Development Services Frequently Asked Questions

Zoning can be found using our GIS mapping system

When the map loads in the box titled live maps layer visibility place a check mark in the box next to Zoning/DRI for current zoning.

To find your future land use category place a check mark in the box next to Comprehensive Planning.

Database can be searched using, property identification number, owner's name or property address.

Property Identification numbers can be obtained from the Manatee County Property Appraiser's Office.

Setbacks are measured from the property line into the interior of the lot where the structure or building will be placed. Please note, structures cannot be placed in any easements or buffers.

If your property is located in a standard zoning district, setbacks can be found in the Land Development Code Chapter 4 (see Table 4-3 Village Districts, Table 4-4 Agricultural and Residential Districts, Table 4-5 Mobile Home Districts, Table 4-6 Office, Commercial, Industrial  and Extraction Districts). 

If your zoning is PDR (Planned Development Residential), setbacks can be found by contacting the Reviewer on Call at 941-749-3070.

Manatee County Land Development Code does allow some home occupations without any approvals with the following limitations:

1. The home cannot take on the appearance of a business.
2. There cannot be any outdoor storage or display of merchandise.
3. There cannot be any retail or wholesale transactions.
4. No assembly, processing or fabrication operations are allowed.
5. No signs advertising the business are allowed.
6. The business can occupy no more than 25% of the home or two hundred (200) square feet of the first floor, whichever is less, exclusive of an open porch, attached garage or similar accessory uses.
7. No traffic should be generated in greater volume than normally expected in a residential neighborhood.

Please contact the Reviewer on Call at 941-748-4501 ext 6871 or send email to revieweroncall@mymanatee.org to see if your proposed business meets the aforementioned conditions.

If you are dividing your property in lots of less than five acres, a subdivision plat will be required when the third lot from the parent parcel* is created or a street is created for access. Parent Parcel is the property in its original configuration that has not been divided since May 4, 1981.

All lots created must meet the zoning district regulations for the zoning district where the property is located.

If the property is in a platted subdivision, recorded with the Clerk of Courts, you must submit an application to replat.

Please contact the Reviewer on call at 941-748-4501 ext 6871 or send email to revieweroncall@mymanatee.org to start the process for subdivision plat approval.

Manatee County is only a signatory agent for retail alcohol beverage licenses. To apply for a license you must contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Manatee County will review the state license for zoning compliance. A review fee of $50.00 will be assessed.

The first step in the development process is to schedule a pre-application conference. A pre-application conference is an informational meeting that is used to discuss the process and the code requirements before submission of the land use application for obtaining approval of the proposed development. A conceptual plan will be required.

Platted subdivisions are recorded with the Manatee County Clerk of Court www.manateeclerk.com

Setbacks for swimming pools and screened pool enclosures are five (5) feet from the side and rear property lines, however no pool or pool cage shall encroach in any easements or drainage swales.