Variance, rezoning and site plan review in Palm Beach County
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.
Check what applies to your address
Get a free answer for your location and project, rather than relying only on this general guide.
Need everything organized? For eligible projects, the optional $19 Project Kit brings your filing steps, official documents, fees and progress checklist together. Government fees are separate.
Steps
- 1
Confirm the exact site and local authority
Resolve the address and PCN, then use municipal rules within city limits and County rules only for unincorporated property.
discover.pbc.gov/pzb/building/Pages/Permit-Center.aspx - 2
Check project requirements before filing
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.
discover.pbc.gov/pzb/zoning/Pages/Applications-Forms.aspx - 3
Prepare the current official application and supporting documents
Use the selected official checklist and project specific forms. Confirm plans, survey, ownership authorization, contractor or license details and required overlay approvals with the responsible office.
discover.pbc.gov/pzb/zoning/PDF/ApplicationsForms/00-AV%20Ty - 4
File, obtain approvals and complete inspections
Submit to the responsible authority, pay its assessed fees, respond to review comments and complete the required inspections. Do not begin work or operation before the applicable permit, occupancy or license approvals.
discover.pbc.gov/pzb/zoning/Pages/Applications-Forms.aspx
Requirements
- Exact premises address and parcel control number
- Project scope and responsible local authority
- Current official checklist and applicable overlay approvals
Documents
- Applicant and owner authorization information
- Plans and supporting materials required by the selected official application
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government review, permit or license fees | Project specific; obtain current authority calculation | County building schedule applies only to County permits. Municipal and state fees are separate. |
Good to know
Use exact local jurisdiction. County forms are scoped to unincorporated property; confirm the city forms at its published destination.