ADU Rules in Cape Coral, Florida

Cape Coral's current zoning materials reviewed for this guide do not show a general by-right accessory dwelling unit use in the ordinary residential zoning tables.

The Land Development Code states that a use not specifically listed as permitted, permitted with specific regulations, conditional, special exception, accessory, or approved through a similar-use determination is prohibited.

What the 2026 Code Does — and Does Not — Say

Cape Coral's 2026 impact-fee provisions define a residential dwelling unit to include any permitted and approved accessory dwelling units.

That language should not be read as a citywide zoning authorization. It describes how an ADU is treated for impact-fee purposes if one is lawfully permitted and approved; it does not create a right to build an ADU on every single-family lot.

Cape Coral Land Development Code — Article 4

Cape Coral impact-fee definitions

Removed Unsupported Template Values

The previous version of this page described detached, attached, garage-conversion, and guest-house ADUs and gave generic values such as a 1,000 sq ft size cap, 5–7.5 ft side setbacks, and a 25 ft height limit.

Those values were not tied to a current Cape Coral ADU zoning provision and have been removed.

How to Check a Proposed Second Dwelling

1. Confirm the parcel's zoning and future land use.
2. Ask the Cape Coral Planning Division whether the proposed second dwelling is a permitted use, can qualify through another existing code path, or would require a different approval.
3. If the property is on a canal or in a flood hazard area, separately verify seawall, floodplain, and Florida Building Code requirements.
4. Do not treat impact-fee terminology as proof of zoning eligibility.

Cape Coral Planning Division

Cape Coral Zoning & Future Land Use Maps

Disclaimer: Confirm current zoning and permitting requirements with the City before relying on this page for a project.