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Palm Beach County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Test frequency
Once per week, excluding Sundays
Test window
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 30 min max
SFD setback
3 ft side, 5 ft rear
Applies to
Unincorporated Palm Beach County only
Governing code
ULDC Art. 5.B.1.A.19, Permanent Generators

Summary

Unincorporated Palm Beach County lets homeowners test a permanent generator only once a week, never Sunday, for up to 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., under the county's land development code.

City-specific rules exist: Jupiter, and Boca Raton have their own generator noise rules that differ from Palm Beach County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Generators may be operated for exercising purposes one time per week, excluding Sundays, for a period not exceeding 30 minutes between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Article 5.B.1.A.19 of the county's Unified Land Development Code lets permanent generators run for routine exercising only one time per week, excluding Sundays, capped at 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Generators must also meet the district's principal-structure setbacks (as little as 3 feet side, 5 feet rear for single-family homes) and be screened from public rights-of-way or residential lots. This rule governs unincorporated Palm Beach County only. West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Worth Beach and the Town of Palm Beach each enforce their own separate ordinances.

Violations & Fines

Running a generator outside the weekly test window, or without required setbacks and screening, is a Code violation; Code Enforcement can pursue it as a public nuisance and seek injunctive relief through the County Attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I test-run my generator in unincorporated Palm Beach County?
Once a week, not on Sundays, for up to 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., per ULDC Art. 5.B.1.A.19.
Does this apply if I live in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton?
No. This is the unincorporated county rule. West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Jupiter enforce their own separate ordinances.
How close to my property line can a generator sit?
For single-family homes, generators under 5 feet tall may sit as close as 3 feet from the side line and 5 feet from the rear line.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Palm Beach County

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All Palm Beach County rules

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Generator Noise in Cities Across Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FLBoca Raton, FLBoynton Beach, FLDelray Beach, FLJupiter, FL