New Construction Plan Check

New construction in Fort Lauderdale goes through the most rigorous plan check process. Every dimension is verified against the municipal code — setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR, parking, and structural requirements. First-time submittals that pass without corrections are rare, but catching issues upfront can save 4–8 weeks of back-and-forth.

The most common plan check flags for new construction in Fort Lauderdale:

• Height measurement method — Fort Lauderdale may measure height from average grade, lowest grade, or midpoint of the roof slope. Using the wrong reference point is one of the most common errors.
• FAR (Floor Area Ratio) overages — New builds often maximize square footage. Even a small miscalculation in what counts toward FAR (garages, covered porches, stairways) can push you over the limit.
• Lot coverage calculation — Covered patios, carports, and accessory structures may count toward lot coverage depending on the zone. Confirm what's included before finalizing your footprint.
• Setback encroachments — Architectural features like eaves, chimneys, and bay windows may project into setback areas. Each city has specific allowances (typically 2–3 feet for eaves).
• Parking layout — Stall dimensions, drive aisle widths, and accessible parking ratios must meet Fort Lauderdale's standards. Tandem parking may or may not be allowed depending on your zone.

Running a pre-submission check catches these issues before they become correction letters. Enter your project dimensions above and we'll compare them against Fort Lauderdale's building codes.