Planning & Permitting

The Mellgren Planning Group, as the primary permitting agency for the Town of Southwest Ranches, provides full-time resident assistance in all areas of planning, zoning and land use.

The Planning and Permitting department's services include assisting residents in determining how their property may be used or developed; explaining zoning regulations and platting requirements; processing public hearing items that include re-zonings, platting, site plans and variances; providing general information to the public; issuing certificates of use for occupational licensing; and coordinating zoning, engineering and building permit review.

Building, Platting, Zoning, Etc. - Permits & Development

If you are building a new home, or planning any modification to your property in Southwest Ranches, congratulations! Obtaining a permit for your construction is a process which involves review and approval through multiple agencies. Permit Review is essentially a three-phase process. Permitting staff is available to assist you and to oversee your permit application through the approval process.

Please note that permits are required for any modification to property within the Town of Southwest Ranches . This includes fencing modifications, removal of trees (including nuisance species) as well as bringing in fill.

The links below provide some general information regarding aspects of the permit process. It is our goal to make the permitting process as simple and efficient as possible for all residents. Contact us when you're thinking of making a change to your property. We will be glad to help you through the process!

The Mellgren Planning Group The primary planning and zoning agency for the Town of Southwest Ranches.

C.A.P. Government, Inc. The permitting agency for the Town of Southwest Ranches, providing Building Code Services to the Town of Southwest Ranches.

Fill Permits Unlike most other municipalities which have positive drainage systems (sewers and pipe underground to carry water away), our town drainage consists mainly of on-site water retention that percolates into the ground. The soil acts as natural filter for the water, which eventually makes its way back into the aquifer below. Since our water must flow over the surface of the land and connect with structures such as swales and catch basins to move excess water away, the filling of property affects drainage on surrounding areas as well. Therefore, standards for amount and location of fill are carefully overseen to insure consistency with the drainage of an area. To learn more about different types of drainage, the brochure by the SFWMD is very informative.

Building Permit Requirements and Application This guide provides general submittal requirements for Building Permits. Remember that since every parcel of property is different, general information may not reveal every detail necessary about your permit application. Contact C.A.P. Government, Inc. if you have questions. We can help.

Farm Application The Town's Farm Ordinance was designed to protect Farms in Southwest Ranches and to bring the Town's codes and ordinances into compliance with Florida 's Right to Farm Act, which governs the erection of nonresidential farm buildings . If portions of your property are used for farm activities, you may be eligible for a Farm Designation. For more information, please contact Cheryl Williams at (954) 434-0008, ext. 222, or via e-mail at cwilliams@swranches.org.

Zoning The zoning of property plays a part in determining how the property may be used. Town review includes determination of compliance with zoning laws, engineering standards, drainage requirements and the landscaping code. Understanding the zoning laws affecting your property goes a long way in making your permitting process a smooth one.

Currently, the Town of Southwest Ranches is governed by the June 2000 Broward County Zoning Code. Our Town Planner, Michele Mellgren , is working with the Town Council to rewrite the Code to better fit our Southwest Ranches' Rural Lifestyle.