The Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department (Building Division) issues all residential and commercial building permits for unincorporated Palm Beach County, Florida. Whether you are building a new home, adding an ADU, remodeling, installing a pool, garage, roof, or performing commercial construction in 2026, this complete guide provides the exact micro-steps, official ePZB Portal links, current fees, full document checklists, inspection scheduling, owner-builder requirements, contractor registration rules, and practical insider tips that save time and avoid costly mistakes.
Palm Beach County Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Main Office Address: 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
- Phone (Building Division): (561) 233-5100
- Permit Center Phone: (561) 233-5100
- Email: PZB-Bldg@pbcgov.org
- South County Office (Limited Services): 345 S. Congress Ave, Delray Beach, FL
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Permit Center sign-in by 4:30 PM)
Official Building Division Page: Palm Beach County Building Division
Palm Beach County Building Permit Search 2026
Official ePZB Portal for Search & Tracking: ePZB Portal – Permits & Inspections
Search Steps:
- Visit the ePZB Portal (account recommended for full tracking).
- Search by address, permit number, or owner name.
- View full details, plans, fees, status, and inspection history.
Insider Tip: Use the portal to check open or inactive permits before buying property or starting work — unresolved permits can create liens or delays.
How to Apply for Palm Beach County Building Permits Online 2026 – 12 Micro-Steps
All permit applications are submitted 24/7 through the ePZB Portal. Many small or no-fee permits can be submitted online instantly. Most projects with plans require electronic submittal and review.
Official Application Portal: ePZB Portal – Apply for Permits
- Create or log into your ePZB account.
- Use the Fee Estimator tool before starting to understand costs.
- Start a new application and select your permit type (new residential/commercial, addition, remodel, pool, accessory building, etc.).
- Enter project address, detailed scope of work, and estimated valuation.
- Add owner, contractor, and all subcontractors (contractor registration must be current).
- Upload all required documents as clearly labeled PDFs.
- Provide zoning approval, flood info, septic/sewer letter, or other agency clearances if required.
- Electronically sign the application and any affidavits.
- Pay all calculated fees online (including impact fees).
- Submit the application and monitor real-time status and review comments.
- Address plan review comments and resubmit revised documents electronically.
- Record the certified Notice of Commencement (NOC) before scheduling your first inspection (required for most jobs over $5,000).
Fee Estimator: Building Fee Estimator Tool
Palm Beach County Building Permit Fees 2026
- Full Fee Schedule PDF: Download Current Fee Directory
- Fees are primarily valuation-based with a $75 minimum for most building permits.
- Examples: Accessory buildings, additions, and alterations are charged by value; specific flat fees exist for small structures like sheds under 400 sq ft.
- Additional charges include plan review, re-inspection fees ($50 first, $100 second, $200 third), impact fees, and technology fees.
- Reinspection and administrative fees apply for corrections or extensions.
Fees are calculated automatically in the ePZB portal. Work started without a permit results in doubled fees plus penalties.
Required Documents Checklist (Upload as PDFs)
- Completed permit application in ePZB
- Sealed architectural and structural drawings (when required)
- Site plan showing proposed work
- Energy calculations and Florida Building Code compliance forms
- Flood zone determination and elevation certificate (if applicable)
- Septic tank approval or sewer availability letter
- Contractor registration verification and insurance
- Owner-Builder Affidavit (if applicable)
- Certified Notice of Commencement (recorded copy with permit number)
How to Schedule Palm Beach County Building Inspections
- After permit issuance, log into the ePZB Portal.
- Go to Permits & Inspections section and request the required inspection type (footing, framing, final, electrical, plumbing, etc.).
- Use the automated IVR system at (888) 236-3807 for scheduling if needed.
- Track inspection status and routes daily in the portal.
Insider Tip: Use the portal’s inspection tracking to see the inspector’s route and estimated arrival time. Have access ready and text the inspector if gate codes or special instructions are needed.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder Process
Contractors must register annually with Palm Beach County and provide current license and insurance information. Homeowners may apply as owner-builders for their own residence and assume full responsibility and liability. Complete the required owner-builder affidavit during application.
Contractor Registration Information: Contractor Licensing & Registration
Local Insider Tips & Tricks for Palm Beach County Permits
- Use the online Fee Estimator tool before starting your application to avoid surprises.
- Submit complete and clearly labeled documents the first time — incomplete packages cause the most delays.
- Save your application as draft while waiting for zoning, health, or flood clearances — link everything later with no rework.
- For flood-prone areas near the coast or canals: Prepare flood determination and elevation certificate early.
- Call the Building Division early in the morning for fastest response on complex projects.
- Track inspections daily and prepare the site the night before — inspectors follow routes that can be viewed in the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions – Palm Beach County Building Permits 2026
Do I need a Notice of Commencement (NOC) in Palm Beach County?
Yes — required for most jobs over $5,000 (or mechanical/electrical over $15,000). Must be certified and recorded with the permit number before the first inspection.
Can I pull my own building permit as an owner-builder?
Yes. Complete the Owner-Builder Affidavit and assume full responsibility and liability for code compliance and safety.
How do I search existing building permits in Palm Beach County?
Use the ePZB Portal to search by address or permit number.
Are all permits submitted online in Palm Beach County?
Yes — most applications are submitted 24/7 through the ePZB Portal.
Full Official Resources: Palm Beach County Building Division
Official Resources & Quick Links
- ePZB Portal – Apply & Track Permits
- Full Fee Directory PDF
- Building Fee Estimator
- All Permitting Forms
- Permit Center Information
This guide is updated April 2026 using only official Palm Beach County sources. Create your ePZB account today to start your application. Contact the Building Division at (561) 233-5100 for project-specific guidance. Bookmark this page for your entire project.
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.