County does not provide any endorsement or recommendation of any particular design, architect or other design professional, or firm. Rather, pre-approved designs are provided for informational purposes only, and members of the public will be able to browse the gallery and, if they wish, choose a design and connect with the designer to proceed with necessary further steps (e.g., site planning) for a complete permit application. Homeowners using a pre-approved plan are choosing to rely solely upon the design firm for any representations, warranties, and assurances with respect to the ADU design and construction plans.
I’m a homeowner. Why should I choose a pre-approved ADU plan?

Pre-approved plans may result in a quicker permitting process when compared to starting from scratch, as these plans have already been preapproved by our building department. You may choose a pre-approved plan and work with a design firm to create a site-specific plan to complete the submittal packet for a permit to build the dwelling unit.

Will applicants using pre-approved plans be able to change the plans?

Pre-approved plans may not be changed; however, the orientation of the structure may be rotated to accommodate the site. Any changes will require the re-approval of the ADU plan, which could extend the permitting process.

Can someone purchase a pre-approved ADU plan and use a different architect or builder for the site planning and construction?

ADU plans submitted by a design firm may be under copyright or otherwise protected. As such, you should first contact the designer of the pre-approved plan to obtain the necessary permission and pay any required fees associated with use of the designer’s plans. The designer may require you to complete paperwork and sign a release or waiver of liability before allowing you to use their pre-approved plans. Thereafter, you may be able to proceed with choosing a different designer or firm to prepare site-specific plans based on the pre-approved design.

Will the complete plan set for selected designs be shared online and available for anyone to

download?

The ADU Blueprint Gallery only provides a brief description of the design you may purchase from a design firm. Detailed ADU plans and site-specific information must be incorporated into a complete set of plans purchased from a design firm which are ready for the final review during the permitting process. For additional information the property owner will then need to contact the design firm for specific information and requirements regarding the design.

Can I submit my own design to permit an ADU?

Yes, a property owner may elect to use their own design firm to produce a set of plans to submit for permit using the normal permitting process. If you decide to submit your own plans, the standard permitting process requires review by ALL Building trades and may extend the process. Permitting time is considerably shorter when using a pre-approved ADU design as these designs require significantly less review, therefore, facilitating the permitting process*.

*Total time from permit intake to issuance depends on the number of comments and applicant’s response to review cycles. In certain situations, such as lots with protected trees or Environmentally Critical Areas, the pre-approved ADU plan timeline could vary.

Do I need a Certificate of Use for my ADU?

Yes, the County ordinance requires all ADUs to acquire a Certificate of Use (CU) after completion and before occupying the ADU. The CU will need to be renewed annually. See the instructions below for applying for a CU. A completed ADU owner disclosure statement is required for all ADU applications.
You may apply for a Certificate of Use via the Plan Submission Portal. A completed ADU owner disclosure statement and a Pre-Approved ADU Construction Plans Hold Harmless Form are required for all ADU applications. In addition to zoning and lot size requirements, you will also need to comply with and consider:
- Minimum and maximum floor area requirements
- Building code requirements
- Location on the lot
- Appearance standards
- Parking
- Impact fees required
- And more
What if I need help submitting my application?

Miami-Dade County offers free Homeowners and Small Business Permitting Assistance services to assist individuals with their permit needs.

You may schedule an appointment using the following options:
- Schedule an appointment online
- Call 786-315-2388
- Email CHAT@miamidade.gov