Check the PCN, Build the ePZB File, Record the NOC and Pass Every Inspection
Palm Beach County’s Building Division normally serves unincorporated properties—not every address with a Palm Beach County mailing address. The fastest first check is the Parcel Control Number: a PCN beginning with 00 identifies unincorporated county jurisdiction.
This guide then moves you through the official ePZB portal, project checklist, contractor or owner-builder route, Notice of Commencement, fees, flood review, inspection scheduling, corrections and inactive-permit closeout.
Choose the Palm Beach County Task You Need
Palm Beach County Next-Step Finder
Select the situation. The result gives a county-specific action and official route.
Palm Beach County Building Division Phone Numbers, Offices and Hours
Location |
Address and phone |
Hours and service note |
|---|---|---|
Vista Center Permit Center |
2300 N. Jog Road, 1st Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 561-233-5100 |
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; last permit-counter sign-in 4:30 PM |
South County Administrative Complex |
345 S. Congress Avenue, Suite 102, Delray Beach, FL 33445 |
Tuesday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; limited services, so call the central office before visiting |
Field inspectors |
County inspection routes |
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM; assigned inspector details appear after routes are set |
Confirm Unincorporated Palm Beach County Before Applying
Use Palm Beach County Building Division when
- The PCN begins with 00
- myGeoNav shows unincorporated jurisdiction
- The county ePZB recognizes the property
- The work is outside a municipal building department
Use a municipal building department when
- The PCN begins with a prefix other than 00
- The property lies inside a city, town or village
- The municipality has its own permit portal
- The property was annexed after older county permits were issued
Match the Project to the Palm Beach County Permit Path
Project |
Likely county permit path |
Prepare before submitting |
|---|---|---|
A/C, water-heater or electric-service change |
Type 1 |
Equipment or service details, contractor or owner-builder information and product data |
Reroof, window/door replacement, siding or screen infill |
Type 1 |
Product approvals, scope, valuation and required mitigation or wind documents |
Fence, residential slab or driveway not in county right-of-way |
Type 1-I site review |
Survey/site plan, location, setbacks, easements and dimensions |
Shed, porch, screen structure, shutters or demolition |
Type 2A residential |
Survey, construction documents, product approvals and work description |
Residential addition or interior/exterior alteration |
Type 3A |
Current survey, existing/proposed plans, structural, energy, flood and trade documents |
Detached garage, barn, storage building or workshop |
Type 3B |
Site plan, setbacks, structure plans, utility impacts and zoning review |
Pool or spa |
Type 3E |
Survey, barrier method, pool plans, electrical/plumbing sub-permits and drainage information |
Commercial renovation or tenant improvement |
Type 4C |
Life-safety, accessibility, fire, MEP, occupancy and zoning documents |
New single-family dwelling, duplex or townhouse |
Type 5 |
Survey under one year old, complete plans, energy, drainage, utilities, impact-fee and flood information |
Dock, seawall, boathouse or dune walkover |
Type 8 marine |
Marine plans, environmental approvals, shoreline details and other agency clearances |
Apply Online in Seven Practical Steps
Register and activate the account
Open ePZB, create an account with your name, email and phone, then activate it from the confirmation email.
Enter the address or PCN
Confirm the owner record and jurisdiction before continuing. Update the owner phone and email if the portal permits.
Choose contractor or owner-builder correctly
Contractors must link their license to the portal profile. Owner-builders select Owner/Builder and follow the personal-appearance and notarization requirements.
Complete project information
Enter trade, work type, category, description, value and square footage. Answer disaster-repair and flood-damage questions accurately.
Upload each PDF separately
Create the correct document set, select the document type, add the pages and write a useful description. Do not combine unrelated records into one file.
Accept terms and submit
Read the conditions, complete both agreement confirmations and click Submit. The application first moves through an acceptance/sufficiency check.
Respond to all comments together, then pay
When reviewers return the file, answer every comment box and upload all coordinated corrections at one time. Pay only through the secure county portal or in person.
Prepare These Items Before Starting ePZB
Property
- PCN and jurisdiction
- Exact address
- Legal owner
- Current survey
- Flood zone
- Utility or septic status
Project
- Exact scope
- Work value
- Square footage
- Plans/drawings
- Product approvals
- Energy or structural forms
People and approvals
- Contractor license
- Insurance
- Owner-builder affidavit
- Subcontractor information
- Zoning/agency approvals
- Health approval if septic/well
Record and Upload the NOC at the Correct Time
When it is normally required
- Direct contract greater than $5,000.
- Existing heating or air-conditioning repair/replacement is excluded when the contract is under $15,000.
- The county system determines whether the accepted permit requires an NOC.
- The NOC must be recorded and posted before the first inspection.
Complete these fields carefully
- PCN/tax folio
- Legal description
- Street address
- Improvement description
- Owner/lessee
- Contractor
- Lender if applicable
- Notarized owner signature
Use the 2026 Fee Directory and Portal Estimator
The current Planning, Zoning and Building fee directory reviewed for this guide is dated March 2, 2026. Many permits are charged by value with a $75 minimum, while other items use flat fees. Impact fees may be separate.
Fee item |
Published amount |
Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
First / second / third reinspection |
$50 / $100 / $200 |
Avoid repeat failures by reading every correction before rescheduling |
Accessory building under 36 sq. ft. |
$50 each |
Site-built or prefab category shown in the current directory |
Site-built accessory building 36–400 sq. ft. |
$200 each |
Larger structures can switch to value-based fees |
Prefab accessory building at least 36 sq. ft. |
$100 per 400 sq. ft. |
Confirm product approval and anchoring requirements |
Demolition of single-family dwelling |
$250 |
A separate $400 category includes vacant-lot landscaping |
Non-structural interior demolition |
$150 |
Structural or full-building demolition follows a different category |
Pool barrier |
$75 |
Fence/wall, mesh, cover and screen-enclosure categories have separate fees |
Building permit renew/extend |
$75 |
Sub or trade permit renewal is listed at $50 |
Initial revision fee |
$75 |
Additional sheet-review charges can apply |
Unproductive inspection trip |
$75 |
Have access, plans, permit and work ready |
Schedule, Track and Prepare for Palm Beach County Inspections
Schedule online
Use the county eField inspection system or the inspection action inside ePZB.
Schedule by phone
Call 561-233-5170. Contractors and owner-builders need a 7-digit ID number.
Find the inspector
Routes are set around 7:30–8:00 AM. After 8:00 AM, search the permit and open the inspector’s name for contact details.
Before scheduling
- Permit issued
- NOC uploaded if required
- 7-digit ID available
- Correct inspection selected
- Work stage complete
- Prior corrections resolved
Before the visit
- Approved documents posted
- Permit available
- Work uncovered
- Safe access
- Gate code arranged
- Address visible
Understand the Review and Construction Sequence
Know the Responsibility Before Selecting Owner/Builder
County guideline limits
- One- or two-family residence, or qualifying commercial building.
- Commercial work is limited to $75,000 or less within a 12-month period under the county guideline.
- Property must be for the owner’s own use and occupancy—not sale or lease.
- The owner must perform or personally supervise the construction.
Personal obligations
- Appear personally at the Building Division.
- Sign the Owner/Builder Affidavit.
- Have the signature notarized by county staff.
- Verify licenses and insurance for people hired.
- Accept code, safety, financial and business responsibility.
Close or Renew an Old Palm Beach County Permit
Search by address or PCN
Open ePZB and review the status, scope, inspection history and contractor.
Identify the permit age
The county FAQ says permits after approximately 1992 generally require reactivation when no superseding permit covers the same scope. Pre-1992 permits generally use a general-inspection route.
Renew quickly when possible
The ePZB guide says a renewal within 180 days of inactive status can be approved immediately. After 180 days, upload the original approved plans with the renewal request.
Ask about current-code upgrades
Required upgrades depend on the existing inspection history and current field condition. Call the Building Division Help Desk at 561-233-5108.
Complete missing inspections
Do not assume renewal closes the record. Schedule each required inspection and resolve any unsafe, concealed or changed work.
Save closure proof
Confirm that the main permit and all trade permits show a closed/final status before a sale, refinance or contractor final payment.
Confirm Flood Requirements Before Final Design
Check the mapped zone
Use the county flood lookup and available elevation certificates as an early screen.
Obtain an official determination
The county warns that online flood information is subject to change. Before purchase or construction, use a Florida-licensed engineer, architect or surveyor for an official determination.
Ask the Flood Section
561-233-5374
FloodZone@pbcgov.org
Do not email permit documents to the flood-information address.
Examples the County Lists as Not Requiring a Permit
Work example |
Published limit or condition |
Do not assume exemption when |
|---|---|---|
Exterior door replacement |
Within the existing jamb, once in 12 months, one- and two-family dwellings |
Opening, structure, impact protection or multiple doors change |
Driveway sealcoat |
Asphalt sealcoat at one- and two-family dwelling |
Driveway is widened, relocated or enters county right-of-way |
Fence repair |
Minor repair or exact replacement of permitted fence up to $1,000, excluding pool barriers |
Location, height, material or pool-barrier function changes |
Minor roof repair |
Existing covering under $1,000 fair-market value |
Scope grows, deck is replaced or structural damage exists |
Screen-room rescreening |
Up to $1,000 in value |
Framing, enclosure or openings are altered |
Soffit, fascia, stucco or window repair |
Minor work under stated $1,000 limits and no structural member involvement |
Hidden damage, structural replacement or product approval is involved |
Verify the Contractor and Permit Holder
Check before signing
- County or state license
- County enrollment if required
- Insurance
- Written scope
- References
- Permit responsibility
Red flags
- Large payment demanded before permit work begins.
- Advertisement omits certification number.
- Contractor asks owner to obtain the permit.
- Verbal contract only.
- Permit is issued to a different company.
What Common ePZB Statuses Mean
Fix Common Palm Beach County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
County portal does not accept the property |
Municipal jurisdiction or address/PCN mismatch |
Verify the PCN prefix and myGeoNav before opening another application |
Application remains in draft |
Submission agreements or required fields are incomplete |
Review every section and confirm Submit was clicked |
Application returned repeatedly |
Comments were answered separately or plans conflict |
Respond to all comments together and upload one coordinated revision set |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Missing NOC, wrong ID/PIN, inactive permit or wrong permit holder |
Check permit status, upload NOC if required and call 561-233-5170 |
Unknown inspector arrival |
Routes not assigned yet |
Check after 8:00 AM and open the assigned inspector’s name |
Suspicious payment email |
Phishing impersonating PZB |
Do not pay; independently open pbc.gov/ePZB or call 561-233-5001 |
Inactive permit blocks a sale |
Renewal, plans or final inspections remain |
Search the record and call 561-233-5108 for the current closeout route |
Flood requirements appear late |
Flood-zone and elevation review was delayed |
Contact the Flood Section and licensed design/survey professional before revising plans |
What to Say When You Contact the County
“The property is at [address] and the PCN is [number]. Can you confirm whether the Building Division has jurisdiction or whether I must use a municipal building department?”
“Application [number] is showing [status]. Which reviewer, document or agency is preventing the next step, and where should I upload the correction?”
“Permit [number] at [address] is inactive. Can you tell me whether it requires renewal, original plans, a general inspection or current-code upgrades?”
Do Not Consider the Project Finished Until These Are Complete
- PCN and jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct checklist used
- All reviewers cleared
- Permit fees paid securely
- Permit and plans posted
- NOC recorded and uploaded if required
- Correct inspection ID available
- Work kept visible
- Every correction resolved
- All trade finals passed
- Main permit finaled
- Closure proof saved
Palm Beach County Vista Center Permit Center
Open the Correct Palm Beach County Portal or Document
Palm Beach County Building Permit Questions
Does Palm Beach County Building Division handle every property in the county?
No. The Permit Center primarily handles construction permits in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Check the PCN: a number beginning with 00 indicates unincorporated jurisdiction. Other prefixes usually identify a municipality.
Where do I apply for a Palm Beach County building permit?
Use the official ePZB portal. Open Building, choose Online Submittal, select New Permit Request, enter the address or PCN and upload each required PDF separately.
How do I schedule an inspection?
Use the eField system or call 561-233-5170. Contractors and owner-builders need their 7-digit county ID. The assigned inspector and contact details are normally available after routes are set on the inspection day.
When is a Notice of Commencement required?
Florida law generally requires the issuing authority to receive a recorded NOC before the first inspection when the direct contract exceeds $5,000. An existing HVAC repair or replacement contract under $15,000 is excluded from that requirement. Follow the portal’s determination for the accepted permit.
Should I upload the NOC with the original permit application?
No. The county ePZB guide says the NOC should not be included with the original permit documents. Upload it after the permit is accepted and before scheduling inspections.
Can I apply as an owner-builder?
Yes, when the project qualifies. The county guideline requires personal appearance, an owner-builder affidavit notarized by Building Division staff, personal supervision of the work and owner responsibility for code, safety, licensing and financial obligations.
How do I find open or inactive permits on a property?
Search ePZB by address or PCN. You may also call Building Records at 561-233-5160. For closeout and reactivation questions, call the Building Division Help Desk at 561-233-5108.
What happens after a permit becomes inactive?
The county ePZB guide says renewal within 180 days can be approved immediately. After 180 days, the original approved plans must be uploaded with the renewal request. Additional review, fees, inspections or code upgrades may apply.
How do I check flood requirements?
Use the county Flood Information page and call the Flood Zone Hotline at 561-233-5374. The county recommends confirming flood information with a Florida-licensed engineer, architect or surveyor before purchase or construction.
How can I avoid permit-payment scams?
Open the secure payment portal independently from the county website or pay in person. Palm Beach County says PZB will not request permit payment through emailed wire instructions, peer-to-peer apps or cryptocurrency.
Source and Accuracy Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Palm Beach County government.
This page was rebuilt using official Palm Beach County Permit Center, Building Division, ePZB, eField, forms, fee, owner-builder, Notice of Commencement, flood, contractor and Florida statutory resources.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Official county pages currently show different phone numbers for the limited-service South County office. Use the main Permit Center number, 561-233-5100, to confirm the correct South County contact and available service before traveling.
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.
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Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
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Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
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Inspection Readiness Checklist
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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
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Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
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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.