Zoning

• Can I clear my vacant property?

  Land clearing is included with your Building permit for construction. Early land clearing permits for vacant property ahead of Building permit issuance may be issued the same day an application is received for the development. Additional fees apply for this service. Limited clearing permits may also be issued for special circumstances like gopher tortoise relocation and should be inquired at the office.

• Can I have a shed on my property?

  Yes, if you have a permanent residence on your parcel. Sheds that are greater than 5’ in height or 40 to 120 square feet in size will require a Zoning permit only. If the shed is over 120 square feet in size, you will need to contact the Hernando County Building Department 352-754-4050 ext. 29105 for permitting information. Permits are required to be issued prior to any structure being built or moved on site.  The zoning districts of R1B, R1C, R2.5 and residential PDP are subject to additional design standards found here: Accessory Structure Ord

• Can I have chickens on my residential property?

  Chickens may be allowed if a permit can be issued. The permit carries specific requirements for number of hens, location and maintenance of the coop. Permission from the adjacent property owners is required. Please see the Backyard Chicken App for more details.

• Can I live in a recreational vehicle on my property?

  Recreational vehicles may be occupied in certain zoning districts for limited time periods with an approved permit. Two-week visitor permits are also allowed in certain situations.  Find out more here Travel Trailer Ordinance

• Can I re-zone my property?

  The ability to rezone a property is dependent on several factors. Rezoning requests are processed by the Planning Department.  They can be reached at (352)754-4057 or you can visit their website at: Planning Department  

• Can I run my business from home?

  Certain limited home based businesses are allowed by right. These are activities that are customarily performed in the home with no customers or employees coming to the home. Some home based businesses are permitted to have customers or employees with special permission. Click here for more information: Home Occupations

• Do I need a permit to cut down a tree at my house?

  Permits are required prior to removing protected specimen or majestic trees. Specimen trees have a DBH (diameter at breast height) of greater than 18". Majestic trees have a DBH of greater than 36". Hernando County will inspect and permit the removal of a protected tree if the tree is an immediate safety hazard and/or causing property damage. Click here for the tree removal application:Tree Permit App

  Sand pines, palm trees, and dead trees of any species do not need a tree removal permit.
  Non-protected trees may be removed at your residence without permits provided the minimum number of trees remain or are planted on the property.

  Any tree, certified by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida-licensed landscape architect, which presents a danger to persons or property is exempt from these requirements. Such certification should be supplied to the Zoning office.

• Do I need a permit to install a fence?

  All zoning districts except Agricultural, Agricultural-Residential and Mining require a Zoning fence permit prior to installation. Fence regulations can be found here: Fence Ordinance

• Does Hernando County have impact fees?

  Yes, if the property has never been developed, you will be charged an impact fee that will be due at the time a building permit is issued. Exemptions for replacement units or pre paid fees should be verified with the office. Click here Impact Fee Schedule or contact our office for further information.

• Does the County enforce deed restrictions?

  No. The County enforces the Code of Ordinances. You will need to contact your homeowners association to see if additional regulations apply.

• How do I find the permitted uses or setbacks for my zoning district?

  Each zoning district can be found by clicking on this link to Municode.

  Properties that are in a Planned Development Project may have specific uses that are designated on the re-zoning or master plan. 

• How do I get a Zoning confirmation letter?

  Requests for Zoning confirmation must be requested in writing outlining information needed. There is a $50.00 fee for written verification for each parcel to be verified.

• How do I know what my property is zoned?

  Zoning maps are available for public view.  Click on the following: GIS Map.  Enter your address, parcel number, or key number in the search box and a color-coded map will appear on your screen. Be sure to click the Zoning layer on the legend. Your zoning will be displayed in red. Zoning should always be verified with the office. 

• Is my property in a flood zone?

  Flood zone maps with Hernando County Property Appraiser data can be viewed by the public at this website GIS Flood Map
  
  Enter your address, parcel number, or key number in the search box and the parcel will be displayed. Flood zones are indicated with blue shading or hatched lines. Flood zones should always be verified with the office.
  

• What is needed for commercial projects?

  Applications for new commercial projects are submitted to the Building Department.  If you would like to schedule a pre-application meeting, please contact the Building Department at 754-4050.

  Commercial businesses that are changing locations, or businesses that are moving into an existing commercial building will need an Occupancy Permit from the Building Department.

• What is the 50% rule?

  Substantial improvement or substantial damage regulations are often referred to as the 50% rule. Structures in a special flood hazard area that do not meet the current required elevation are limited as to the amount of repairs or improvements that can be made to the structure. The limit is 50% of the value of the structure only. If the amount of damage or improvement to a structure is 50% or greater than the structure value, then the structure is considered to be substantially damaged or improved and must now meet all current elevation and requirements. More information can be found here for the 50% rule: Notice to Owners

• What is the difference between a building setback and an easement?

  Setbacks and easements can affect the location of buildings and improvements within your property lines. Setbacks are the distances that a building or improvement must be kept away from the property lines. These numbers can vary by the Zoning District or the approved plan for your development.  Utility and Drainage easements are portions of land within a lot that are reserved for the installation of utilities and sometimes serve as drainage areas. Buildings shall not be located or permitted in the easements. Easements can be verified on the recorded plat for your subdivision and sometimes shown on your survey. Not all properties have easements but all properties have setback requirements.