Apply, Upload, Inspect and Close a North Palm Beach Building Permit Online
North Palm Beach accepts new building applications through MyGovernmentOnline—not by paper, fax or ordinary mail. Contractors must register before filing, digital plans must meet the Village’s PDF rules and separate trades may require separate sub-permits.
This guide also explains the new July 2026 small-project exemption, the changing fee method, MGO inspections, VuSpex virtual inspections, Notice of Commencement rules, flood-zone documents, construction-site standards and condominium milestone reports.
Choose the Exact North Palm Beach Action You Need
North Palm Beach Permit Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that best matches the project.
North Palm Beach Building Division Contacts
Confirm the Property Is Inside the Village
Use North Palm Beach MGO when
- The legal property location is inside Village limits.
- The North Palm Beach jurisdiction recognizes the property in MGO.
- The existing permit was issued by the Village Building Division.
Verify before applying when
- The mailing address says North Palm Beach but the parcel may be in another municipality.
- The property is near Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Park or an unincorporated boundary.
- MGO cannot locate the project address under North Palm Beach.
Does the Project Qualify for the Under-$7,500 Exemption?
It may qualify only when all apply
- Cost is under $7,500
- Single-family home, duplex or townhome
- Property is not in a flood zone
- No structural work
- No electrical work
- No plumbing work
- No mechanical work
- No gas work
These projects remain permit-controlled
- Exterior doors and windows.
- Roofing.
- Sheds and other structural work.
- Electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas work.
- Properties in a flood zone.
- Zoning and Public Works permits.
- Pool-related fences.
Read the Village exemption notice
Check the property type, scope and flood-zone restrictions.
Complete the notarized request
Describe the full scope and identify the owner and contractor, when one is used.
Attach proof of project cost
Include the contract or another document showing the complete project cost.
Email the request before starting
Send the notarized form and cost documents to permits@village-npb.org.
Match the Project to the Correct Permit Path
Project |
Start with |
Important North Palm Beach check |
|---|---|---|
New single-family home |
Master building permit |
Signed/sealed plans, survey, flood information, impact-fee credit, utilities and separate standalone permits |
Addition or structural renovation |
Building permit |
Site plan, structural design, flood review, zoning and separate trades |
Interior renovation |
Interior renovation checklist |
Structural scope, fire review, HOA approval and licensed contractor for condominium work |
Roof replacement |
Roofing permit |
Product approvals and Palm Beach County roofing forms |
Windows or exterior doors |
Window/door permit |
Opening schedule, floor-plan location map, product approvals and site-specific engineering for multifamily projects |
Swimming pool |
Standalone pool permit |
Survey, barrier, drainage, electrical bonding, zoning and flood conditions |
Dock or boat lift |
Marine permit |
Signed/sealed plans, survey, waterway approvals and zoning placement |
Fence |
Standalone fence permit |
Survey, height, visibility, pool-barrier rules and zoning review |
Driveway or right-of-way work |
Building + ROW review |
Drainage, culverts, sidewalks, utility clearance and Public Works notification |
Generator |
Standalone generator permit |
Survey, setbacks, equipment data, electrical, gas and flood elevation |
Solar panels |
Solar permit |
Signed/sealed engineering, roof layout, electrical documents and product information |
A/C, water heater or electric panel |
Trade permit |
Equipment specifications, AHRI data, load calculations and contractor registration |
Apply Through MyGovernmentOnline in Seven Steps
Confirm jurisdiction and permit type
Verify that the property is inside North Palm Beach and identify the master permit, standalone permits and trade sub-permits.
Open the exact checklist
Use the Village checklist for the project instead of uploading a generic construction package.
Register the contractor first
Contractor licensing and insurance information must be current in MGO before a new permit or sub-permit is submitted.
Complete the correct permit application
Use the primary Building Permit Application for the master permit. Do not use it as the substitute for a required sub-permit application.
Upload the complete PDF package
Include plans, survey, product approvals, contractor documents, utility approvals, flood details and project-specific forms.
Pay the invoice and monitor review
Review does not move forward properly when application charges remain unpaid. Open each review task and comment in MGO.
Complete issuance requirements
Pay remaining fees, submit the recorded NOC when required, obtain sub-permit issuance and download the stamped plans before work begins.
Prepare These Items Before Opening MGO
Property and application
- Project address
- Parcel-control number
- Owner information
- Complete work description
- Square footage
- Reported project value
Contractor documents
- Current license
- General-liability certificate
- Workers’ compensation proof
- Qualifier signature
- Subcontractor applications
- Owner-builder affidavit if applicable
Plans and approvals
- Digital plan set
- Survey or site plan
- Product approvals
- Utility clearance
- Flood information
- HOA approval when requested
Do Not Miss These Local Dependencies
Project condition |
Document or approval to prepare |
|---|---|
New structure, addition, pool, dock, driveway, fence or generator |
Current property survey or detailed site plan |
Window or door replacement |
Opening schedule, floor-plan location sketch and Florida Product Approvals or NOAs |
Multifamily windows or doors |
Site-specific engineering in addition to product documents |
Roof permit |
Product approvals and applicable Palm Beach County roofing forms |
Exact A/C changeout |
Exact changeout form, AHRI information and equipment tie-down/stand details |
New, relocated or expanded A/C system |
AHRI sheets and signed energy forms |
Work affecting easements |
Easement releases from affected utility companies |
Water or sewer dependency |
Seacoast Utility Authority approval; verify at 561-627-2900 |
New construction |
Existing-use impact-fee credit application and Department of Health approval when applicable |
Condominium alteration |
HOA approval, except where the Village’s current submittal sheet excludes A/C and water-heater work |
Format the PDFs So They Are Not Returned
File preparation rules
- Upload PDF files only.
- Combine multipage plans into a complete set.
- Keep architectural and MEP sets separate when needed to preserve digital signatures.
- Upload specifications and reports as separate combined PDFs.
- Use current professional seals and certifications.
- Maximum plan-sheet size is 24 × 36 inches.
Required PDF permissions
- Printing allowed.
- Commenting or markup allowed.
- Content copying allowed.
- Page extraction allowed.
- Form filling allowed.
- Digital signatures must remain valid.
Do Not Estimate the Permit From the Old Contract-Value Formula
What the Village proposed
The July 9, 2026 Village Council packet introduced a revised method using flat charges, inspection-area square footage and the International Code Council square-foot valuation table.
Separate charges were identified for technology, administration, plan routing, zoning, engineering, landscape, drainage, fire and floodplain services.
Safest budgeting method
- Select the exact permit type.
- Enter accurate project square footage.
- Identify every trade and specialty permit.
- Include Planning, Fire, Public Works and impact reviews.
- Use the current MGO invoice as the controlling amount.
- Question any legacy valuation-based charge before paying.
Example from the July 2026 Council fee packet |
Listed method or amount |
|---|---|
Minimum permit fee |
$78 minimum, plus applicable review charges |
Technology fee |
4% added to permit fee |
Administrative fee |
4% added to permit fee |
A/C changeout |
$300 per system |
Fence or railing |
$300 flat |
Driveway |
$400 flat |
Garage door |
$400 flat |
Water heater |
$250 flat |
Window or door |
$200 per opening |
Residential solar |
$25 per panel |
Residential swimming pool |
$3 per square foot |
Building plan review |
30% of permit fee when applicable |
File the NOC Before Scheduling Inspections
Published thresholds
- Direct contract greater than $5,000.
- Existing heating or A/C repair or replacement greater than $15,000.
What happens when it is missing
The Village application states that no inspections will be scheduled until the recorded Notice of Commencement is on file.
The permit may be placed on hold until the document is accepted.
Record the NOC
Use the correct property, owner, contractor and project information.
Open “Submit-NOC Document” in MGO
Search the project number and select the correct permit record.
Upload the recorded copy
Use the Notice of Commencement upload field and submit the transaction.
Understand What the MGO Status Means
Regular, Field Report or Live Virtual Inspection?
Inspection route |
How it works |
Best for |
|---|---|---|
Traditional inspection |
Request the inspection through MGO and provide field access |
Any inspection requiring an onsite Village inspector |
VuSpex Field Report |
Upload clear photos and notes without an appointment; Village review occurs the next business day |
Eligible A/C, roof, drywall, fence, water-heater and similar inspections |
Live virtual inspection |
Schedule in MGO, remain onsite and connect with the inspector by live video |
Eligible framing, electrical, plumbing, gas, generator and window/door inspections |
Snap inspection |
Take live photos and communicate by chat during a scheduled inspection |
Weak or unstable cellular and Wi-Fi connections |
MGO permits issued after January 18, 2024
- Schedule through the MGO customer portal.
- Inspection times are available in MGO by about 7:30 AM on the inspection day.
- Keep approved stamped plans at the site.
Older permits issued before January 18, 2024
- Call 561-841-3365.
- Request by 3:00 PM on the prior business day.
- Daily times are posted by about 7:30 AM.
Make the VuSpex Submission Easy to Approve
Field Report checklist
- MGO account active
- VuSpex account created
- Florida selected
- Village of North Palm Beach selected
- Location services enabled
- Clear, well-lit photos
- Permit number visible
- Useful explanatory notes
Live inspection checklist
- Inspection scheduled in MGO
- Responsible person onsite
- Strong internet connection
- Camera permissions enabled
- Approved plans available
- Work exposed and accessible
- Flashlight available
- Safe walking route
Review and Upload the Site-Standards Acknowledgement
Parking
Construction vehicles should park completely onsite and off the pavement.
Right-of-way parking needs Building Official permission when the site cannot accommodate vehicles.
Waste and dust
Contain construction waste, stabilize stockpiles, sweep affected areas daily and keep dust from leaving the property.
Drainage protection
Protect catch basins and prevent concrete, sediment, pool water and construction material from entering the street or drainage system.
Site rule |
Practical requirement |
|---|---|
Construction vehicles |
No overnight right-of-way or swale parking between 8:00 PM and 7:30 AM |
Road closure |
Request approval at least 72 hours ahead and notify affected residents |
Construction waste |
Keep it secured in an enclosed containment structure |
Dust-producing cutting |
Use wet saws, vacuums, screening or another effective control |
Pool under construction |
Keep it free of debris and treat standing water to prevent insects and algae |
Temporary toilets |
Provide adequate facilities in a location approved by the Building Official |
Keep Noise-Producing Work Inside Village Hours
Weekdays
7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Noise-producing construction and power-driven equipment should remain within the permitted period.
Saturday
7:30 AM–6:00 PM
The same amended noise-hour range applies to Saturday construction activity.
Sunday and legal holidays
No ordinary construction
An emergency or public-safety need may require a special Village Manager authorization.
Flood-Zone Properties Need More Than an Elevation Number
Village flood assistance
- Flood-zone determination.
- Available elevation-certificate check.
- Coastal-erosion information.
- Repeated-flooding information.
- Property-protection consultation.
- Drainage-evaluation site visit.
New structures, additions and substantial renovations
- Flood-zone and floodway delineation.
- Base-flood and ground elevations.
- Existing and proposed structures.
- Proposed grades, fill and excavation.
- Coastal Construction Control Line.
- Dune, mangrove or watercourse impacts.
Resolve Zoning and Street-Impact Work Before Construction
Planning and Zoning
The Village uses a Universal Planning and Zoning Application for variances, waivers, special exceptions, planned developments, plats and zoning amendments.
Phone: 561-841-3365, option 2
Planner hours: Monday and Wednesday, 8:00–11:00 AM
Right-of-way permit
A separate ROW permit applies when work occupies or affects a Village road, sidewalk, swale, utility area or other public right-of-way.
Examples include driveway work, utility construction, paving, striping and exterior work that blocks a street or sidewalk.
ROW step |
Village requirement |
|---|---|
Before application |
Prepare site and construction plans showing property lines, easements, drainage, utilities, sidewalk and proposed work |
Utility clearance |
Obtain Seacoast Utility Authority clearance when applicable |
Permit duration |
Maximum 30 calendar days, with extensions requested before expiration |
Before work |
Notify Public Works at 561-691-3440 at least 48 hours before starting |
After completion |
Submit completion notice and request final inspection within 48 hours |
Register the Real Project Team Before Filing
Licensed contractors
- Complete NPB registration in MGO.
- Keep the license current.
- Upload general-liability insurance.
- Upload workers’ compensation proof or valid exemption.
- Submit each trade separately when required.
- Keep contact information current.
Owner-builders
- Submit the Owner-Builder Affidavit in person.
- Notarize the permit signatures.
- Provide labor and material costs if requested.
- Use licensed trades when required.
- Accept responsibility for inspections and code compliance.
- Do not use owner-builder status for condominium or multifamily work.
File the State Private-Provider Notice Correctly
Available services
- Private plan review.
- Private inspections.
- Both plan review and inspections.
- Licensed or certified private-provider personnel.
Important limitations
- The Building Official retains enforcement authority.
- The Village may require inspections when private plan review is used.
- Changes to providers must be reported promptly.
- Zoning, Fire, flood, utility and outside approvals still apply.
Milestone Inspection Reporting for Buildings Three Stories or Higher
Initial milestone
A qualifying condominium or cooperative generally requires its initial inspection by December 31 of the year it reaches 30 years of age.
Repeat cycle
After the initial milestone, another inspection is generally required every 10 years.
Professional report
Phase One is a visual inspection by a licensed architect or engineer. Phase Two follows when substantial structural deterioration is found.
Search Online Before Paying for Document Research
Check MGO
Open the current project account for status, comments, invoices, approved files and inspections.
Search current permit and inspection history
Use the Village’s online Community Development record-search route.
Prepare a precise records request
Provide the address, parcel-control number, approximate year and exact documents needed.
Email or submit the request
Use permitsearch@village-npb.org or the official Building Department Records Request form.
Old Permit Not Closed? Use This Recovery Checklist
Gather before contacting staff
- Permit number
- Property address
- Parcel-control number
- Original scope
- Approved plan set
- Contractor information
- Inspection history
- NOC and HOA documents
Ask these direct questions
- Which inspection is missing?
- Is the permit expired?
- Can it be reissued?
- Are new-code plans required?
- Are sub-permits open?
- Is the NOC missing?
- Is a revision unresolved?
- What proves final closure?
Fix Common North Palm Beach Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
MGO cannot find the address |
Wrong jurisdiction, spelling or property record |
Confirm Village jurisdiction and use the parcel-control number |
Contractor cannot submit |
Registration, license or insurance is expired |
Update the contractor profile before creating another application |
Application returned as incomplete |
Missing signatures, survey, plans, product approvals or checklist item |
Compare the uploaded files with the exact permit checklist |
PDF was rejected |
Locked permissions, invalid signature, missing title block or incorrect file organization |
Correct permissions and resubmit a combined, properly named PDF set |
Review has not moved |
Invoice is unpaid or another department review remains open |
Open every MGO task and confirm payment and routing status |
Exemption request was denied |
Flood zone, prohibited trade, structural scope, property type or cost |
Submit the correct permit before beginning work |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Permit not issued, NOC missing, sub-permit missing or fee hold |
Review the complete project record and clear the hold |
Virtual inspection was not approved |
Poor photos, missing context, wrong inspection type or inaccessible work |
Follow inspector comments and request the correct reinspection route |
Final permit remains open |
Trade final, revision, NOC, flood document, HOA item or outside approval remains incomplete |
Ask for a written list of every remaining closeout item |
Fee estimate differs from invoice |
July 2026 fee-method transition or additional department reviews |
Ask staff to identify each Building, Planning, Fire, Public Works, impact and surcharge line |
What to Say When You Contact the Village
“I plan to [exact work] at [full address and PCN]. Which master permit, standalone permits, sub-permits, zoning, flood, utility and right-of-way approvals apply?”
“The total project cost is [amount], the property type is [type] and the scope is [work]. Is the property outside a flood zone, and may I submit the notarized exemption request?”
“Application [number] shows [status]. Can you identify the exact payment, reviewer, missing file or outside approval preventing the next step?”
“Permit [number] is not final. Which inspection, trade permit, revision, NOC, flood document or department approval remains open?”
Do Not Finish Until Every Related Record Is Closed
- Correct Village jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct checklist used
- Contractors registered
- Master permit submitted
- Standalone permits submitted
- Trade sub-permits submitted
- Zoning and ROW approvals completed
- Flood review completed
- Utility approval completed
- NOC recorded and accepted
- Permit formally issued
- Stamped plans printed onsite
- Site standards followed
- Failed inspection items corrected
- Trade finals completed
- Master permit shows final or closed
North Palm Beach Community Development Map
Department hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, except holidays.
Open the Correct North Palm Beach Resource
North Palm Beach Building Division FAQs
Where do I apply for a North Palm Beach building permit?
Submit new permit applications through MyGovernmentOnline. The Village no longer accepts new paper or physical permit applications.
What is the North Palm Beach Building Division phone number?
Call 561-841-3365 and select option 1 for Building. Community Development is located at 701 U.S. Highway 1, Suite 100.
What are the Building Division office hours?
The Community Development Department lists hours of Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Can a project under $7,500 be completed without a permit?
Only certain qualifying projects at single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes may receive an exemption. Flood-zone properties and structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas projects do not qualify. Written approval is required before work begins.
Which building code does North Palm Beach use?
New plans submitted on or after January 1, 2024 must comply with the 2023 Florida Building Code, Eighth Edition, together with applicable local and state requirements.
How do I schedule a North Palm Beach inspection?
For permits issued through MGO after January 18, 2024, request the inspection through the MGO customer portal. Older permits may use the Building Division phone process.
Which inspections can be performed virtually?
Eligible inspections may use VuSpex Field Reports, live video or Snap inspections. Available types include selected roofing, A/C, drywall, fence, electrical, plumbing, gas, window, door and water-heater inspections.
When is a Notice of Commencement required?
The Village application identifies a recorded NOC for direct contracts greater than $5,000, with a $15,000 threshold for repair or replacement of existing heating and air-conditioning equipment. Inspections are not scheduled until the required NOC is on file.
How much is a North Palm Beach building permit?
The amount depends on the current permit type, square footage or applicable flat charge, plan review, trades, technology, administration, zoning, fire, impact and other reviews. Because the fee method changed in July 2026, use the current MGO invoice rather than an older valuation calculator.
How do I find an old North Palm Beach permit?
Check MGO and the Village’s online permit-history search first. For unavailable plans or historical documents, email permitsearch@village-npb.org or submit the official Building Department Records Request.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the Village of North Palm Beach.
This page was rebuilt using the official Building Division, MGO, July 2026 exemption documents, Council fee packet, permit application, submittal rules, checklists, VuSpex inspections, construction-site standards, flood, Planning, right-of-way, condominium and records resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Fees, forms, portal procedures, staff, inspections and code requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the Village before applying, paying or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.