Pervious vs. impervious, in plain terms
Impervious surfaces keep rain from soaking into the ground: roofs, concrete, asphalt, pavers set on a concrete base, and pool decks. Many cities count the pool too. Pervious surfaces let water through, like grass, planting beds and, in some cities, approved permeable pavers.
South Florida cities limit impervious area to control flooding. Every square foot of new driveway, patio or roof counts against your lot’s limit, so the first question on any project in Pembroke Pines is how much allowance you have left.
Lot coverage and the 40% front-yard rule
Pembroke Pines regulates coverage in two ways. In the R-1A, R-1B and R-1C single-family districts, buildings can cover no more than 40% of the lot (§155.421). Separately, driveways can cover no more than 40% of the front yard and 40% of the lot width (§155.620).
The front-yard rule is the one that most often blocks a driveway widening. Homeowners do ask the Board of Adjustment for more. In one 2024 case an owner asked to keep 51% front-yard coverage instead of 40% (Pembroke Pines minutes). A variance is never guaranteed, so we design to the 40% limit first.
Driveway setbacks in Pembroke Pines
- Driveways: 0 ft front setback, 5 ft from side lines, 15 ft from a street side, and at least 10 ft wide.
- Walkways up to 3 ft wide: 2 ft from side lines. Wider walkways: 5 ft.
Pergolas, gazebos and new structures
- Freestanding open-sided structures (pergolas, gazebos, chickee huts): 5 ft side, 15 ft street side, 5 ft rear.
- Height: no taller than the house or 24 ft, whichever is lower.
- Size: 200 sq ft maximum. Lots in A or R-E zoning can go larger if they meet the main house setbacks.
Artificial turf and pavers
The City allows artificial turf in the rear yard of single-family homes with a building permit, 5 ft from property lines, and as an accent inside a driveway in the front setback. It also needs proper drainage and anchoring (Pembroke Pines turf rules).
Statewide, Florida now requires DEP standards for synthetic turf on single-family lots of 1 acre or less, and local governments can’t prohibit turf that meets them (Florida Statutes §125.572). The DEP rule took effect May 19, 2026 (Davie staff report). Cities can still regulate drainage, so how turf counts on your impervious calculation is still the city’s call.
A quick example
On a 7,500 sq ft R-1B lot, buildings can cover up to 3,000 sq ft. If the front yard is 25 ft deep and 75 ft wide (1,875 sq ft), the driveway can cover up to 750 sq ft of it. A 20 by 25 ft driveway (500 sq ft) leaves room for about 250 sq ft more, such as a 10 by 25 ft side extension.
Your numbers will be different. The Pembroke Pines lot simulator runs the same math for your lot.
See how much you can add
Enter your lot size, what’s already built, and the driveway, pergola or structure you want. The simulator checks your impervious percentage, coverage and setbacks against the Pembroke Pines rules above and shows the largest size that still fits.
Open the Pembroke Pines lot simulator →
The simulator gives a planning estimate, not a permit approval. Rules vary by zoning district, subdivision and HOA. This guide reflects published code as of October 2026, and we confirm the current version and your survey before every submittal. Source: Pembroke Pines Code §155.620.
We’re a State of Florida Certified General Contractor (CGC1527850). See our Pembroke Pines service area or Pembroke Pines pool deck project.
Frequently asked questions
Can I widen my driveway past 40% of the front yard?
Only with a variance from the Board of Adjustment. Plan for the 40% limit unless you are ready to apply for one.
How big can a pergola be in Pembroke Pines?
Up to 200 sq ft on most lots, no taller than the house or 24 ft, and at least 5 ft from side and rear lines.
Can I put turf in my front yard?
City code allows turf in the rear yard and as a driveway accent. State law now limits how cities restrict compliant turf on lots of 1 acre or less, so confirm current rules before you install.