Permits in Palm Beach County
Building, zoning, environmental, and right-of-way permitting across Palm Beach County. Jurisdiction matters, the same project can need a different permit path in different cities.
Find a Florida DEP environmental application
Search official Florida DEP environmental resource or coastal applications by exact application number or published site address. Other local and water-management district permits may not appear here.
For permit documents, full records, current decisions and agency jurisdiction, check the official DEP permit search instructions.
Zoning & Land Use
Accessory dwelling and guesthouse feasibility
An accessory dwelling, guesthouse or second unit requires a parcel specific review of allowed uses, district and supplemental standards, prior approvals, density and building requirements. For unincorporated property start with ULDC Articles 3, 4 and 5 and obtain zoning confirmation or preapplication review. Check the intended occupancy or rental use, parking, utilities and septic capacity. Municipal rules are separate. The presence of an existing outbuilding or a Property Appraiser use code is not permission to create a dwelling.
Unincorporated County zoning and development
PBC ULDC applies in unincorporated County. Parcel zoning, use, dimensional requirements, prior approvals and overlays must be verified before feasibility is stated. Municipal zoning is separate.
Variance, rezoning and site plan review
A variance and a rezoning are distinct approvals. Explain the requested dimension or use to PBC Zoning for unincorporated property and identify the correct administrative variance, Type 2 variance, public hearing, DRO or other path before filing. The County publishes Type 1 Administrative Variance Instructions, Type 2 Variance Supplemental Instructions, Public Hearing Application Instructions and general forms. Use preapplication review to confirm eligibility, survey, ownership, plan, notification and fee requirements. Approval is discretionary under the applicable criteria and never guaranteed. Municipal property follows its city process.