127 local rules on file · Pop. 8,435 · Palm Beach County
Showing ordinances that apply to Westgate, FL
Westgate is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 8,435 in Palm Beach County, Florida. Because Westgate is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Palm Beach County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Palm Beach County may have different rules.
Cottage food operations in unincorporated Palm Beach County are governed by FL FS §500.80, which preempts local regulation. Producers may sell up to 250,000 dollars annually of approved non-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen without a state food permit or local BTR for the food activity.
Home occupations in unincorporated Palm Beach County are allowed by right under PBC ULDC Article 4.B.1.A.6 in residential districts subject to performance standards limiting visibility, traffic, and external impact. Cottage food operations are protected under FL FS §500.80.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Palm Beach County ordinances.
Home occupations in unincorporated Palm Beach County may not display any exterior signage advertising the business under PBC ULDC Article 8 (Sign Code) read with Article 4 home occupation standards. The residential character of the dwelling must be preserved.
PBC follows the FL DBPR standard of 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, consistent with HUD guidelines. Maximum occupancy must be posted inside the unit. Local occupancy caps below the state standard are preempted under FL §509.032 for STRs.
STRs in unincorporated Palm Beach County must provide off-street parking sufficient for permitted occupancy and may not allow guest vehicles to block sidewalks, swales, or fire lanes. PBC enforces under ULDC Article 6 parking standards and Code Chapter 26 right-of-way rules.
SB 280 (2024) authorizes Florida counties and cities to require STR registration. Palm Beach County requires Tourist Development Tax account registration with the Tax Collector and a Business Tax Receipt. A formal county-wide STR registry has not yet been adopted in unincorporated PBC, but several incorporated cities have done so.
Palm Beach County has not imposed minimum night stay requirements on STRs in unincorporated areas. Minimum stay caps are preempted by FL §509.032 for the County, though incorporated cities (Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach) and HOAs commonly impose 7 to 30 day minimums.
Florida law does not mandate a specific insurance amount for vacation rentals, but PBC requires proof of liability insurance with the BTR application. Industry standard is $1 million liability minimum. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude commercial STR activity.
STRs in Palm Beach County must collect Florida State Sales Tax (6 percent) plus PBC Tourist Development Tax (7 percent) for a total of 13 percent on stays of 6 months or less. TDT is collected and remitted to the PBC Tax Collector monthly. Airbnb and Vrbo collect both taxes automatically for most listings.
STR operators in unincorporated Palm Beach County must comply with PBC Code Chapter 14 noise ordinance. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM with stricter limits on amplified sound. Repeat noise violations at an STR can trigger enhanced enforcement under SB 280 (2024) including fines on the operator.
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Palm Beach County require a State of Florida DBPR Vacation Rental license under FL §509.032, registration with the PBC Tourist Development Council for tax purposes, and a county Business Tax Receipt. State preemption under FL §509.032 prohibits the County from banning STRs but allows reasonable safety regulation.
Palm Beach County permits residential Level 2 EV chargers as ordinary electrical work under the Florida Building Code. New commercial parking lots over 50 spaces must include EV-ready conduit per PBC Green Building program.
Palm Beach County requires driveway permits from PBC Engineering for connections to county roads. Residential driveways must be paved with concrete, asphalt, pavers, or approved pervious material per ULDC §6.D.
Palm Beach County does not have a blanket overnight parking ban on county roads in unincorporated areas, but no parking 2 AM to 6 AM signs are posted in select neighborhoods. Beach lots prohibit overnight parking.
Palm Beach County ULDC §6.D.1.A.5 prohibits commercial vehicles over 1-ton rated capacity from overnight parking in residential zones. Limit one work vehicle per single-family residence.
Palm Beach County ULDC §6.D.1 prohibits parking on unimproved surfaces in residential zones. No overnight street parking on county roads from 2 AM to 6 AM in most unincorporated areas.
Palm Beach County ULDC §6.D.1.A.4 limits RV and boat storage in residential zones to side or rear yards behind the front building line, screened from view. Maximum one RV plus one boat per single-family lot.
Palm Beach County ULDC §14.B and FL §715.05 allow tagging of abandoned vehicles after 72 hours on public ROW or 48 hours on private property without owner consent. Towed to county-contracted impound lot.
PBC Code Chapter 14 (Property Maintenance) requires unincorporated property owners to keep lots free of noxious weeds, invasive vegetation, and overgrowth exceeding 18 inches. PBC ERM also enforces Florida invasive species removal under the County Invasive Plant Removal Code.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping using Florida native plants is protected statewide under FL FS §373.185 and encouraged by Palm Beach County. PBC ULDC Article 14 awards landscape credits for native species and requires native vegetation in preserve areas.
Unincorporated Palm Beach County limits residential lawn vegetation to 18 inches under PBC Code §14-32 (Property Maintenance). Taller growth on improved residential parcels constitutes a public nuisance subject to abatement and lien.
Artificial turf is allowed on residential parcels in unincorporated Palm Beach County under PBC ULDC Article 14, subject to design standards. It does not satisfy required pervious or landscape area calculations and may be regulated by HOAs.
Residential tree removal in unincorporated Palm Beach County is preempted by FL FS §163.045 when an ISA-certified arborist documents the tree is a danger. Outside that exemption, PBC ULDC Art. 14 applies to commercial sites, preserve areas, and protected species.
Unincorporated Palm Beach County is in the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), which imposes year-round landscape irrigation limits under SFWMD Chapter 40E-24. Two-day-per-week watering is the baseline, with stricter limits during declared shortage.
Rainwater harvesting is allowed and encouraged in unincorporated Palm Beach County. There is no state or county prohibition, and SFWMD promotes residential rain barrels as a water conservation measure.
Tree trimming in unincorporated Palm Beach County is largely deregulated for residential parcels following FL FS §163.045 (2019), which preempts local permit requirements when an ISA-certified arborist documents that trimming is necessary. PBC ULDC Article 14 still governs trimming in landscape buffers and on commercial sites.
Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Palm Beach County require a building permit for installation, electrical permit for the dedicated 240V circuit, and must have either a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 or a barrier meeting FL §515.27 standards.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Palm Beach County require a building permit if water depth exceeds 24 inches per FL Building Code. Barrier requirements under FL §515.27 apply identically to above-ground pools — including ladders that are removable or have lockable barriers.
All in-ground and above-ground swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs in unincorporated Palm Beach County require a building permit from PBC Planning, Zoning and Building (PZB). Construction must comply with the Florida Building Code 7th Edition and FL §515 Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Pool barriers in Palm Beach County must comply with FL §515.27 Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. Required: 4-foot minimum barrier height, no openings allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass, self-closing and self-latching gates with latch at least 54 inches above ground, and removal of climbable surfaces within 20 inches of the barrier exterior.
FL Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requires every residential pool in PBC to have at least one approved safety feature in addition to a barrier: pool cover, exit alarms, self-closing doors, or pool alarm. VGB-compliant anti-entrapment drain covers are mandatory on all pools and spas.
Feeding alligators, bears, raccoons, foxes and sandhill cranes is illegal under FL §379.412 and FWC rules. PBC supplements with §4-30 prohibiting intentional feeding of wildlife on public property. First offense is a second-degree misdemeanor.
Exotic pets in Palm Beach County are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under FL §379. Class I wildlife (large cats, bears, great apes) are prohibited as personal pets; Class II requires a permit.
Backyard chickens are allowed on Agricultural Residential (AR) zoned lots and parcels of 1 acre or more in unincorporated PBC. Roosters are prohibited on parcels under 5 acres in residential zones. No commercial sale of eggs without an agricultural exemption.
Unincorporated Palm Beach County limits households to 4 dogs and 4 cats over 4 months of age in residential zones. Hobby kennel permits are required for 5 to 10 dogs; commercial kennel licensing applies above that.
Beekeeping is allowed countywide under FL §586.10, which preempts local bans. Hives must be registered annually with FDACS Division of Plant Industry, free of charge.
Palm Beach County has no breed-specific restrictions. FL Statute §767.14 preempts all local breed bans statewide. Dangerous-dog determinations are behavior-based under FL §767.
All dogs in unincorporated Palm Beach County must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. PBC Ordinance 98-22 (Chapter 4) requires restraint on all public property except designated dog parks.
Modified exhaust, sound systems audible at 25 feet, and engine racing in residential areas are prohibited under PBC §10-105 and FL §316.272 (Sound-Making Devices). PBSO traffic enforcement issues citations.
Construction in unincorporated Palm Beach County is permitted Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM. Sunday and holiday construction is prohibited without a special variance from PBC Building Division.
Unincorporated Palm Beach County enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under PBC Code of Ordinances Chapter 10, Article IV (Noise Control). Sound from any premises must not exceed 60 dBA day or 55 dBA night at the property line of a residential receiving zone.
Aircraft noise from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Lantana Airport, and North County General Aviation is regulated by the FAA and is preempted from local control. PBC Department of Airports operates a noise abatement program with voluntary nighttime procedures.
Palm Beach County does not restrict leaf blower type (gas or electric) in unincorporated areas. Operation must occur within general construction/landscaping hours of 7 AM to 7 PM and meet the 60 dBA daytime noise limit at the property line.
Commercial properties abutting residential zones must keep noise below 65 dBA day and 60 dBA night at the residential property line under PBC §10-101. Loading docks operating between 10 PM and 7 AM require a variance.
Amplified music plainly audible at 100 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM is prohibited under PBC §10-101. Daytime amplified sound must remain below 60 dBA at the nearest residential property line.
Continuous or habitual barking that disturbs neighbors for 20 minutes or more is a code violation in unincorporated Palm Beach County under PBC Animal Care and Control Ordinance (Chapter 4).
A building permit is required for all fences over 4 feet high and for any pool barrier in unincorporated PBC. Fee is approximately $75 plus inspection. Wind-load engineering required for fences in coastal areas.
Corner lots in unincorporated PBC must maintain a clear 25-foot visibility triangle measured from the intersection of curb lines. Fences, walls, hedges and signs over 30 inches are prohibited within the triangle.
Residential fences in unincorporated PBC are limited to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards. Corner lots have a 25-foot visibility triangle restriction. Maximum 8 feet allowed adjacent to commercial or arterial roadways with permit.
Acceptable fence materials in unincorporated PBC include wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain-link (rear/side only in residential zones), CMU walls, and PVC. Razor wire is prohibited; chain-link in front yards is restricted in most residential zones.
Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515) requires a 4-foot minimum barrier around all residential pools. PBC enforces strict inspection during permit closeout. At least one additional safety feature (alarm, cover, or self-closing exterior doors) is mandatory.
Florida is not a shared-cost fence state. Each owner pays for their own fence in unincorporated PBC. Spite fences erected to annoy neighbors are actionable under FL §823.11. Boundary surveys are recommended before construction.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Smoke alarms are required in all dwelling units in unincorporated Palm Beach County under the Florida Building Code (Residential) Section R314 and FL FS §553.883. Battery-powered alarms must be 10-year sealed lithium type for new installs.
Palm Beach County requires property owners in unincorporated areas to maintain vegetation to prevent fire and nuisance hazards under PBC Code Chapter 14 (Property Maintenance) and ULDC Article 5. Defensible space practices recommended by Florida Forest Service apply to wildland-urban interface areas near the Everglades.
Western unincorporated Palm Beach County, including areas around Loxahatchee, The Acreage, Loxahatchee Groves, and the Everglades Agricultural Area, sits within Florida Forest Service-mapped wildland-urban interface (WUI). PBCFR maintains mutual aid with FFS for wildfire response.
Recreational backyard fires in unincorporated Palm Beach County are allowed when they meet NFPA 1 §10.11 setbacks (25 feet from structures), use only clean wood or LP fuel, and remain attended. Larger debris fires require Florida Forest Service authorization.
Open burning of yard debris in unincorporated Palm Beach County requires authorization from the Florida Forest Service under FL Admin Code 5I-2.006. Agricultural and prescribed burns in the Everglades Agricultural Area are common but separately permitted; residential debris burning is heavily restricted.
Palm Beach County allows portable and built-in fire pits in unincorporated areas under PBC ULDC Article 5 nuisance provisions, provided fires stay under 3 feet in diameter, burn only clean wood or LP fuel, and remain at least 25 feet from structures and lot lines per Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1, Chapter 10.11).
Consumer fireworks in unincorporated Palm Beach County are governed by Florida Statute §791.08, which preempts local bans on three designated holidays: July 4, December 31, and January 1. Outside those days, only sparklers and novelties on the FL approved list are legal.
Holiday lights and decorations are permitted in residential areas without permit. PBC has no time restrictions on display duration but excessive light spillover or traffic-causing displays may trigger nuisance complaints.
Political signs are protected speech under the First Amendment and FL law. Palm Beach County permits political signs on private property without permit, with size and setback limits. Signs in public right-of-way are prohibited.
Garage sale signs are permitted on private property only with permission. Signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or attached to traffic signs are prohibited and subject to immediate removal.
Recreational drones are governed by FAA Part 107 and PBC Park Rules. Drones are prohibited in PBC parks, beaches, and within 5 miles of PBI (Class C airspace) and BCT Boca Raton (Class D) without ATC clearance.
Commercial drone operators in Palm Beach County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with PBI Class C and BCT Class D airspace authorization requirements. County film permits required for commercial filming.
HOA architectural review committees (ARCs) in Palm Beach County must follow procedures in the recorded declaration of covenants. FL §720.3035 limits ARC authority to standards specifically described in the declaration. ARC decisions must be in writing within 45 days of complete application.
HOAs in Palm Beach County are governed by FL Chapter 720 (Homeowners Associations) and condominium associations by FL Chapter 718. Board meetings require 48 hours posted notice, must be open to members, and minutes must be maintained as official records.
HOA assessments in Palm Beach County are governed by FL §720.308. Annual budget and assessments require board approval; special assessments may require member vote per the declaration. Late fees capped at $25 or 5 percent, whichever is greater. Interest at the rate stated in declaration up to 18 percent.
HOA covenants in Palm Beach County enforced under FL §720.305. Fines capped at $100 per violation, $1,000 aggregate (unless declaration sets higher), and cannot become a lien unless aggregate exceeds $1,000. 14-day notice and opportunity for hearing before fining committee required.
HOA disputes in Palm Beach County must follow pre-suit mediation under FL §720.311 before litigation. Condominium disputes use mandatory non-binding arbitration through DBPR under FL §718.1255. Recall and election disputes have specific arbitration tracks.
Palm Beach County food trucks require Florida DBPR Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle license, PBC Health Department permit, and county business tax receipt. FL §509.102 preempts most local food truck regulation since 2020.
Palm Beach County food trucks may operate on private commercial property with owner consent or in approved special event zones. ULDC zoning permits MFDVs in commercial and industrial districts; residential zones prohibited.
Palm Beach County does not maintain a no-knock registry, but residents may post 'No Solicitation' signs that legally bar commercial solicitors. Violators may be cited for trespass after notice.
Door-to-door solicitors and peddlers in unincorporated Palm Beach County must obtain a county business tax receipt and registration. Religious and political canvassing is exempt under First Amendment protections.
Not applicable. Palm Beach County is in subtropical South Florida and does not receive snowfall. No snow removal ordinances exist.
Vacant lots in unincorporated PBC must be maintained free of overgrown vegetation, debris, and standing water that could harbor mosquitoes. Grass and weeds must be cut to under 18 inches.
Palm Beach County Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 14, Article III) prohibits blighted conditions including overgrown vegetation, accumulated debris, broken windows, and structural deterioration. PBC Code Enforcement issues citations with daily fines.
Garage sales in unincorporated Palm Beach County are limited to two events per calendar year per residence, each not to exceed 3 consecutive days. No permit required in most areas, but signage rules apply.
Trash and recycling carts must be stored out of public view from the street between collection days. Visible storage in front yards is a code violation in unincorporated PBC.
Palm Beach County ULDC Table 3.D.1.A sets RS-zone setbacks at 25 feet front, 7.5 feet side, 15 feet rear. Coastal AE-zone properties may require additional Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) setbacks.
Palm Beach County ULDC Table 3.D.1.A limits residential lot coverage to 35 percent in RS districts, with maximum impervious surface of 50 percent to comply with stormwater rules. Coastal lots may face stricter limits.
Palm Beach County ULDC limits single-family residential structures to 35 feet (3 stories) in RS districts. Coastal communities and PUDs may impose lower limits. Commercial heights vary by district.
Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (dispensaries) are regulated by FL §381.986. Local governments may ban dispensaries entirely or treat them like pharmacies but cannot impose other zoning restrictions per state preemption.
Home cultivation of cannabis is prohibited in Florida. Only state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers may cultivate. Recreational cannabis remains illegal after Amendment 3 failed in November 2024.
Palm Beach County requires permits for scaffolding over 10 feet in height under the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023). HVHZ wind load standards apply countywide for temporary structures during construction.
Lead-based paint disclosure and abatement in Palm Beach County follow federal EPA RRP Rule and HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. Pre-1978 housing requires EPA-certified renovators for any disturbance over 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior. Florida defers to federal standards with no additional state lead law.
Elevator safety in Palm Beach County is regulated by the Florida Bureau of Elevator Safety under FL §399. Annual safety inspections required with current Certificate of Operation posted in each car. ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators applies.
Palm Beach County mosquito control is handled by PBC Mosquito Control Division. Termite protection required at construction per FBC 1816. Tent fumigation requires 72-hour neighbor notice.
Palm Beach County permits residential rooftop solar via streamlined SolarAPP+ online process. FL §163.04 preempts HOAs from prohibiting solar. Wind-rated mounting required for 170 mph design wind speed.
Florida Statute §163.04 strongly preempts HOA restrictions on solar panels in Palm Beach County. HOAs may regulate placement for aesthetics only if performance is not impaired. Outright prohibitions are void.
Palm Beach County requires erosion and sediment control plans for any construction disturbing over 1 acre per NPDES rules. Silt fencing, inlet protection, and stabilized construction entrances required at all sites.
Palm Beach County requires grading and drainage plans for new construction, sealed by a Florida-licensed engineer for projects over 5,000 square feet. Lot drainage must direct runoff to swales or approved retention.
Palm Beach County stormwater is regulated by South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and PBC Engineering. New development over 1 acre requires Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) and on-site retention.
Palm Beach County has extensive coastal AE and VE flood zones requiring elevation above Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Inland AE zones near canals and Lake Okeechobee. Flood insurance mandatory for federally backed mortgages in SFHAs.
Palm Beach County ULDC §5.B.1 limits outdoor lighting spillover to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. All commercial fixtures must be full-cutoff to prevent glare and uplight.
Palm Beach County coastal sea turtle lighting ordinance (PBC Code §17-29) requires shielded, amber LED lighting on beachfront properties from May 1 through October 31 to protect nesting sea turtles.
Palm Beach County requires registration of certain rental properties under its Rental Housing Inspection Program. Vacation rentals must also register through the unincorporated PBC vacation rental ordinance and obtain a state DBPR license.
Florida Statute §125.0103 strictly preempts rent control in Palm Beach County. Rent control may only be enacted to address a declared housing emergency, requires 60 percent voter referendum, and expires after 1 year.
Palm Beach County follows Florida Statute Chapter 83 (Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) for evictions. No just-cause eviction requirement exists; landlords may decline to renew leases without stating cause once the term expires.
SWA provides weekly bulk and vegetation pickup at no extra cost. Items must be placed curbside on the scheduled vegetation/bulk day. Limit is generally 6 cubic yards per week per household.
SWA operates a dual-stream recycling program: blue bins for paper/cardboard and yellow bins for plastics, metals, and glass. Recycling is mandatory countywide under PBC Code Chapter 14.
The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) provides curbside collection countywide. Garbage is collected twice weekly and recycling weekly in most service areas. Containers must be at curb by 6 AM on collection day.
Trash and recycling bins must be placed at the curb or designated collection point with at least 3 feet clearance from obstacles. Bins must be removed from public view within 24 hours after collection.
Palm Beach County parks are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise unless posted otherwise. Some regional parks close at 6 PM in winter and 8 PM in summer. After-hours entry is trespass.
Palm Beach County enforces a juvenile curfew under PBC Code Chapter 11, Article V. Minors under 17 are prohibited from public places between 11 PM and 5 AM Sunday-Thursday and midnight to 5 AM Friday-Saturday.
Palm Beach County allows front-yard gardens and encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping. The county's ULDC includes landscaping requirements for new development but generally does not restrict residential food gardens. Native and drought-tolerant plantings are encouraged.
Palm Beach County does not specifically ban bamboo, but its invasive plant regulations under the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) Article 14 focus on nine listed nonnative invasive species. Bamboo that becomes a nuisance may be addressed under general property maintenance standards.
Palm Beach County ULDC Articles 14.C and 14.D prohibit nine nonnative invasive plant species including Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, Australian pine, and Old World climbing fern. Removal is required before Certificate of Occupancy and properties within 500 ft of natural areas must remain clear.
Security cameras are legal on residential and commercial properties in Palm Beach County. Video recording in public-facing areas is permitted. Audio recording triggers Florida's strict two-party consent law (Statute 934.03). Cameras must not capture areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Florida is a two-party (all-party) consent state under Statute 934.03. Recording any oral or electronic communication without all parties' consent is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and audio on security cameras.
Palm Beach County regulates fence heights through its Unified Land Development Code. Residential fences are typically limited to 6 feet in rear/side yards and 4 feet in front yards. Privacy fences establish a reasonable expectation of privacy under Florida law, affecting surveillance legality.
Palm Beach County requires permits for all sheds, including pre-fabricated structures. Sheds must comply with setback requirements, wind load ratings appropriate for the hurricane zone, and the Florida Building Code. Unpermitted sheds are a common code violation.
Most renovation work in Palm Beach County requires building permits. Florida Building Code requirements for hurricane zones make permitting stricter than many other areas. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural work all require permits and licensed contractors.
Palm Beach County requires permits for fence installation in unincorporated areas. Fences must comply with height restrictions, setback requirements, and material standards under the ULDC. Building without a fence permit is a common code violation.
Decks and covered patios in Palm Beach County require building permits. All structures must meet Florida Building Code wind load requirements for the hurricane zone. Uncovered at-grade patios and pavers may be exempt depending on scope.
Palm Beach County Code Compliance handles violations in unincorporated areas. Complaints can be filed by phone at 561-233-5500, in person at the PZB office at 2300 N. Jog Road in West Palm Beach, or through the county website.
Palm Beach County Code Compliance investigates complaints and conducts inspections based on severity. Property search results for violations, permits, and liens are returned within 7-10 business days. Standard violation notices give property owners a compliance deadline.
Common code violations in unincorporated Palm Beach County include building without permits, setback violations (sheds and structures too close to property lines), unpermitted fences, overgrown vegetation, property maintenance issues, and sign violations.