Palm Beach County's building program is run by the Planning, Zoning & Building Department (PZB), Building Division, which issues permits for unincorporated Palm Beach County. The county leans hard into self-service: applications run 24/7 through the ePZB portal, the portal includes a Fee Estimator, and many solar installations can be self-issued through SolarApp+.
This guide covers what triggers a permit, how fees work, the ePZB submission process, trade permits, and inspections — so your Palm Beach County project starts clean.
Confirm you're in unincorporated Palm Beach County. The PZB Building Division permits only unincorporated areas; the county's 39 municipalities (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and more) run their own building departments with separate portals and fees.
What requires a building permit in Palm Beach County?
Under the Florida Building Code (§105.1), a permit is required before you erect, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of most structures and systems. Common triggers include:
Permit required
- New homes, additions, ADUs, and tenant build-outs
- Structural / load-bearing alterations and demolition
- Reroofing, window and door replacement, and exterior work
- Electrical service changes and most wiring alterations
- Mechanical / HVAC changeouts and boilers
- Plumbing alterations, repipes, and water heaters
- Pools and spas, garages, signs, and fences
- Solar PV systems (often self-issued via SolarApp+)
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, cabinetry, and cosmetic work
- Like-for-like minor repairs not altering systems
- Certain low non-structural fences (confirm limits)
- Routine maintenance not extending or rerouting systems
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Beginning without one exposes the owner to after-the-fact fees and penalties and can stall financing and resale. Apply first.
Who handles permitting in Palm Beach County?
Permitting for unincorporated Palm Beach County is administered by the PZB Building Division through the Permit Center. Depending on scope, your application may route to zoning, floodplain, engineering, environmental, and impact-fee reviews within PZB.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main office | 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 |
| South County office | 345 S. Congress Ave, Delray Beach (limited services) |
| Phone | (561) 233-5000 |
| Online portal | ePZB — pbcgov.com/epzb (24/7) |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (sign-in by 4:30 p.m.) |
| Enforced code | Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023) |
Apply online anytime. The ePZB portal accepts new applications, sub-permits, revisions, and renewals 24/7, includes a Fee Estimator, and supports SolarApp+ self-issued solar permits for eligible residential systems.
Palm Beach County permit types
A building permit is one record among many. The PZB Building Division issues work under separate record types inside ePZB, and filing under the wrong one is a rejection, not a correction — the application is closed and refiled, and the review clock restarts. Palm Beach also splits sub-permits out from the master record explicitly, so the trade filings each carry their own record type rather than riding along on the building permit.
Residential permit types
| Permit type | What triggers it | Review path | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | New dwellings, additions, and accessory structures over the exempt threshold | Full plan review (structural, energy, zoning) | Valuation-based |
| Renovation / alteration | Structural or load-bearing changes, layout changes, substantial repair | Plan review scaled to scope | Valuation-based |
| Reroof | Roof covering replacement and most major roof repair | Product approval review; dry-in and nail-off inspections | Valuation or squares |
| Solar photovoltaic | Rooftop or ground-mount PV installation or replacement | Structural plus electrical review | Flat or system-size based |
| Solar thermal | Passive water heating or pool heating systems | Plumbing and structural review | Flat or per-permit minimum |
| Electrical | Service changes, panel upgrades, new circuits, most wiring alterations | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-device |
| Plumbing | New piping, repipes, water heaters, fixtures, gas piping | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-fixture |
| Mechanical / HVAC | Changeouts that are not like-for-like, ductwork, refrigeration | Trade review; filed against the building permit | Per-permit minimum or per-unit |
| Windows and doors | Replacement units and opening protection | Product approval review for wind-borne debris | Valuation or per-opening |
| Pool and spa | In-ground and above-ground pools, spas, barrier and enclosure work | Plan review plus barrier and electrical bonding | Valuation-based |
| Fence and accessory | Fences, sheds, decks, and carports over the exempt threshold | Zoning plus structural where applicable | Flat or valuation-based |
| Demolition | Full or partial demolition of a structure | Utility disconnect verification required | Flat |
Commercial permit types
| Permit type | What triggers it | Review path | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | Ground-up commercial, industrial, and multifamily | Full multi-discipline plan review | Valuation-based |
| Tenant improvement | Interior build-outs and suite fit-ups | Plan review across affected disciplines | Valuation-based |
| Renovation / alteration | Structural, envelope, or system changes to an existing building | Plan review scaled to scope | Valuation-based |
| Change of use | Converting a building from one occupancy classification to another | Zoning, life-safety, and accessibility review | Valuation or flat |
| Reroof | Commercial roof covering replacement | Product approval review plus fire review where applicable | Valuation or squares |
| Solar photovoltaic | Commercial rooftop, carport, and ground-mount PV | Structural, electrical, and often fire review | Valuation or system-size based |
| Electrical | Service, distribution, and branch circuit work | Trade review | Valuation or per-device |
| Plumbing | Supply, waste, vent, and gas systems | Trade review | Valuation or per-fixture |
| Mechanical / HVAC | Rooftop units, ductwork, exhaust, and refrigeration | Trade review | Valuation or per-unit |
| Fire protection | Sprinkler, standpipe, alarm, and suppression systems | Fire prevention plan review | Valuation or per-device |
| Sign | Wall, monument, and illuminated signage | Zoning plus electrical where illuminated | Flat or per-sign |
| Demolition | Full or partial commercial demolition | Utility disconnect and environmental clearance | Flat or valuation-based |
Residential
- Single-discipline review in most cases
- Master permit with trades filed against it
- Owner-builder route exists but carries statutory affidavits
- Product approval drives roofing and opening protection
Commercial — multi-discipline
- Concurrent review across building, fire, and zoning
- Signed and sealed plans across every affected discipline
- Accessibility and life-safety review attach to change of use
- Impact and concurrency fees can apply on top of permit fees
Solar permits in Palm Beach County
Solar is permitted as its own record type in most Florida jurisdictions rather than rolled into a general building permit, and residential and commercial photovoltaic are usually separate records with different document sets. Solar thermal — passive water and pool heating — is a third, distinct record.
A photovoltaic submittal is reviewed on two tracks at once: structural (roof load path, attachment spacing, uplift) and electrical (conductor sizing, rapid shutdown, point of interconnection). A single-line diagram and a signed and sealed structural attachment detail are the two attachments most often missing on a first submittal.
Under Fla. Stat. §163.04, a homeowners' association cannot prohibit a solar collector on a dwelling — HOA architectural approval is not a prerequisite to permit issuance, though it may still be a contractual matter between owner and association.
Utility interconnection runs parallel to the building permit, not inside it. Permission to Operate is issued by the utility after the final electrical inspection clears.
Roofing permits in Palm Beach County
A roof covering replacement requires a permit in every Florida jurisdiction. Repairs below the local threshold may not, but the threshold is scope-specific and confirming it with the building department before tear-off is cheaper than an after-the-fact permit.
Every roof product must carry a current Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance rated for the wind speed at the project address. A product approval number that has lapsed or is rated below the site wind speed is the single most common reroof rejection.
Reroof inspections are sequenced: dry-in after the underlayment, nail-off on the sheathing fastening, and final. Covering the deck before the dry-in inspection means tearing it back open.
Hurricane mitigation retrofit requirements can attach when an existing roof is replaced, including secondary water barrier and roof-to-wall connection work. These add scope and documents, and they are triggered by the replacement itself.
Under Fla. Stat. §553.7922, jurisdictions run expedited procedures for permits that need no technical review — reroofs, roof repairs, and similar — during a declared state of emergency.
Palm Beach County runs roughly 160–175 mph ultimate design wind speed and sits inside the wind-borne debris region, but it is not in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone — the HVHZ covers Broward and Miami-Dade only. That distinction decides the paperwork: Palm Beach accepts statewide Florida Product Approval rated to the site wind speed and does not require a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, though NOA-covered products are of course acceptable. Opening protection is still required across the county, and coastal parcels add flood and, east of the control line, coastal construction review.
Palm Beach County building permit cost
Palm Beach County building fees generally start with a base permit fee plus a percentage of construction valuation. The Building Division organizes applications into permit types (roughly Type 0 through Type 9), each with its own checklist, and the ePZB Fee Estimator returns a figure before you file.
Because fee schedules are adjusted periodically, use the ePZB Fee Estimator or confirm the current schedule with the Building Division before budgeting. Separate trade, impact, and review fees may apply.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Building / construction fee | Base fee plus a percentage of construction valuation |
| Permit types | Applications grouped Type 0–9, each with its own checklist |
| Trade permits (E / P / M) | Charged separately per trade unless rolled into a master permit |
| Fee Estimator | Built into ePZB — returns an estimate before filing |
| Impact / review fees | Zoning, floodplain, engineering, and impact fees as applicable |
| Work-without-permit | After-the-fact fees and penalties |
Want a precise number for a specific Palm Beach County project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Palm Beach County trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work generally needs its own permit and licensed contractor, each filed against the master building permit.
Electrical permits
Required for service installations, panel upgrades, and most wiring alterations. Residential solar PV can frequently be self-issued through SolarApp+ in the ePZB portal.
Plumbing permits
Required for new plumbing, repipes, water heater changeouts, fixtures, and gas piping. Fees follow the county schedule with a per-permit minimum.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC changeouts, ductwork, refrigeration, and boilers. Specialized systems are permitted and inspected separately.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Reroofs, pools and spas, garages, signs, and fences are permitted separately. Palm Beach County is outside the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone but enforces the Florida Building Code's high-wind provisions — use products with current Florida Product Approval.
Verify your contractor's license. Confirm the contractor is licensed in Florida (DBPR, (850) 487-1395) before signing. The property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained.
How to get a building permit in Palm Beach County
Confirm scope & jurisdiction
Verify the work needs a permit and confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Palm Beach County, not one of the 39 municipalities.
Prepare your documents
Use the PZB application sufficiency checklist for your permit type. Assemble plans, forms, valuation, and any zoning, floodplain, or impact-fee materials that apply.
Submit through ePZB
Create an ePZB account, run the Fee Estimator, and submit the application and documents online — or self-issue eligible solar through SolarApp+.
Plan review & corrections
PZB routes the application to the applicable reviews. Track activity in ePZB and upload revisions promptly if comments are returned.
Pay fees & pull the permit
Pay the calculated fees in ePZB and download the permit. Record and post a Notice of Commencement where required and keep approved documents on site.
Schedule inspections through close-out
Request inspections in ePZB and monitor status. Clear all required inspections to obtain your Certificate of Occupancy or Completion.
Inspections in Palm Beach County
Schedule and track inspections through the ePZB portal. Typical checkpoints include foundation, rough-in MEP, framing, insulation, and final. Post the permit and Notice of Commencement on site with approved documents available.
A re-inspection fee applies to failed inspections and must be cleared before a final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy can be requested.
Official Palm Beach County permitting resources
- 🏛️ PBC Building Division
- 💻 ePZB portal
- 📋 Permit Center & checklists
- 📘 Florida Building Code (8th Ed.)
- ☀️ SolarApp+ solar permits
- 🪪 DBPR license verification
Frequently asked questions
Who issues building permits in Palm Beach County?
The Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department (Building Division) issues permits for unincorporated Palm Beach County. The county's 39 municipalities run their own building departments.
How do I apply for a Palm Beach County permit?
Applications are submitted 24/7 through the county's ePZB portal at pbcgov.com/epzb, which also includes a Fee Estimator and SolarApp+ self-issued solar permits.
How much does a Palm Beach County building permit cost?
Fees generally start with a base permit fee plus a percentage of construction valuation, organized by permit type. Use the ePZB Fee Estimator for a project-specific figure and confirm the current schedule before filing.
Can I get a solar permit instantly?
Many eligible residential solar PV systems can be self-issued through SolarApp+ within the ePZB portal, which performs an automated code check.
Is Palm Beach County in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?
No. Palm Beach County is outside the HVHZ (which covers only Miami-Dade and Broward) but enforces the Florida Building Code's high-wind provisions, so use products with current Florida Product Approval.
Which Palm Beach County cities issue their own building permits?
West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and the county's other incorporated municipalities each run their own building departments. The PZB Building Division permits unincorporated Palm Beach only. The unincorporated boundary is heavily interleaved through the central and western county, so confirm the parcel rather than relying on the mailing address.
Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Palm Beach County?
Yes. Photovoltaic installations in Palm Beach County are permitted under a dedicated solar record type reviewed on both a structural and an electrical track. Solar thermal — passive water and pool heating — is a separate record. Under Fla. Stat. §163.04 a homeowners' association cannot prohibit a solar collector, so HOA approval is not a prerequisite to permit issuance. Utility interconnection and Permission to Operate run in parallel with the permit, not inside it.
Does a roof replacement require a permit in Palm Beach County?
Yes. A roof covering replacement requires a permit in every Florida jurisdiction, including Palm Beach County. Products must carry a current Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance rated for the wind speed at the project address, and inspections are sequenced — dry-in, nail-off, then final. Some minor repairs fall below the permit threshold, but the threshold is scope-specific.
What is the difference between a residential and a commercial permit in Palm Beach County?
Residential work is generally a single-discipline review filed as a master permit with trades filed against it. Commercial work in Palm Beach County runs concurrent review across building, fire, and zoning, requires signed and sealed plans for every affected discipline, and can carry impact and concurrency fees on top of permit fees. Change of use adds accessibility and life-safety review.
Do trade permits need to be pulled separately in Palm Beach County?
Yes in most cases. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work is permitted separately by the licensed contractor for each trade and filed against the master building permit. Each trade permit carries its own fee and its own inspection sequence.
What happens if I file under the wrong permit type in Palm Beach County?
The application is rejected rather than corrected. Palm Beach County PZB Building Division closes the record, the filing is resubmitted under the correct record type, and the review clock restarts from zero. Confirming the record type before filing is the cheapest step in the entire process.
Can I apply for all Palm Beach permit types online?
Yes — ePZB accepts new applications, sub-permits, revisions, and renewals around the clock and includes a Fee Estimator for advance budgeting. Eligible residential solar goes further: SolarApp+ supports self-issued permits for qualifying systems, which removes the review queue entirely for that scope. Owner-builder filings carry statutory affidavits and can require additional steps.
Simplify Palm Beach County permitting with Alliance Permitting
Palm Beach County's permit-type system, multi-agency reviews, and large unincorporated footprint reward clean, complete submissions. Alliance Permitting is a permit expediter for Palm Beach County — our permit expediting services in Florida pair AI-driven document review with expediters who know ePZB and the county's checklists — so your applications clear review faster.
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Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
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More Florida permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of July 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Palm Beach County PZB Building Division before filing. This is not legal advice.