Bolthole Index

Palm Beach County, Florida

Town of South Palm Beach, Florida: building permits, zoning and septic

The Town of South Palm Beach, Florida requires building permits for covered construction, alterations, repairs and occupancy changes; the Town Building Official makes final determinations.1 South Palm Beach sets its own zoning, while the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County handles septic permitting and inspections under the state program.23 Using an RV as living or sleeping quarters within town limits is prohibited.4

At a glance

Building permits
Required for covered work; Town Building Official decides1
Zoning
Town residential districts; district-specific standards2
Septic permits
County health department; plan approval before building permit5
RV living
Living or sleeping in vehicles prohibited4
Minimum home size
R-1: 1,800 square feet minimum floor area6
Minimum lot size
R-1: 9,000 square feet7
Applications
My Government Online; county-wide application not accepted8

Who to call

Building permits

Town of South Palm Beach Building Department

Town building-permit applications and inspection scheduling; press 1 for the Building Department.

(561) 588-8889

[email protected]

3577 South Ocean Blvd., South Palm Beach, Florida 33480

Online permits →

Zoning

Town of South Palm Beach Planning Board

Local planning agency and advisory review of zoning variances.

(561) 588 - 8889

3577 South Ocean Blvd., South Palm Beach, Florida 33480

Septic permits

Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County - Environmental Public Health

Septic-system plan review and permitting, septic and well approvals, and private-well location review

561-840-4500

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of South Palm Beach means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Do you need a building permit in Town of South Palm Beach, FL?

South Palm Beach requires a building permit for covered construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition and changes of occupancy, as well as regulated service-system and site work.1 The Town Building Official makes the final determination, and permit valuation must include all labor and materials.1 For a proposed repair or renovation, send the Building Department the scope of work before starting rather than treating a small project as automatically exempt.1 South Palm Beach publishes a town fee schedule and charges $55 for each failed re-inspection.9

Who issues building permits in Town of South Palm Beach?

The South Palm Beach Building Department uses My Government Online for building-permit submissions and inspection scheduling.10 Contact the department at (561) 588-8889, press 1, or [email protected] for application questions.10 South Palm Beach does not accept the county-wide building-permit application, so use the town application and upload the complete packet through the town platform.8 For land outside town limits, consult the Palm Beach County guide: county building regulations cover the county building-regulation jurisdiction, rather than replacing South Palm Beach’s application process.118

Does Town of South Palm Beach have zoning and setbacks?

South Palm Beach has its own residential zoning districts, including R-1, R-2 and R-2A; development standards depend on the parcel’s district.212 In the R-1 Single-Family Residence District, minimum lot area is 9,000 square feet and minimum dwelling floor area is 1,800 square feet.76 R-1 yard setbacks are 30 feet at the front and 10 feet at the interior side and rear, with specified architectural-feature exceptions.13 R-1 maximum lot coverage is 50 percent of total lot area.14 Ask the town to confirm the parcel’s district before applying these R-1 dimensions to a proposed home.2

How do septic permits work in Town of South Palm Beach?

Septic permitting inside South Palm Beach goes through the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, while DEP is responsible for the statewide onsite sewage program.3 Septic plans require approval before a building permit can issue, and applicable final well and septic approvals must be recorded before a certificate of occupancy is issued.515 Contact Environmental Public Health at 561-840-4500 for septic and private-well plan review.16 For a structure covered by the town’s sewer chapter or connecting to a sewer system built under that chapter, the town also requires review and approval of applicable as-built drawings before issuing the certificate of occupancy.17

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Town of South Palm Beach?

South Palm Beach prohibits using motor homes, recreational vehicles or other vehicles as living or sleeping quarters within town limits, including temporary habitation.418 The code’s limited RV parking and loading exceptions do not authorize overnight living.4 A small fixed dwelling in R-1 must meet the district’s 1,800-square-foot minimum floor area.6 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule or permission for an independent accessory dwelling; ask the town about the proposed dwelling’s use, district and building-permit requirements before buying for that purpose.21

Building a home in Town of South Palm Beach: what are the steps?

  1. Ask the town to confirm the parcel’s zoning district and applicable development standards before finalizing the design.2
  2. Establish the wastewater route: obtain county health approval for applicable septic plans before the town building permit, or ask the town about sewer review for a sewer-connected project.517
  3. Upload the signed town application, required plans, applicable recorded Notice of Commencement, signed contract or valuation affidavit, and project-specific documents through My Government Online.8
  4. After approval, post the permit card and approved paperwork at the job site; use the town platform to schedule inspections.810
  5. Complete applicable septic, well and sewer approval requirements before requesting the certificate of occupancy.1517

Watch-outs

  • RV parking permission does not authorize living or sleeping in an RV in South Palm Beach.4
  • R-1 minimum lot area, dwelling size and setbacks are district-specific; confirm the parcel’s district with the town.27613
  • We could not confirm complete town rules for off-grid sanitation, private-well permits or driveway access; ask the Building Department and county Environmental Public Health before committing to those designs.1016

Sources

  1. Building Department (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  2. Sec. 26-247. Property development regulations (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  3. Wastewater Systems (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  4. Sec. 26-438. Prohibited acts; exceptions (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  5. Wastewater Systems (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  6. library.municode.com (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  7. library.municode.com (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  8. Permit Information (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  9. Forms, Permits, and Applications (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  10. Town of South Palm Beach Building Department (southpalmbeach.com)
  11. Code Violation Permit Process (2026 county census)
  12. Sec. 26-435. Definitions and rules of construction (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  13. library.municode.com (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  14. library.municode.com (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  15. Wastewater Systems (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  16. Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County - Environmental Public Health (palmbeach.floridahealth.gov)
  17. Sec. 50-36. Construction and permitting of building sewers (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked
  18. Sec. 26-438. Prohibited acts; exceptions (Town of South Palm Beach), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of South Palm Beach

Town of South Palm Beach’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, fire-protection, accessible, or flood-resistant site work inside South Palm Beach town.

    • The Town Building Official makes final determinations.
    • Permits must include the value of all labor and materials.
    • Work requiring permits must be performed by a properly licensed and town-registered contractor, subject to applicable exceptions.
    “One intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Structures built under the town sewer chapter or connecting to a sewer collection/transmission system.

    • A certificate of occupancy cannot issue until the town manager or designee confirms review and approval of the structure and/or sewer as-built drawings.
    “Certificates of occupancy for any structure built under the provisions of this chapter or for structures connecting to a sewer collection/transmission system built under the provisions of this chapter shall not be issued by the town until notified by the manager, or designee, that said structure and/or sewer as-built drawings have been reviewed and the project approved.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside South Palm Beach town limits; the town code establishes and regulates R-1, R-2, and R-2A residential zoning districts.

    • District-specific regulations apply; the cited R-1 rules include lot area, setbacks, height, floor area, lot coverage, and maximum floor area.
    “Property development regulations for the R-1 Single-Family Residence District are as follows:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside South Palm Beach town.

    • The code identifies R-1, R-2, and R-2A as residential districts and references an official land development district map adopted by reference.
    • The opened excerpts do not provide a complete district schedule for every district.
    “Residential district means an R-1, R-2, or R-2A district as established and designated on the official land development district map adopted by reference in section 26-217.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of motor homes, recreational vehicles, or other vehicles as living or sleeping quarters inside South Palm Beach town.

    • RV parking may be allowed in a permitted garage or carport, or in specified rear or side-yard locations with screening and at least three feet of separation from the building.
    • Temporary loading or unloading may not exceed 24 hours in any seven-day period.
    • The parking exceptions do not authorize living or sleeping occupancy.
    “It shall be unlawful for motor homes, recreational vehicles, or any other vehicles to be used for living or sleeping quarters within the town limits.”
  • Camping on your landProhibited

    Temporary camping or habitation in motor homes, recreational vehicles, or other vehicles inside South Palm Beach town.

    • The prohibition is directed at use for living or sleeping quarters; the code separately permits limited parking and loading/unloading under stated conditions.
    “It shall be unlawful for motor homes, recreational vehicles, or any other vehicles to be used for living or sleeping quarters within the town limits.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite sewage systems inside South Palm Beach town, administered through the Palm Beach County health department under the state OSTDS program.

    • Plans must be approved before a building permit can issue.
    • Specific operating permits apply to ATUs, performance-based treatment systems, commercial septic systems, and industrial or manufacturing-zoned or equivalent septic systems.
    “The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is charged with regulating, permitting and monitoring proper onsite sewage treatment and disposal.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Onsite sewage systems inside South Palm Beach town.

    • The county health department continues septic-tank inspections.
    • Private-provider inspections may be available beginning July 1, 2022.
    • Final inspection and approval must be recorded before a certificate of occupancy can issue where applicable.
    “Final inspection and approval of wells and septic systems are forwarded to the section by our field offices and must be recorded in the building department’s computer prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Town building-permit fees and related town charges.

    • The town publishes a Resolution No. 02-2025 fee schedule.
    • The permit information page states a $55 re-inspection fee, $55 courtesy inspection fee, $75 re-validation fee plus revision costs where applicable, and a $100 lien-search fee.
    • The town states permit-violation penalties are four times the standard permit amount.

    re-inspection fee: 55 USD (for each failed inspection) · courtesy inspection fee: 55 USD · lien search fee: 100 USD

    “Resolution No. 02-2025 Town Fee Schedule - In Accordance with Chapter 166.222(2), Florida Statute (F.S.)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications inside South Palm Beach town.

    • Applications use the My Government Online platform.
    • Applicants must upload the signed application, required plan sets, applicable Notice of Commencement, signed contract or valuation affidavit, and any project-specific documents.
    • After plan review, documents and the permit card must be posted at the job site.
    • The town does not accept the county-wide permit application.

    NOC threshold: >= 5000 USD (HVAC/mechanical direct repair or replacement contract under $15,000) · packet page printing: 0.15 USD per page (first card stock permit card free) · duplicate card stock permit card: 20 USD

    “When submitting for a Building Permit, please upload the following documents:”

Rules another office applies inside Town of South Palm Beach

Town of South Palm Beach does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residence District inside South Palm Beach town.

    • The cited minimum applies to the R-1 district.

    minimum floor area: >= 1800 square feet

    “Minimum floor area. Minimum floor area is 1,800 square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residence District inside South Palm Beach town.

    • The cited minimum applies to the R-1 district.

    minimum lot area: >= 9000 square feet

    “Minimum lot area. Minimum lot area is 9,000 square feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residence District inside South Palm Beach town.

    • Architectural features not exceeding 25 square feet in the horizontal plane and eaves extending no more than three feet from the vertical wall are not considered encroachments.

    front setback: 30 feet · interior side setback: 10 feet · rear setback: 10 feet

    “Minimum yard setback requirements are as follows: a. Front: 30 feet. b. Side, interior: ten feet. c. Rear: ten feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residence District inside South Palm Beach town.

    • The cited limit applies to the R-1 district.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent of total lot area

    “Maximum lot coverage. Maximum lot coverage shall be 50 percent of the total lot area.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems inside South Palm Beach town.

    • DEP is responsible for implementing the Florida statutes and regulations applicable to OSTDS effective July 1, 2021.
    • The Palm Beach County health department continues permitting and inspection for septic tanks.
    • Private-provider OSTDS inspections may be used beginning July 1, 2022, where authorized.
    “Effective July 1, 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for implementing the Florida Statutes and regulations applicable to OSTDS. Under Florida’s Clean Waterways Act of 2020, the county health department offices will continue to do the permitting and inspection for septic tanks”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of South Palm Beach or Palm Beach County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from South Palm Beach building-permit or contractor requirements.
  • Inspections — Building inspections for work inside South Palm Beach town.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside South Palm Beach town.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside South Palm Beach town.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation inside South Palm Beach town.
4 more unanswered
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of South Palm Beach publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Palm Beach County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Palm Beach County: county rules, score and offices