Hialeah Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit Requirements (2026 Checklist)

Insurance certificate holder (exact wording)

City of Hialeah

Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit checklist for Hialeah

Hialeah Permit Application — signed & notarized (building permit type)
2 Updated Surveys (less than 6 months old) — showing proposed ADU location, setbacks, existing structures, utility connections
2 Sets of Plans (signed & sealed by PE/Architect) — existing + proposed floor plans, fire separation details, emergency escape/rescue openings (EERO) labeled in sleeping rooms, site plan
Product Approvals / NOAs (2 copies) — Miami-Dade NOA for all exterior components (HVHZ — 175 mph)
Energy Calculations — ACCA Manual J, S, D and EPL display card when HVAC installed
Contractor Registration + Insurance — cert holder: 'City of Hialeah as certificate holder'
Notice of Commencement — job value greater than $5,000
Zoning verification — confirm ADU is allowed in your zoning district; contact Planning & Zoning at 305-883-5800
GotchaADU cannot be sold separately from principal building — NOT a duplex
GotchaOne ADU per lot maximum per MDC ordinance
GotchaLot must be minimum 7,500 SF per MDC ordinance — verify with zoning
GotchaADU max size: 50% of primary dwelling OR 1,200 SF max, whichever is less (400-800 SF in RU-1 districts per MDC)
GotchaCertificate of Use required BEFORE occupancy — only property owner may obtain; annual renewal required; one-time interior inspection + exterior inspections for renewals
GotchaIf guesthouse exceeds 800 SF, it CANNOT be converted to an ADU per MDC rules
GotchaOne off-street parking space required per ADU
GotchaSeparate sub-permits required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical — each its own application and fee
GotchaADU owner disclosure statement required for all ADU applications per MDC
GotchaLegalizing unpermitted ADU: same process as new — submit drawn-to-scale plans for all work; setback violations or second non-conforming residence require zoning approval BEFORE permit
NoteHialeah follows Miami-Dade County ADU ordinance — permitted in AU, EU, RU zoning districts inside Urban Development Boundary + GU trended to those
NoteFL SB 184 (effective July 2025) mandates all local governments allow at least one ADU per single-family lot; full adoption required by December 2026
NoteCU application via MDC online registration system (MeetQ); consults available in person, by phone, or virtually
NoteADU can have separate address, entrance, and/or utilities from principal structure
NoteADU CAN be rented (unlike guesthouse which is gratuitous guests only)
NoteMinimum rental period: 1 month — no short-term vacation rentals unless entire property (primary + ADU) registered as vacation rental

Requirements change. Confirm the current checklist with the Hialeah building department before you submit. See every permit type on the Hialeah permit requirements page.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I submit a permit application in Hialeah?

In-person, email (permits@hialeahfl.gov), or Tyler CSS portal — all applications must be NOTARIZED. Portal: https://epay.hialeahfl.gov/.

What insurance certificate holder wording does Hialeah require?

The certificate holder should read: City of Hialeah

Do I need a Notice of Commencement in Hialeah?

Florida law requires a recorded Notice of Commencement when the contract price is greater than $5,000 ($15,000 for repair or replacement of an existing heating or air conditioning system). Timing can vary, so confirm with the Hialeah building department whether it is due at application or before the first inspection.

How many plan sets does Hialeah require?

2 sets listed. This can vary by permit type, so confirm with the building department.

Is Hialeah in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)?

Yes. Hialeah is in the HVHZ, which affects product approval and wind load requirements.

What gets a accessory dwelling unit application rejected in Hialeah?

ADU cannot be sold separately from principal building — NOT a duplex. One ADU per lot maximum per MDC ordinance. Lot must be minimum 7,500 SF per MDC ordinance — verify with zoning.

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Other permit types in Hialeah

Building Permit31 requirements Roofing Permit30 requirements Electrical Permit15 requirements Plumbing Permit14 requirements Mechanical / HVAC Permit19 requirements Window & Door Permit12 requirements Pool & Spa Permit13 requirements Sign Permit13 requirements Fence Permit15 requirements Driveway Permit16 requirements Solar Panel Permit12 requirements Private Provider13 requirements Special Event Permit16 requirements

All Hialeah permit requirements →

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