Bolthole Index

Lake County, Florida

Building permits, zoning and septic in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills

The Town of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida requires building permits and zoning clearance for new construction inside town limits.1 The Town administers its own zoning, while the Florida Department of Health in Lake County handles septic permitting.23 RVs cannot be lived in or slept in while parked in residential zones.4

At a glance

Building permits
Required for new construction; apply through the Town Citizen Portal1
Zoning
Town Land Development Code and Official Zoning Map apply2
Septic
Florida Department of Health in Lake County3
RV living
No living or sleeping in parked RVs in residential zones4
Minimum principal home size
AG and RE: 1,500 air-conditioned square feet; SFR: 2,000; excluded areas differ by district567
Temporary construction residence
Conditional onsite manufactured home for owner/builder; valid primary building permit and sewage disposal needed8
Water and sewer
Town potable water unless waived; wastewater/reclaimed-water connection rules apply near mains9

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Building Services Department

Town building permit applications, plan review and inspections

407-745-3633

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Development Services Department

Town zoning, planning and development review inquiries

352-324-2290 Ext. 101

101 N. Palm Ave. Howey-In-The-Hills , FL 34737

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

[email protected]

320 W. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Howey-in-the-Hills means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills, FL?

All new construction in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills, including single-family homes, needs building permits and zoning clearance.1 The Florida Building Code applies inside town limits, with local enforcement by the Town or its contracted agents.10 The Town contracts with Alpha, Willdan Engineering Company for permitting, plan review and inspections of new construction, additions and alterations.11

Owner-builder status does not remove the building-permit requirement: Florida’s exemption concerns acting as your own contractor for your own use and occupancy, with direct onsite supervision and other obligations.12 The Town also requires owner-builders to include additional forms with their applications.13

Who handles building permits and zoning in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills?

For specific Town of Howey-in-the-Hills building-permit or inspection questions, contact Building Services at 407-745-3633.13 Submit building applications through the Citizen Portal; incomplete applications are rejected, and Lake County fees must be paid directly to the county with proof supplied during permitting.1 Building inspections must be requested through the portal.13

For Town zoning, planning or development-review questions, the Town Clerk is the primary contact through Development Services at 352-324-2290 Ext. 101.14 The Town publishes separate planning/zoning and building-permit fee schedules, so review the applicable Schedule of Fees with your proposed work.15

Does the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills have zoning and minimum home sizes?

The Town of Howey-in-the-Hills has its own zoning districts and Official Zoning Map; start with the parcel’s district rather than a townwide assumption.2 In Agricultural (AG) and Rural Estates (RE), principal dwellings require at least 1,500 air-conditioned square feet, excluding garage and accessory dwelling area.56 Single Family Residential (SFR) requires at least 2,000 air-conditioned square feet, excluding garage and accessory apartment area.7

AG and RE setbacks are 50 feet front, street-side and rear, and 25 feet interior side.1617 SFR setbacks are generally 35 feet front and street-side, 20 feet interior side and 30 feet rear; the front setback can be 20 feet with a qualifying recessed or detached garage at least 35 feet from the front lot line.18

How do septic permits and water connections work in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills?

Septic permitting for the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills is handled by the Florida Department of Health in Lake County, rather than Town Building Services.3 Environmental Public Health is at 320 W. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778, with phone 352-253-6130; the office also lists well construction services.19

Before planning an independent water or septic system, account for Town utility requirements: every principal use and subdivision lot must receive Town potable water unless a specific waiver is granted.9 New residential subdivisions and dwelling units must connect to Town wastewater and reclaimed-water facilities when within 300 linear feet of the specified wastewater main and/or reclaimed-water line.9 Ask Development Services about the parcel’s utility connections and DOH about the proposed onsite system.143

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills?

RVs and trailer coaches cannot be lived in or slept in while parked in a residential zoning district in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills.4 Driveway parking for loading, unloading and routine maintenance is limited to 72 hours, with total driveway parking capped at 14 days per calendar year.4

The Town separately allows a conditional onsite manufactured home during construction for security personnel, a caretaker or temporary owner-builder residence, with a valid building permit for the primary work and adequate sewage pumpout or disposal.8 Accessory dwellings are allowed in AG and RE, while SFR requires the accessory dwelling to be part of the principal building or attached by covered walkway, screened enclosure or breezeway.202122 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule; ask Town Development Services how the proposed dwelling would be classified.14

Building a home in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills: what comes first?

  1. Ask Town Development Services to confirm the zoning district and applicable development review; subdivision or other development must meet the Land Development Code and receive approval before building permits are issued.1423
  2. Resolve Town water and wastewater connection requirements, and consult Lake County DOH if proposing septic.93
  3. Prepare the complete building application and submit it through the Citizen Portal; provide proof of directly paid Lake County fees and the additional owner-builder forms when applicable.113
  4. Request construction inspections through the portal.11

For land outside town limits, use the Lake County guide for the county’s building-permit and zoning requirements for unincorporated land.2425 Inside town limits, direct planning questions to the Town Clerk through Development Services.14

Watch-outs

  • RV parking permission in the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills does not authorize sleeping in an RV in a residential zone.4
  • Town potable-water service is required unless specifically waived; do not assume a private well replaces the Town connection.9
  • We could not confirm the Town’s general certificate-of-occupancy requirements; ask Building Services before planning a move-in date.13
  • RE and SFR driveways must be hard-surfaced and at least 16 feet wide and 20 feet long from right of way to garage.26

Sources

  1. Building Services (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  2. Land Development Code (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Public Health - Florida Department of Health in Lake County (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  4. Sec. 166-3. Permitted parking (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  5. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  6. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  7. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  8. Land Development Code Chapter 5: Accessory and Temporary Uses and Structures (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  9. howey.org (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  10. Florida Statutes § 553.73 (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Services (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  12. 2026 Florida Statutes § 489.103, Exemptions (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Building Services Department (howey.org)
  14. Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Development Services Department (howey.org)
  15. Schedule of Fees (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  16. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  17. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  18. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  19. Florida Department of Health in Lake County, Environmental Public Health (lake.floridahealth.gov)
  20. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  21. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  22. Land Development Code Chapter 2: Zoning Districts (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  23. Land Development Code Chapter 4: Development Review Procedures (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked
  24. Single Family Residential Permit Checklist (2026 county census)
  25. Planning & Zoning - Lake County Government (2026 county census)
  26. howey.org (Town of Howey-in-the-Hills), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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 Town of Howey-in-the-Hills

Town of Howey-in-the-Hills’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction, including single-family homes and commercial construction, inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • All new construction needs permits and zoning clearance.
    • Applications are submitted through the Citizen Portal.
    • Incomplete applications are rejected.
    • Lake County fees must be paid directly and proof provided.
    “All new construction, such as single-family homes and commercial building construction, needs permits and zoning clearance.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New construction, additions, and alterations inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • Inspection requests must be made through the portal and cannot be requested by other means.
    • The Town uses Alpha, Willdan Engineering Company for oversight and inspection services.
    “The Town of Howey-in-the-Hills has an active contract with Alpha, Willdan Engineering Company, to provide oversight of all new construction projects (commercial and residential), additions and alterations of existing structures, through permitting, plan review, and inspection services within the town limits.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits; the Town adopts and administers its own Land Development Code and zoning districts.

    • The Official Zoning Map is incorporated into the Land Development Code.
    “Zoning districts are hereby established for all land and water areas included within the boundaries of each district as shown on the “Zoning Map, Howey in the Hills, Florida.””
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and zoning-map classifications inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • The Chapter 2 PDF identifies AG, RE, SFR, MDR-1, MDR-2, NC, IND, INS-1, INS-2, REC-1, REC-2, CON, PUB, PUD, TC-R, TC-F, and TC-C districts, plus overlay districts.
    • The Town’s Land Development Code page states that the Official Zoning Map is incorporated into the LDC.
    “Zoning districts are hereby established for all land and water areas included within the boundaries of each district as shown on the “Zoning Map, Howey in the Hills, Florida.””
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Principal single-family dwellings in the Agricultural (AG) zoning district.

    • The minimum is air-conditioned square footage.
    • Garage and accessory dwelling area are excluded.

    minimum principal dwelling size: >= 1500 square feet air conditioned (not including garage or accessory dwelling)

    “Minimum square footage of principal dwelling is 1,500 square feet air conditioned, not including garage or accessory dwelling).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Principal single-family dwellings in the Rural Estates (RE) zoning district.
      “Minimum square footage of principal dwelling is 1,500 square feet (air-conditioned, not including garage or accessory dwelling).”
    • Specified — Principal single-family dwellings in the Single Family Residential (SFR) zoning district.
      “Minimum square footage of principal dwelling is 2,000 square feet (air-conditioned, not including garage or accessory apartment).”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal and accessory structures in the Single Family Residential (SFR) zoning district.

    • Front setback may be 20 feet if the lot includes a recessed or detached garage at least 35 feet from the front lot line.
    • Accessory structures other than boathouses, docks, and fences must meet the same setback requirements as the principal dwelling.

    front setback: >= 35 feet (20 feet if the lot includes a recessed or detached garage at least 35 feet from the front lot line) · street-side setback: >= 35 feet · interior side setback: >= 20 feet · rear setback: >= 30 feet

    “Minimum front yard setback is 35 feet (20 feet if the lot includes a recessed or detached garage at least 35 feet from the front lot line) [...] Minimum street side yard setback is 35 feet [...] Minimum side yard (interior) setback is 20 feet [...] Minimum rear yard setback is 30 feet”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Principal and accessory structures in the Agricultural (AG) zoning district.
      “Minimum front yard setback is 50 feet [...] Minimum street side yard setback is 50 feet [...] Minimum side yard (interior) setback is 25 feet [...] Minimum rear yard setback is 50 feet”
    • Specified — Principal and accessory structures in the Rural Estates (RE) zoning district.
      “Minimum front yard setback is 50 feet [...] Minimum street side yard setback is 50 feet [...] Minimum side yard (interior) setback is 25 feet [...] Minimum rear yard setback is 50 feet”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in the Agricultural (AG) zoning district.

    • Silos or grain bins may exceed the maximum by 10 feet.
    • Specified building-mounted appurtenances may exceed the maximum by 10 feet.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet (silos, grain bins, and specified non-human-occupancy appurtenances may exceed by 10 feet)

    “Maximum building height is 35 feet [...] Silos or grain bins may exceed the maximum building height by 10 feet.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in the Rural Estates (RE) zoning district.
      “Maximum building height is 35 feet [...] Building-mounted appurtenances such as belfries, chimneys, cupolas, and antennas used or domestic purposes, or other appurtenances usually placed above roof level and not used for human occupancy, may exceed the maximum building height by 10 feet.”
    • Specified — Buildings in the Single Family Residential (SFR) zoning district.
      “Maximum building height is 35 feet [...] Building-mounted appurtenances such as belfries, chimneys, cupolas, and antennas used for domestic purposes, or other appurtenances usually placed above roof level and not used for human occupancy, may exceed the maximum building height by 10 feet.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles and trailer coaches on plots in residential zoning districts inside Howey-in-the-Hills.

    • One resident-owned recreational vehicle or trailer coach may be parked in the side or rear yard subject to front-yard, visibility, and six-foot fence or landscaped-screen requirements.
    • Driveway loading, unloading, and routine maintenance is limited to 72 hours, with total driveway parking not exceeding 14 days in a calendar year.
    • Recreational vehicles and trailer coaches shall not be lived in or slept in while parked in a residential zone.
    • The article applies to all residential zoning districts.

    screening height: >= 6 feet (side-yard, street side-yard, and rear-yard screening remains required) · driveway loading/unloading period: <= 72 hours (loading, unloading, and routine maintenance) · annual driveway parking: <= 14 days per calendar year

    “Boat/boat trailers, recreational vehicles or trailer coaches, and general use trailers shall not be lived in or slept in while parked in a residential zone.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Temporary manufactured-home occupancy during construction inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • Only one onsite manufactured home may be used.
    • Permitted purposes are security personnel, a caretaker, or temporary residence of the owner/builder.
    • The temporary building provisions require a valid building permit for the primary construction activity and adequate sewage pumpout or disposal.

    onsite manufactured homes: 1 per site (during construction and for the listed temporary purposes)

    “One (1) onsite manufactured home for the use of security personnel, a caretaker, or for the temporary residence of the owner/builder may be located on the site. The applicant shall demonstrate adequate provisions for sewage pumpout or disposal.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed

    Accessory dwellings in the Agricultural (AG) zoning district.

    • One accessory dwelling is permitted per lot or parcel.
    • All other Land Development Code requirements remain applicable.

    accessory dwellings: 1 per lot or parcel

    “Accessory dwellings. One per lot or parcel.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed — Accessory dwellings in the Rural Estates (RE) zoning district.
      “Accessory dwellings. One per lot or parcel.”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwellings in the Single Family Residential (SFR) zoning district.
      “Accessory dwellings. One per lot. Must be either built as part of the principal building (i.e., above the garage) or attached to the principal structure by covered walkway, screened enclosure, or breezeway.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Every principal use and subdivision lot, and each new residential subdivision or dwelling unit, inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • Every principal use and subdivision lot must be served by the Town potable-water system unless a specific waiver is granted.
    • Each new residential subdivision and dwelling unit must connect to Town wastewater and reclaimed-water facilities when within 300 linear feet of a wastewater force or gravity main and/or reclaimed-water transmission line.
    • Water-system connections require written Town consent and Public Works Director supervision.

    wastewater/reclaimed-water connection distance: <= 300 linear feet (applies where the new subdivision or dwelling unit lies within 300 linear feet of the specified facilities)

    “Each new residential subdivision and each new dwelling unit must connect both to the Town’s wastewater collection and transmission facilities and to the Town’s reclaimed-water system for irrigation where the new subdivision or dwelling unit lies within 300 linear feet of a wastewater force or gravity main and/or a reclaimed-water transmission line.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • Subdivision or other development must meet the Land Development Code and receive approval before platting or building permits.
    • Applications require applicable forms, data, plans, and fees.
    • The Chapter 4 process includes preliminary and final subdivision-plan review, Planning and Zoning Board review, and Town Council action.
    “Within the Town of Howey in the Hills, no subdivision or other development shall be made or platted, nor shall any building permit be issued, unless such development meets all the requirements of this Code and has been approved in accordance with the requirements of this Code.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways serving residential development inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • Driveways are included among property changes requiring permits.
    • In the RE district, single-family detached units require a driveway at least 16 feet wide and 20 feet long from the right of way to the garage, paved with a hard surface.
    • The SFR district has the same 16-foot by 20-foot hard-surface driveway standard.

    minimum driveway width: >= 16 feet · minimum driveway length: >= 20 feet (measured from right of way to garage)

    “Single family detached units shall have a two-car garage (a minimum of 400 square feet) and a driveway that measures a minimum of 16 feet wide and 20 feet long from right of way to garage. Driveways shall be paved with a hard surface material such as concrete, asphalt, paver blocks, brick, etc.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Town planning, zoning, and building permit fees inside Howey-in-the-Hills.

    • The Town page identifies a 2026 planning and zoning fee schedule, general fees and charges, and a building-permit fee schedule dated 08/10/2026.
    • The building code states that fees must be paid before issuance and are established by Town Council resolution.
    • Online credit-card payments add a fee of 3.5% or $2, whichever is greater.
    “Planning and Zoning Fee Schedule 2026 (Development)- Updated 02/23/2026 [...] Building Permit - Schedule of Fees 08/10/2026”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building and development applications inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • Development applications generally proceed through pre-application review, application submittal and staff review, DRC review, Planning and Zoning Board review when required, and Town Council action.
    • Building applications are submitted through the Citizen Portal.
    • Incomplete applications are rejected.
    • Inspections must be requested through the portal.
    “The process is guided by the Land Development Code and generally includes the following steps: [...] Pre-Application Review [...] Application Submittal and Staff Review [...] Development Review Committee (DRC) [...] Planning and Zoning Board Review [...] Town Council Action”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Howey-in-the-Hills

Town of Howey-in-the-Hills does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits is governed by the Florida Building Code, enforced locally by the Town or its contracted agents.

    • Local governments may adopt qualifying administrative or technical amendments, including flood-resistance amendments.
    • The edition in effect on the permit application date governs the permitted work for the life of the permit and extensions.
    “The initial adoption of, and any subsequent update or amendment to, the Florida Building Code by the commission is deemed adopted for use statewide without adoptions by local government.”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems and septic permitting inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.

    • The Florida Department of Health in Lake County identifies these services for Lake County.
    • Town development standards also require compliance with Lake County Health Department regulations.
    “Environmental Health currently inspects and regulates: [...] Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems [...] Septic System Permitting”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Howey-in-the-Hills or Lake County directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.
  • Septic permit — Septic permits for onsite sewage systems inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.
  • Septic inspection — Septic inspections inside Howey-in-the-Hills town limits.
4 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • 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 Town of Howey-in-the-Hills publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Lake County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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