WallDockDeck
Miami Shores · Miami-Dade County

What are the deck setback and railing rules in Miami Shores?

15 ftshoreline setback for accessory structures (pools, decks, screens exempt)

Miami Shores Village has a 15 ft shoreline setback for accessory structures, and anything permitted inside it needs planning and zoning board site plan approval. Pools, their decks and screen enclosures are exempt from that shoreline setback: in the rear yard the pool deck may come within 5 ft of the lot line.

Source: Miami Shores Village Code App. A Zoning Secs. 411, 517 (Supp. 14 Addition); Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Ed. (2023) R312.1.1-R312.1.3 (ICC Digital Codes) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Shoreline setbackSite plan review and approval by the planning and zoning board is required for any permitted accessory structure located within the required 15 feet shoreline setback, and for docks, davits and boat lifts. Zoning App. A Sec. 411.
Pools and decksRear: from the inside face of the pool wall to the lot line 7.5 ft; from the pool deck or screen enclosure to the lot line 5 ft. The shoreline setback for accessory structures does not apply to pools, their decks or screen enclosures. Sec. 411.
Pool barrierBulkheads, canals and navigable waterways may be permitted as a barrier in lieu of a fence. Sec. 517(4).
EquipmentPool pumps, generators and A/C units in residential districts stay 10 ft from the side plot line and 5 ft from the rear plot line, and never in the first 25 ft from the front line. Sec. 516.
Where it livesAppendix A Zoning, Sec. 411 'Schedule of regulations', Sec. 516 'Structures constituting accessory buildings' and Sec. 517 'Fencing of private swimming pools'.
FountainsOne front-yard fountain or lawn ornament, 10 ft from the side and 5 ft from the front plot line, max 5 ft tall with water no deeper than 11 inches; rear-yard fountains 10 ft from the side and 5 ft from the rear plot line. Sec. 516.
Also needing board reviewCabanas, garages, metal roofs, and additions to dwellings except those under 400 sq ft that are not visible from a public right-of-way. Sec. 411.
Guards (state rule)Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Sec. R312.1.1-R312.1.3: a guard is required on open sides of a walking surface located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below at any point within 24 inches of the open edge; it must be at least 36 inches high; openings must not let a 4-inch sphere pass. No local guard amendment was found in this village's code.

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The county rule behind this

What applies across Miami-Dade County, and where each city departs from it.

Miami-Dade CountySeawall requirements county-wide

The same question, nearby

The rule changes at the city line, not the county line.

Miami-DadeMiami BeachMiami-DadeCoral GablesMiami-DadeKey Biscayne

Other questions about Miami Shores

Seawall height requirementHow high does a seawall have to be in Miami Shores?Seawall permit processDo I need a permit to repair a seawall in Miami Shores?Flood zone & elevationWhat flood zone is Miami Shores in, and what does it require?Dock permit & size limitsHow big a dock can I build in Miami Shores?Boat lift rulesWhat are the boat lift rules in Miami Shores?Storm prep & documentationWhat are the storm and debris rules in Miami Shores?

Twelve signs a seawall is failing

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