5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Palm Beach County allows accessory dwelling units (called Guest Cottages or Servant Quarters) under PBC ULDC Article 4.B.1.A on lots of at least one acre in agricultural and most residential zoning districts. Units are limited to 800 square feet and may not be rented separately.
Fla. SB 184 (2025) - Housing / Accessory Dwelling Units
requiring, rather than authorizing, local governments to adopt, by a specified date, an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in certain areas; authorizing a local government to provide a density bonus incentive to landowners who make certain real property donations to assist in the provision of affordable housing for military families; requiring the Office of Program Policy Analysis and ...
Sheds in unincorporated Palm Beach County under 100 square feet do not require a building permit but must meet ULDC setbacks. Sheds 100 square feet or larger require a permit and must meet FL Building Code wind load standards (170 mph coastal, 160 mph inland).
Converting a garage to habitable space in unincorporated Palm Beach County requires a building permit under FBC and zoning compliance with PBC ULDC Article 6, which mandates that single-family residences maintain required off-street parking spaces.
Carports in unincorporated Palm Beach County require a building permit under FBC and must meet ULDC Article 4 setback requirements. Open carports must comply with FL Building Code wind load standards and may not be enclosed without a separate permit.
Tiny homes in unincorporated Palm Beach County must meet the same Florida Building Code requirements as a standard dwelling and comply with PBC ULDC minimum dwelling size standards. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings outside licensed RV parks.
5 cities in Palm Beach County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
5 verified rules β’ ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules β’ ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules β’ ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules β’ ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules β’ ADU Rules, Carport Rules
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Palm Beach County Ordinance Hub β