Palm Beach Gardens, FL Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Section 54-2(b) is the composting exception written into the same section that otherwise requires yard trash to be removed from the parkway within a reasonable period. It permits a property owner to accumulate yard or garden trash, defined under Sec. 54-1 as grass, leaves, and tree or shrubbery cuttings incident to lawn care, as a mulch or compost pile in the rear of the premises where it was generated, but only if the material contains no combustible matter and will not, during decay, give off offensive odors or attract harmful insects or rodents.

The Code sets no maximum size, container type or setback for a residential compost pile, unlike the more detailed multifamily recycling storage standards found in Sec. 78-379; the qualifying language instead functions as a nuisance test, meaning a pile that starts to smell, draws rodents, or contains combustible material loses the exemption and reverts to being unlawfully deposited yard trash under subsection (a) if left where it can migrate to the parkway. Because Chapter 54 sets no separate fine for this section, enforcement runs through Sec.

54-37: it is unlawful to fail to comply with any provision of the chapter, each day of a violation is a separate offense, and the director of public works, director of utilities or a code enforcement officer may issue a citation. A cited property owner faces the Code's general penalty under Sec. 1-18, a fine of not more than $500.00, imprisonment of not more than 60 days, or both.