Custom detached pool house (non-habitable accessory structure)
The South Tampa Pool House Cabana
- Location
- South Tampa, City of Tampa
- Dimensions
- 10′ × 20′ detached cabana — 200 sq. ft.
- Jurisdiction
- City of Tampa · non-habitable accessory · 5′ setback
The story
A South Tampa homeowner wanted a poolside cabana serving as a private changing room, outdoor bathroom, and dry shelter during summer storms.
The challenge and site constraints
Zoning restrictions: The lot sat in a zone where detached accessory dwellings — habitable ADUs with kitchens — were prohibited.
Accessory setbacks: Because the structure was non-habitable, it could conform to the City of Tampa's 5-foot accessory building setback rather than the strict 15-foot rear dwelling setback.
The Watermark solution
Watermark designed a non-habitable poolside cabana containing a full pool bath, an outdoor shower zone, and a ventilated closet to house and silence the pool filtration equipment.
The outcome
A functional, beautiful poolside retreat that conforms to local zoning, adds resort-style utility to the yard, and avoids the hurdles of a habitable dwelling permit.