Looking at property in Southwest Ranches and wondering what you can actually build or sell? You are not alone. Zoning and lot-size rules here are designed to protect a rural, equestrian lifestyle, which can feel different from most of Broward County. In this guide, you will learn how local zoning shapes lot sizes, what to verify for any parcel, and the practical steps to take before you buy, build, subdivide or list.
Let’s dive in.
Southwest Ranches at a glance
Southwest Ranches was created to preserve a rural, equestrian and agricultural character. Town policies encourage low-density living, open space and uses that fit country-style living. That often means larger parcels, barns and room for horses.
The Town’s decisions are guided by the Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Code and the Official Zoning Map. These documents define what is allowed on each parcel, how large a lot must be, and where structures can go on the land.
How zoning affects lot size
Zoning districts control minimum lot area, minimum lot width, setbacks, maximum lot coverage and height. In Southwest Ranches, many residential parcels are one acre or larger. One acre equals 43,560 square feet. Larger estate parcels with several acres are also common.
The exact minimums depend on the specific zoning district on the Official Zoning Map. Rural and estate-style districts are typical, and some districts allow agricultural or equestrian uses as primary or accessory uses. Always confirm the district name and its dimensional standards in the Town’s Land Development Code.
What to verify for any parcel
Before you rely on a lot size or a permitted use, pull the exact facts for the property:
- The zoning district and its table of dimensional standards. Look for minimum lot area, minimum frontage, front and side setbacks, rear setbacks, maximum lot coverage and height.
- Any overlays, special districts, or conservation areas that change the rules.
- Any recorded deed restrictions, plat notes or HOA covenants that may be stricter than Town code.
A zoning verification letter from the Town can confirm permitted uses, dimensional standards and whether your intended use is allowed.
Setbacks, coverage and your building envelope
Setbacks define how far a building must be from each property line. Together with maximum lot coverage, they create the buildable envelope for your home, barn, garage or pool. On large lots, setbacks and coverage can still limit where you place structures and how big they can be. If you plan multiple buildings or a new pool, verify both setbacks and coverage early.
Barns, equestrian and other accessory uses
Rural zoning typically allows barns, stables and certain agricultural uses as accessory or principal uses. Rules can include setbacks for barns or paddocks, limits on the number of animals, site plan review and operational standards. If horses or livestock are part of your lifestyle, confirm allowed uses, animal counts and shelter requirements in the Town code before you buy or build.
Guesthouses and ADUs
Accessory dwelling units or guesthouses may be allowed in some districts. There can be limits on size, placement, and how utilities are handled. In areas that rely on septic systems, a separate system or additional capacity may be required. Confirm whether ADUs are permitted, the size limit, and any utility requirements for your specific lot.
Septic systems, wells and utilities
Many Southwest Ranches properties use private wells and septic systems. The Florida Department of Health and Broward County set standards for septic system permitting, system capacity, setbacks to wells or water bodies and soil suitability. If public sewer is not available, septic can be a major constraint on redevelopment or subdivision. A soil or percolation review and past permit records can save you time and money.
Drainage, wetlands and environmental limits
South Florida Water Management District and state or federal wetland rules can limit how much of a parcel is buildable. Wetlands may require buffers or mitigation. Native habitat protections can also apply. Even outside mapped wetlands, local drainage needs can affect building placements or driveways. Identify environmental constraints early to avoid redesigns and delays.
Flood zone and elevation
FEMA flood zone status affects insurance costs and building elevation requirements. If a structure must be elevated, that can influence site design and budget. Always confirm the FEMA designation during due diligence and consider how that may change construction or insurance.
Fences, pools, driveways and more
Local ordinances typically address fence height and placement, pool setbacks and safety, exterior lighting and parking for agricultural vehicles and trailers. If your plans include long driveways, large gates, outdoor arenas or trailers, check these standards to ensure compliance.
Height limits and design basics
Maximum building heights are usually modest in rural towns. While Southwest Ranches favors low profile, estate-style development, the exact number varies by district. Check the Land Development Code for the precise limit that applies to your parcel.
Subdivision and lot splits
Splitting a parcel can be feasible, but it must meet the zoning district’s minimum lot area and frontage, plus utility, drainage and road access standards. Most subdivisions require a plat or re-plat, engineering plans and multiple rounds of review. If a property is on septic or includes wetlands, subdivision may not be practical. Always verify before you assume a large parcel can be split.
What the subdivision process involves
- Pre-application meeting to review feasibility and requirements.
- Formal application with surveys, engineering, drainage and access plans.
- Town, county and possibly regional reviews for utilities and environmental impacts.
- Public hearings if required by the Town’s procedures.
These steps can take months and involve application fees and consultant costs.
Rezoning and variances
Rezoning is a discretionary process. To succeed, requests must be consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and are typically reviewed through public hearings and staff reports. If you only need relief from a dimensional rule, a variance might be possible, but it requires showing an undue hardship and it is decided in a quasi-judicial hearing. Both paths add time and cost to a project.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming a large lot can be subdivided. Minimum area, frontage, septic capacity, wetlands and recorded covenants can prevent it.
- Overlooking nonconforming structures. Older buildings may not meet today’s rules. Repairs are often allowed, but expansions can be limited.
- Ignoring access and easements. A parcel without legal access or with heavy utility or drainage easements may limit new building placements or subdivision.
- Skipping septic and soil checks. Septic suitability can make or break a redevelopment plan.
- Underestimating flood and drainage. FEMA mapping and local drainage needs affect building elevation, insurance and site design.
A simple due diligence checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate any Southwest Ranches property:
- Confirm the basics
- Zoning district and dimensional standards from the Town’s Land Development Code.
- Parcel area and dimensions from the Broward County Property Appraiser and recorded plat.
- Recorded deed restrictions, plat notes and HOA covenants from county records.
- Verify utilities and systems
- Public water and sewer availability. If not available, gather septic permits, soil tests and well records.
- Check environmental and flood status
- FEMA flood zone and elevation needs.
- Possible wetlands or habitat constraints and any prior mitigation records.
- Map easements and access
- Utility, drainage and conservation easements.
- Legal access via public road or recorded easement.
- Review permits and code compliance
- Building permit history and inspections.
- Any open code enforcement cases or unresolved violations.
- Test your plan
- If you want a barn, guesthouse or additional structures, confirm setbacks, coverage, allowed uses and any animal limits.
- If you want to subdivide, meet with planning staff to review minimum lot area, frontage, septic feasibility, drainage and platting steps.
- Formal confirmation
- Request a zoning verification letter or official determination from the Town for documented clarity.
How zoning and lot size affect value
In Southwest Ranches, value is shaped by land attributes as much as the residence. Larger acreage, equestrian capability, legal access and clean due diligence often command a premium. Limits such as septic constraints, flood zone elevation needs, nonconformities or heavy easements can affect buyer pools, financing and pricing. Address these items early to protect your timeline and negotiation leverage when buying or selling.
Next steps if you are buying or selling
- If you are buying: define your use case first. Horses, guesthouse, or subdivision potential each trigger different checks. Line up septic, flood and environmental reviews early.
- If you are selling: assemble your property facts. Zoning district, lot dimensions, permit history, septic records and any surveys help buyers move faster and increase confidence.
- If you are exploring subdivision or redevelopment: expect a multi-month process that may require surveys, engineering and hearings. Budget for professional consultants.
When you want experienced guidance on Southwest Ranches acreage, Tommy Crivello Group pairs local land knowledge with appraisal-informed valuation and full-service marketing. If you are considering a purchase, sale or subdivision, reach out to discuss your goals and next steps. Request a Private Valuation.
FAQs
What is the minimum lot size in Southwest Ranches?
- Minimum lot size depends on the property’s zoning district. Confirm the district on the Official Zoning Map and check the Land Development Code for the exact numeric standard.
Are horses allowed on my Southwest Ranches property?
- Many rural districts allow equestrian uses, often with setback rules and possible limits on the number of animals. Verify the specific rules in the Town code for your parcel.
Can I subdivide a large lot in Southwest Ranches?
- Only if you meet minimum lot area and frontage and can address utilities, septic feasibility, drainage and road access, plus the Town’s platting and approval process.
Do I need public sewer to build or expand in Southwest Ranches?
- Not necessarily. Many properties use septic systems. Septic suitability and setbacks can limit expansion or subdivision, so obtain permit history and soil data early.
How do wetlands and flood zones affect building in Southwest Ranches?
- Wetlands may require buffers or mitigation and can reduce buildable area. FEMA flood zones can trigger elevation requirements and affect insurance and design.
What if a structure is nonconforming to current code?
- Legally nonconforming structures often can be repaired, but expansions or rebuilding after long periods of nonuse can be limited. Confirm specifics with Town staff.
