Pre-Submission Review · Free

New Construction Plan Check

Miami, FL

New construction gets the most rigorous plan check review at any building department. Every dimension — setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR, and parking — is verified against the municipal code. First-time submittals that pass without corrections are rare, but catching violations before you submit can save 4–8 weeks of back-and-forth.

  • Verify setbacks for front, side, and rear property lines by zone
  • Check lot coverage and FAR against your city's limits
  • Confirm height measurement method (average grade vs. lowest point)
  • Calculate required parking spaces including accessible stalls

Project Location

Building Dimensions

Setbacks

Coverage & Parking

Additional Notes

New Construction in Miami: What You Need to Know

New construction in Miami 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 Miami:

  • Height measurement method — Miami 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 Miami'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 Miami's building codes.

How Plan Check Works in Miami

01

Enter your project details

Fill in the form above with your lot size, setbacks, building height, and other dimensions — the same numbers on your architectural plans.

02

We check against Miami codes

Your project is compared against Miami's specific zoning requirements — setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, parking ratios, and FAR limits for your zone.

03

Get a prioritized report

Critical violations, warnings, and advisory items — ranked by what a Miami plan checker will flag first. Fix issues before you submit and save weeks of correction cycles.

Miami Zone Requirements

Zone Front Side Rear Height Coverage
T3-L — Sub-Urban Transect Zone - Limited 20' 7.5' 20' 35' 45%
T3-O — Sub-Urban Transect Zone - Open 15' 5' 15' 35' 50%
T3-R — Sub-Urban Transect Zone - Restricted 20' 7.5' 20' 30' 40%

Frequently Asked Questions

What setbacks does Miami require for new construction projects? +

Miami requires a 20' front setback, 7.5' side setback, and 20' rear setback in the most common residential zone. Specific requirements vary by zone — enter your zone code above for exact numbers.

How long does Miami plan review take? +

Initial plan review in Miami typically takes 4-8 weeks. If corrections are required, each resubmission adds another 2-4 weeks. Running a pre-check before submitting can eliminate the most common correction items and save one or more review cycles.

What is the maximum building height in Miami? +

The most common residential zone in Miami allows a maximum height of 35 feet. Height measurement methods vary — some cities measure to the highest ridge, others to the midpoint of the roof. Check the specific zone requirements for your property.

Is this plan check tool free? +

Yes. Create a free account to run unlimited plan checks against Miami's building codes. The tool checks setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, parking requirements, and flags common issues that Miami plan reviewers look for.

What are the most common new construction plan check corrections in Miami? +

The most frequently flagged items in Miami include: Flood zone compliance (FEMA); Miami-Dade hurricane wind speed requirements (180+ mph); Live Local Act ADU compliance. Our tool checks for all of these automatically.