Permitting and Zoning for Building Your Home in St. Johns County

Tim C
Aug 14
2 min read

Building a custom home in St. Johns County is an exciting journey — but before construction begins, it’s essential to understand the permitting and zoning requirements that guide what can be built, where, and how. At Apex Homes Florida, we help homeowners navigate these regulations to ensure every project starts with a solid foundation.

Why Permits and Zoning Matter

Permitting and zoning laws protect homeowners, neighborhoods, and the environment. They ensure that your home meets safety standards, aligns with community plans, and complies with Florida’s building codes. Skipping or misunderstanding these steps can lead to costly delays, redesigns, or even legal issues.

Step 1: Understanding Zoning in St. Johns County

Zoning determines how land can be used and developed. In St. Johns County, zoning ordinances address:

Land Use – Residential, commercial, agricultural, or mixed-use.
Setbacks – How far your home must be from property lines.
Height Limits – Restrictions on how tall structures can be.
Lot Coverage – How much of your property can be built upon.
Special Requirements – Coastal construction regulations, historic preservation rules, or environmental protections.

Pro Tip: Apex Homes Florida reviews your lot’s zoning designation early in the process to ensure your design fits all local rules.

Step 2: The Permitting Process

Before breaking ground, St. Johns County requires building permits for most new home construction. This process typically involves:

Site Plan Submission – Showing the home’s location, setbacks, and grading.
Construction Drawings – Detailed architectural and engineering plans.
Environmental Review – Especially important for waterfront or conservation areas.
Plan Review – County officials check for compliance with codes and regulations.
Permit Issuance – Once approved, you’ll receive permits to begin work.

Step 3: Inspections During Construction

Permits aren’t the end of the process — they trigger required inspections throughout construction, including:

Foundation and structural framing checks.
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC system inspections.
Final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Apex Homes Florida coordinates these inspections to keep your project moving smoothly.

How Apex Homes Makes It Easier

Navigating zoning and permitting can feel overwhelming, but our team handles these steps for you:

Zoning Research – We confirm what can be built on your lot before you invest in design.
Permit Preparation – Our experts prepare and submit all required documents.
Compliance Management – We ensure your home meets Florida Building Code and St. Johns County standards.
Inspection Coordination – We schedule and manage inspections to avoid delays.

Start Your St. Johns County Home with Confidence

Building your dream home is too important to be slowed down by red tape. With Apex Homes Florida, you’ll have an experienced partner who knows St. Johns County’s permitting and zoning requirements inside and out.

📞 Contact us today to begin your custom home project with clarity and confidence.