Bolthole Index

Lake County, Florida

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Clermont, Florida

Clermont, Florida requires a city building permit for a new home and other covered construction.1 Clermont administers zoning inside city limits, while septic permits go through the Florida Department of Health in Lake County.23 Obtain zoning approval before submitting a building permit, and confirm the parcel’s district before choosing a home design.4

At a glance

Building permits
Required from Clermont for covered construction1
Zoning
City Land Development Code applies inside city limits2
Septic permits
Florida Department of Health in Lake County3
Owner-builder
Available for the owner’s use and occupancy; conditions apply5
Minimum home size
R-3 single-family dwellings: 1,000 square feet of living area, excluding garages, carports and screened areas6
Wells
Lake County delegated program covers wells less than 6 inches in diameter7
Final approval
Certificate of Occupancy or Completion after approved inspections, as appropriate8

Who to call

Building permits

Clermont Building Services

City building applications, plan review, inspections and final certificates; plans review includes drainage and floodplain requirements.

352-241-7315

inspection@clermontfl.org

685 W. Montrose St.

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Clermont Zoning Division

City zoning approval and Land Development Code criteria.

Planning & zoning

Clermont Planning Division & Development Review

City planning and development review.

Septic permits

Florida Department of Health in Lake County, Environmental Public Health

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal and well construction services in Lake County

352-253-6130

chd35webmaster@FLHealth.gov

320 W. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Clermont means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Clermont, FL?

Clermont requires a building permit for construction, alterations, repairs, moving or demolishing a building, occupancy changes and covered trade work.1 The city lists exceptions for specified residential work, including painting, flooring, tile work, replacement plumbing or lighting fixtures and re-screening; ask Building Services how the exception applies to your exact scope.1 Clermont lists the Florida Building Code effective from December 31, 2023, with no local amendments to the listed codes.9 Owner-builder status does not remove the building-permit requirement.10

Who issues building permits and handles zoning in Clermont?

Clermont Building Services accepts city building applications, reviews plans and oversees inspections; reach the office at 352-241-7315 or inspection@clermontfl.org.11 Submit a complete building-permit package to Building Services or use the city’s online permitting link.11 Clermont’s Zoning Division is the starting point for zoning approval, and the city says to obtain that approval before submitting the building permit.4 The Planning Division also provides planning and development review for city properties.12 Septic applications remain a separate matter for Florida Health in Lake County, rather than the city building counter.3

Does Clermont have zoning, and can you build a tiny home?

Clermont’s Land Development Code determines how property inside city limits can be used and supplies development criteria.2 Ask the Zoning Division to identify the parcel’s district and applicable lot-size and setback standards before committing to a layout.13 In Clermont’s R-3 district, a single-family dwelling must have at least 1,000 square feet of living area, excluding garages, carports and screened areas.6 That R-3 minimum rules out a smaller single-family design in that district; it does not establish a citywide minimum or answer whether a tiny home is allowed in another district.6

How do septic permits and wells work inside Clermont?

Septic systems inside Clermont require septic permitting through the Florida Department of Health in Lake County.143 The Environmental Public Health office lists onsite sewage treatment and disposal and well construction services; call 352-253-6130 at the Tavares office for the appropriate application route.15 Lake County’s delegated well program issues permits for wells less than 6 inches in diameter within its district areas; ask the office which authority handles a proposed larger well.7 We could not confirm Clermont’s public-water or sewer connection requirements or whether off-grid sanitation is acceptable for a new city home; resolve those questions with city Building Services and Environmental Public Health before designing an independent system.1115

Can you live in an RV on your land in Clermont?

We could not confirm a Clermont rule allowing residential RV occupancy on a private parcel, including temporary occupancy while building; ask the Zoning Division about the proposed use before relying on an RV as housing.4 Clermont’s zoning controls property use, so building-permit approval for a future house alone does not answer the separate RV-use question.21 For a small permanent home, start with the district’s dwelling standards: Clermont’s verified R-3 single-family minimum is 1,000 square feet of living area.6 Ask the city to distinguish RV occupancy, a permanent dwelling and any proposed accessory dwelling in its zoning review.4

What are the steps to build a home in Clermont?

  1. Confirm the parcel’s city zoning district and obtain zoning approval before submitting the building permit.24
  2. Resolve sanitation with Florida Health in Lake County if the home will use septic, and ask Building Services about utility requirements.311
  3. Submit a complete city building-permit package; plans review checks building-code, zoning, drainage and floodplain requirements.16
  4. Schedule required inspections after the building permit is issued; final approval leads to a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion, as appropriate.178

Clermont publishes project-dependent fee schedules, and inspection fees must be paid before a certificate of occupancy is issued.18 An owner-builder must use and occupy the building, cannot build it for sale or lease, and must personally appear and sign the affidavit while meeting supervision and employment obligations.5

What should you check before buying land in Clermont?

Have Clermont’s Zoning Division confirm that the proposed use and building layout fit the parcel’s district before you buy.2 Development site plans must identify driveways, approaches, curb cuts and vehicular access, including dimensions and construction specifications.19 City plans review also checks drainage and floodplain requirements, so bring those questions to Building Services early.16 For a property outside Clermont city limits, use the Lake County guide: county planning and zoning rules apply to unincorporated Lake County.20 Septic remains with Florida Health in Lake County for a Clermont address.3

Watch-outs

  • Clermont’s 1,000-square-foot single-family minimum cited here belongs to R-3; ask the Zoning Division for the standards of the parcel’s actual district.6
  • We could not confirm residential RV occupancy or off-grid sanitation inside Clermont; ask the Zoning Division about RV use and Environmental Public Health about sanitation before buying.415
  • Owner-builder eligibility in Clermont is conditional and does not waive building permits or code compliance.510

Sources

  1. Building Permitting Information (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning Division | Clermont, FL (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Public Health (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  4. Clermont Zoning Division (clermontfl.gov)
  5. Owner-Builder Information (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  6. Clermont Land Development Code, Sec. 125-249 (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  7. Water Services (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  8. clermontfl.gov (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Permitting Information (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  10. 2026 Florida Statutes § 489.103, Exemptions (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Clermont Building Services (clermontfl.gov)
  12. Clermont Planning Division & Development Review (clermontfl.gov)
  13. Zoning Division | Clermont, FL (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  14. Environmental Public Health (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  15. Florida Department of Health in Lake County, Environmental Public Health (lake.floridahealth.gov)
  16. Building Services | Clermont, FL (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  17. Inspections Information | Clermont, FL (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Permit Application Process and Plan Requirements (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  19. Sec. 101-352. Site plan submittal requirements (Clermont), quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning & Zoning - Lake County Government, quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Clermont

Clermont’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, repair, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated building-system work inside Clermont city limits.

    • Applies to work regulated by the Florida Building Code.
    “Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure [...] shall first make application to the City and obtain the required permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, or impact-covering work inside Clermont city limits.
      “shall first make application to the City and obtain the required permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A legal property owner seeking an owner-builder permit inside Clermont city limits.

    • The owner must use and occupy the building.
    • The building may not be built or improved for sale or lease.
    • The owner must personally appear and sign the affidavit; applicable licensing, supervision, workers' compensation, tax, and employment responsibilities remain.

    commercial building cost ceiling: <= 75000 USD (The affidavit also covers one- or two-family residences and farm outbuildings.)

    “If an applicant applies as an owner/builder, the building must be for their own use and occupancy. It may not be for sale or lease.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Clermont city limits.

    • The city page states no local amendments for the listed codes.
    • The Florida Building Code listed is effective December 31, 2023 to present.
    “8th Edition (2023) of the Florida Building Code – Effective Dec. 31, 2023, to present”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted projects inside Clermont city limits.

    • Which city department performs an inspection depends on project scope; inspections occur at applicable phases.
    “Once a permit is issued, inspections can be scheduled at certain phases throughout the job.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Permitted projects inside Clermont city limits requiring a certificate of occupancy or completion.

    • After all required inspections are completed and approved, the city issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion, as appropriate.
    • Temporary certificates of occupancy may be issued under separate city procedures.
    “issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion, as appropriate.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Projects for which Clermont issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion.
      “After all required inspections are completed and approved, the Permitting Section finalizes the process and issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion, as appropriate.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Clermont city limits.

    • The City's Land Development Code governs the stated development matters.
    “"How" a property can be used is determined through Zoning. The City's Land Development Code (LDC) provides specific development criteria.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts inside Clermont city limits.

    • City publishes a zoning district matrix and zoning map.
    “The City's Land Development Code (LDC) provides specific development criteria. The review of development plans, zoning guidelines, sign criteria, variances, landscaping standards, and most other aspects related to the development of property are governed by the City's LDC”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping on public places and city parks inside Clermont city limits.

    • The public-place rule excludes a lawfully located registered and insured motor vehicle and recreational camping on designated property; park camping requires a city-designated area and authorization.
    “It is prohibited, unlawful, and a violation of this section for any person to engage in public camping or sleeping on or in any public place.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units inside Clermont city limits in R-1-A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3-A, PUD, and the stated Central Business District circumstance.

    • Owner must live on site; unit must be 350–800 square feet; one ADU and one parking space per lot; a detached ADU requires a preexisting primary single-family dwelling; listed vehicles and containers cannot be ADUs.

    ADU living space: 350-800 square feet

    “The ADU may be permitted in the following residential zoning districts: R-1-A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3-A or PUD.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plans inside Clermont city limits.

    • Subdivision plans participate in the City development-review process.
    “Participating in the development-review process and commenting on development permits, Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs), Planned Unit Developments, subdivision plans, site plans, conditional use permits, landscape plans, annexations and right-of-way/easement abandonment.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Development site plans inside Clermont city limits.

    • Site plans must identify the location, dimensions, and typical construction specifications of driveways, approaches, curb cuts, access points, accessways, parking, loading, and service areas.
    “Driveways, approaches and curb cuts. 2. Vehicular access points, accessways and common vehicular access points.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    City of Clermont building permits.

    • Fee schedule states residential building permit fee includes plan review, initial inspections, and administrative fees; minimum is $78.

    residential building permit fee: per 0.4 USD per square foot (Minimum $78.)

    “Residential building permit (includes plan, review, initial inspections and admin fees $0.40 per sq ft, $78 minimum”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications inside Clermont city limits.

    • Applications must be sufficient and complete and are reviewed before permit issuance; online submittal is available.
    “Permit applications must be sufficient and complete.”

Rules another office applies inside Clermont

Clermont does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in Clermont's R-3 Residential/Professional District.

    • Garages, carports, and screened areas are excluded from living area.

    minimum living area: >= 1000 square feet (Exclusive of garages, carports and screened areas.)

    “Single-family dwelling units having a minimum living area of 1,000 square feet, exclusive of garages, carports and screened areas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family dwellings in Clermont's R-3-A Residential/Professional District.
      “Single-family dwelling units having a minimum living area of 1,000 square feet, exclusive of garages, carports and screened areas.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Clermont R-2 Medium Density Residential District.

    • The minimum depends on dwelling type.

    single-family lot size: >= 7500 square feet · two-family lot size: >= 10000 square feet · multifamily lot size: per 5000 square feet (Per dwelling unit.)

    “Lot size for single-family dwellings shall be not less than 7,500 square feet. Lot size for two-family dwellings shall be not less than 10,000 square feet. Minimum lot size for multifamily development shall be 5,000 square feet per dwelling unit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Clermont R-1 Single-Family Medium Density Residential District.

    • Front setbacks are 50 feet on Hartwood Marsh Road, SR 50, and U.S. Highway 27; otherwise 25 feet. Additional side, rear, lakefront, and floodplain conditions apply.

    front setback: 25 feet (50 feet adjacent to Hartwood Marsh Road, SR 50, or U.S. Highway 27.)

    “Property adjacent to Hartwood Marsh Road, SR 50 and U.S. Highway 27 shall maintain a 50-foot setback. The setback on all other streets shall be 25 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Clermont UE Urban Estate Low Density Residential District.
      “Property adjacent to Hartwood Marsh Road, SR 50 and U.S. Highway 27 shall maintain a 50-foot setback. On all other streets the setback shall be 35 feet.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential development in Clermont's UE Urban Estate Low Density Residential District.

    • Principal building, driveway, and walkways are limited to 45 percent.

    maximum impervious surface coverage: <= 55 percent (Principal building, driveway and walkways limited to 45 percent.)

    “For all residential development, the maximum impervious surface coverage shall be 55 percent, with the principal building, driveway and walkways limited to 45 percent.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures in Clermont's UE Urban Estate Low Density Residential District.

    • City-owned facilities are exempt; nonhabitable church spires, belfries, cupolas, and domes may be 55 feet.

    maximum habitable occupancy-use-area height: <= 35 feet · maximum finished building or structure height: <= 45 feet

    “Maximum height of 35 feet shall be allowable for all designated habitable, occupancy use areas of a building or structure, and a maximum height of 45 feet shall be allowable for the finished height of all buildings or structures.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Septic regulation inside Clermont city limits is administered through the Florida Department of Health in Lake County.

    • Florida Health states that counties outside the 16 DEP-administered counties should contact the local county health department.
    “If you live outside these 16 counties, contact your local county health department about septic system permitting and inspections.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems inside Clermont city limits.

    • The Lake County environmental-health program lists septic system permitting and regulates onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.
    • Specific exemptions and operating-permit categories were not established from the cited page.
    “Environmental Health currently inspects and regulates: [...] Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems [...] Septic System Permitting”
  • Well permitLimited

    Wells inside Clermont city limits that fall within the Lake County delegated permitting program.

    • The cited official page states the delegated program issues permits on wells less than 6 inches in diameter within Lake County district areas.

    well diameter: < 6 inches (The cited page does not establish permitting for wells 6 inches or larger.)

    “issues permits on wells less than 6 inches in diameter within Lake County district areas.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Clermont or Lake County directly.

  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Clermont city limits.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy inside Clermont city limits.
  • Septic inspection — Onsite sewage systems inside Clermont city limits.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation inside Clermont city limits.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — New homes inside Clermont city limits.
2 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Clermont publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Lake County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Lake County: county rules, score and offices