Before You Build in Palm Bay, FL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Palm Bay Code Section 174.007 limits fences outside building lines to 4 feet in the front setback and 6 feet at all other locations. Corner lots may have 6-foot fences in the side corner yard if they do not obstruct the vision clearance triangle.

Palm Bay follows Florida's spite fence statute FL Section 823.11. There is no shared-cost requirement for boundary fences. The finished face of wooden fences must face outward toward the neighbor. Vision clearance triangles apply at corner lots.

Since August 2020, Palm Bay no longer requires building permits for non-masonry fences on single-family residential properties. A free zoning review by the Land Development Division is still required before installation, but no fees or inspections apply.

Palm Bay follows Florida Building Code pool safety standards. Pools built after October 1, 2000 must include at least one approved safety feature such as pool alarms, safety covers, or self-closing doors with alarms. Building permits and inspections are required for all pool construction.

Above-ground pools in Palm Bay must comply with Florida Building Code barrier requirements. Pools with walls less than 48 inches require additional fencing. A building permit is required for above-ground pool installation. The 130 mph wind zone affects structural requirements.

Palm Bay enforces Florida Building Code pool barrier requirements and the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL Statute 515). All residential pools require a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must swing away from the pool with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms.

Palm Bay allows accessory dwelling units regulated under Land Development Code Section 174.003. ADUs may be detached structures, attached additions, or converted existing structures. They cannot be sold separately from the main property. Zoning verification is required through Growth Management.

Palm Bay allows garage conversions to ADUs or living space under Section 174.003. Conversions require building permits with zoning and building review. The converted space counts toward overall accessory structure size limits and must not exceed the principal structure's living area.

Palm Bay regulates carports as accessory structures under Land Development Code Section 185.118 and applies the building setback standards of Section 185.115. A building permit with both zoning and building review is required. Attached carports must be designed by an architect or engineer, and metal carports over 300 square feet or 12 feet tall must simulate non-metal construction.

Palm Bay exempts sheds under 120 square feet from building permits. Larger sheds require building permits and may not exceed 50% of the principal structure's living area. Metal accessory structures over 300 sq ft or 12 ft tall must simulate non-metal construction in residential zones.

Palm Bay allows recreational fire pits with a 15-foot setback from structures. Only clean wood fuel is permitted. Fire pits must be attended at all times. Burn bans frequently issued during dry winter months override recreational fire pit use.

Palm Bay regulates open burning with burn bans frequently imposed during dry season. Florida Forest Service authorization is required for yard debris burning. Brevard County Code Section 50 provides authority for countywide burn bans when drought conditions warrant.

Palm Bay falls within the St. Johns River Water Management District jurisdiction. Irrigation schedules restrict watering days and times for residential and nonresidential properties. Violations may result in penalties and a mandatory water restriction surcharge requiring City Council approval.

Palm Bay Code Chapter 175 governs tree protection, landscaping, and buffering. A minimum of 50% of required trees must be native species to Brevard County. Trees must be at least 6 feet tall and palms must have 4.5 feet of clear trunk to count toward landscape requirements.

Palm Bay Code Chapter 175 addresses tree protection. All disturbed areas must be re-vegetated. Minimum landscaping requires 4 trees and 10 shrubs per lot. Existing trees may count toward requirements if not in easements or rights-of-way. Residential landscape plans do not require a landscape architect's seal.