How to Get ADU Permit in West Palm Beach:  Complete 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways

• West Palm Beach ADU permits require both zoning verification and building permits through the City Development Services office at 401 Clematis Street

• Total permit timeline ranges from 4-8 weeks (best case) to 2-3 months average, with complex projects extending to 4-6 months

• Permit and utility connection costs total $6,875-$40,870 depending on project scope

• Palm Beach County ADU size limits are 800 sq ft for lots under 1 acre and 1,000 sq ft for larger properties, with maximum heights of 25 feet

• All ADUs must meet Florida Building Code hurricane requirements—properties in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) face stricter wind resistance standards

• Mesocore's factory-built Model E ADU includes Intertek-certified MEP systems that eliminate rough-in inspections, reducing on-site installation to just 10 days

West Palm Beach homeowners are increasingly turning to accessory dwelling units as a solution for rental income, multigenerational housing, and property value enhancement. For property owners ready to add an ADU, understanding the local permit requirements—from zoning verification through Certificate of Occupancy—is essential for a smooth project timeline.

Understanding West Palm Beach ADU Requirements

Before submitting any permit applications, you must verify that your property meets West Palm Beach's zoning and dimensional requirements. The Development Services office on the 2nd floor at 401 Clematis Street handles all zoning inquiries at (561) 822-1435.

What are the local zoning regulations for ADUs in West Palm Beach?

ADUs are typically permitted in single-family (SF) residential districts throughout West Palm Beach. However, your specific zoning designation determines what you can build. Key regulations include:

• Owner occupancy requirements may apply depending on your district

• Architectural compatibility with the main residence is mandatory

• One ADU maximum per residential lot

• Separate meters may be required or optional based on jurisdiction

Contact the Planning Division for a same-day verbal determination on your property's eligibility, or request a written zoning determination within 3-5 business days.

Are there specific size or height restrictions for ADUs?

Palm Beach County establishes clear dimensional limits for ADUs:

• Maximum size: 800 sq ft for lots under 1 acre; 1,000 sq ft for lots 1 acre or larger

• Maximum height: 25 feet, and cannot exceed the main dwelling's height

• Minimum separation: 10 feet from the main house

• Setbacks: Typically 15-25 feet for rear and side yards (verify with your specific zoning district)

• Elevation: 2.5 feet above adjacent road outside flood zones; higher requirements apply in FEMA flood zones

These size limits make Mesocore's 410 sq ft Model E ADU well-suited for most West Palm Beach properties, fitting comfortably within zoning restrictions while maximizing usable living space.

What are the parking mandates for ADUs in West Palm Beach?

Parking requirements vary by district, but most ADU projects require 1-2 additional off-street parking spaces. Verify your specific parking obligations during the zoning verification phase.

Navigating the West Palm Beach ADU Permit Application Process

The permit process involves nine sequential steps, each with specific requirements, fees, and timelines. Complete documentation at each phase prevents costly delays.

Step 1: Pre-Application Zoning Verification

Where: City of West Palm Beach Development Services, 2nd Floor, 401 Clematis Street

Contact: (561) 822-1435

What to bring:

• Property address and parcel ID

• Preliminary site plan or sketch

• Lot dimensions

Timeline: Same-day verbal guidance; written determinations in 3-5 business days

Cost: No fee for initial inquiry

Step 2: Design and Professional Plan Preparation

Florida requires sealed architectural plans from licensed professionals. Your design package must include:

• Signed and sealed architectural plans

• Structural drawings (per Florida Statutes Chapter 471/481)

• Site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, ADU location, setback dimensions, and parking

• Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans

• Energy code compliance calculations

• Wind/hurricane resistance documentation per Florida Building Code

Timeline: 2-6 weeks for plan completion

Cost: $3,000-$10,000+ for professional design services

Step 3: Record Notice of Commencement (NOC)

Where: Palm Beach County Recording Department, County Courthouse, 205 North Dixie Highway, 4th Floor

Contact: (561) 355-2991

The NOC must be recorded before the building permit is issued. After recording, email a PDF copy to ds@wpb.org with your permit number in the subject line.

Timeline: Same-day recording

Cost: $10-$20 recording fee

Step 4: Contractor Registration

If using a contractor, submit the following documents to ds@wpb.org:

• State license or County competency license

• Valid local business tax receipt

• Certificate of insurance (general liability)

• Workers' compensation certificate or exemption

• Company contact information

Timeline: 1-2 business days

Cost: No fee for registration

Step 5: Building Permit Application Submission

Submit your complete application through the Civic Access portal or in person at the Building Division on the 1st floor at 401 Clematis Street.

Required documents:

• Building permit application

• Signed and sealed plans (PDF for digital submission)

• Property survey (less than 1 year old)

• Site plan with proposed improvements

• Recorded Notice of Commencement

• Owner/Builder Affidavit (if owner is pulling permit)

• Impact fee payment documentation

Contact: (561) 805-6700 or ds@wpb.org

Step 6: Plan Review and Revisions

Multiple city departments review your plans for code compliance:

• Building envelope and structural review

• Zoning verification

• Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical review

• Life safety and accessibility review

• Energy code compliance

How to check status: Log into the Civic Access portal, navigate to your permit record, and click the "Reviews" tab.

Timeline: 2-4 weeks for initial review; 1-2 weeks per revision cycle

Step 7: Permit Issuance

Once all reviews are approved and fees paid:

• Download your permit from the Civic Access portal, or

• Pick up at the Building Division, 401 Clematis Street, 1st Floor

What you receive:

• Permit card (must be posted at job site)

• Approved plans (signed/stamped)

• Required inspection list

• Permit number for scheduling inspections

Timeline: 1-2 business days after final approval

Step 8: Construction and Required Inspections

Standard ADU inspections include:

• Foundation/footing

• Underground plumbing and electrical

• Framing and rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)

• Insulation and sheathing

• Roofing

• Final building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections

Schedule inspections: Through the Civic Access portal (available 24/7)

Inspector contacts:

• Building Chief: Richard Brunelle, (561) 805-6670

• Mechanical Chief: Chris Montello, (561) 805-6732

• Electrical Chief: Phil Petty, (561) 805-6742

• Plumbing Chief: Ryan Brown, (561) 805-6692

Step 9: Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

How to request: Email ds@wpb.org with subject line "CO Request," including your master permit number, address, and contact information.

Prerequisites:

• All required inspections passed

• All corrections completed

• All fees paid

• No open violations

Timeline: 1-2 business days after request

You cannot legally occupy or rent your ADU—or connect utilities—without a Certificate of Occupancy.

Key Building Permit Considerations for West Palm Beach ADUs

West Palm Beach falls within Palm Beach County's jurisdiction for building code compliance, which includes stringent requirements for hurricane resistance and energy efficiency.

Ensuring your ADU plans comply with Florida Building Code

All ADUs must meet the Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023), based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Key compliance areas include:

• Structural integrity per ASCE 7-22 wind load calculations

• Electrical schematics meeting National Electrical Code

• Plumbing diagrams per Florida Plumbing Code

• HVAC specifications meeting efficiency standards

• IECC energy conservation requirements

Understanding structural requirements for ADUs in hurricane zones

Palm Beach County includes High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) designations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with portions of Palm Beach County requiring enhanced wind resistance. Standard requirements include:

• Impact-rated windows and doors for wind-borne debris protection

• Continuous roof-to-wall connections with approved hurricane straps

• Enhanced roof fastening schedules for 130+ mph wind zones

• Concrete footings with specific reinforcement requirements

For properties in hurricane-prone areas, documentation of wind resistance is mandatory during plan review.

The role of Intertek certification in streamlined inspections

Factory-built modular ADUs with Intertek certification can significantly reduce on-site inspection requirements. When MEP systems are pre-inspected at the factory by a certified third-party inspector, some jurisdictions eliminate the need for rough-in inspections on-site. This accelerates construction timelines and reduces the potential for failed inspections.

Financing Your West Palm Beach ADU: Permit Costs and Construction Loans

Understanding total project costs—including permits, impact fees, and utility connections—helps you plan financing effectively.

Estimating ADU permit and construction costs in West Palm Beach

Building Permit Fee:

• Low Range: $75

• Average: $1,500

• High Range: $3,000

Plan Review Fee:

• Low Range: $50

• Average: $975

• High Range: $1,950

Trade Permits (electrical/plumbing/mechanical):

• Low Range: $225

• Average: $450

• High Range: $900

Impact Fees:

• Low Range: $1,000

• Average: $2,000

• High Range: $3,000

Water/Sewer Connection:

• Low Range: $1,000

• Average: $3,000

• High Range: $6,000

Electric Connection:

• Low Range: $1,000

• Average: $2,000

• High Range: $3,800

Total Government Fees:

• Low Range: $3,375

• Average: $18,540

• High Range: $28,870

Professional services (architect, engineer, survey) add $3,500-$12,000 to total project costs.

Financing options for your ADU project

Ocean Capital Lending, Mesocore's financing partner, offers financing covering land acquisition and construction costs, with conversion to traditional mortgage upon completion.

Leveraging tax incentives for ADU construction

Federal and state incentives reduce your effective ADU cost:

• 30% federal solar tax credit through 2032 for integrated solar systems

• 0% Florida sales tax on solar equipment

• Property tax exemption for renewable energy installations (solar/battery don't increase taxable value)

• Florida "Granny Flat" reduction of up to 20% of assessed value for senior relative (62+) occupancy

Learn more about available tax incentives for ADU construction.

Expediting Your West Palm Beach ADU Project with Modular Construction

The permitting phase—not construction—represents the primary timeline bottleneck. Once permits are approved, modular construction offers dramatic time savings.

How modular ADUs reduce construction timelines in West Palm Beach

Traditional site-built ADU construction takes 4-6 months after permitting. Modular construction compresses this to days:

Site Preparation:

• Traditional Build: 1-2 weeks

• Modular Build: 1-2 weeks

Foundation:

• Traditional Build: 1-2 weeks

• Modular Build: Included

Framing:

• Traditional Build: 2-4 weeks

• Modular Build: Factory-built

MEP Rough-ins:

• Traditional Build: 2-3 weeks

• Modular Build: Factory-installed

Finishes:

• Traditional Build: 3-4 weeks

• Modular Build: Factory-completed

Total On-Site Construction:

• Traditional Build: 2-4 months

• Modular Build: 10 days

Benefits of factory-built homes for permit compliance

Factory construction provides advantages for permit compliance:

• Weather independence: 60-95% of work completed indoors eliminates weather delays

• Quality control: Factory inspections at every production stage ensure code compliance

• Pre-certified systems: Intertek certification of MEP systems streamlines plan review

• Consistent documentation: Factory-standardized engineering simplifies structural calculations

Sustainability and Resilience for Your West Palm Beach Backyard Cottage

South Florida's climate demands both hurricane resilience and energy efficiency. Building for both protects your investment and reduces operating costs.

Designing a hurricane-resistant ADU for West Palm Beach

Florida Building Code requires ADUs to meet wind resistance standards based on location. Standard requirements include:

• Impact-rated windows and doors meeting Florida Product Approval standards

• Roof systems designed for 130+ mph wind loads

• Continuous load path from roof to foundation

• Enhanced fastening schedules for all structural connections

Mesocore's hurricane-resistant construction carries a 180 mph wind rating—exceeding HVHZ requirements and Category 5 hurricane thresholds of 157 mph.

The benefits of integrated solar power and battery storage

While Florida doesn't mandate solar for ADUs, integrated systems provide significant benefits:

• Annual utility savings of $1,500-$1,820

• Off-grid capability with battery storage for hurricane resilience

• 30% federal tax credit reducing effective system cost

• Premium rental rates for energy-efficient units

Palm Beach County has approved Mesocore ADUs to operate independently from the main house—no utility hookup or separate meter required—potentially eliminating connection fees and ongoing utility expenses.

Maximizing ROI with an ADU in the West Palm Beach Market

West Palm Beach's strong rental market and housing demand create excellent conditions for ADU investment.

Generating passive income with a West Palm Beach ADU

Florida ADU rental income averages $2,200/month in metropolitan markets. A Mesocore Model E ADU priced at $129,000 can deliver:

• 18.4% annual ROI based on rental income

• 5.4-year payback period for full investment recovery

• $28,500 annual rental income after 4% maintenance costs

How an ADU can increase your property value

Beyond rental income, ADUs add permanent property value through:

• Additional living space documentation

• Permitted, code-compliant construction

• Sustainable features that appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers

• Flexibility for multigenerational living arrangements

Why West Palm Beach Homeowners Choose Mesocore for ADU Projects

Mesocore's West Palm Beach factory location provides distinct advantages for local ADU projects. Factory-direct delivery within the optimal 250-400 mile range minimizes transportation costs while enabling rapid deployment.

Permit process advantages:

• Intertek-certified MEP systems eliminate rough-in inspections in qualifying jurisdictions

• Pre-engineered 180 mph wind resistance exceeds local building code requirements

• Complete documentation package simplifies plan review

• Factory quality control reduces revision cycles

Construction timeline benefits:

• 10-day on-site installation versus 4-6 months for traditional construction

• All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems factory-installed and tested

• Simultaneous site preparation and factory production eliminate sequential delays

Financial benefits:

• Model E ADU starting at $129,000 including integrated solar and battery storage

• Ocean Capital Lending partnership provides financing for land acquisition and construction

• 30% federal solar tax credit applies to integrated systems

• Off-grid capability may eliminate utility connection fees

For West Palm Beach homeowners ready to add an ADU, Mesocore offers free consultations and factory tours at the West Palm Beach facility. Contact (561) 386-7252 or info@mesocore.com to discuss your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost to get an ADU permit in West Palm Beach?

Total permit and utility connection costs range from $6,875 to $40,870 depending on project scope. Government permit fees alone typically run $3,000-$6,000, with utility connections adding $3,000-$10,000+.

How long does it typically take to get an ADU permit approved in West Palm Beach?

The permitting phase takes 4-8 weeks best case, 2-3 months on average, or 4-6 months for complex projects. Initial plan review requires 2-4 weeks, with each revision cycle adding 1-2 weeks. Construction timelines vary from 10 days for modular installation to 4-6 months for traditional site-built ADUs.

Can I build an ADU on any property in West Palm Beach?

ADUs are typically permitted in single-family residential zoning districts, but specific eligibility depends on your property's zoning designation, lot size, and setback requirements. Contact the Development Services office at (561) 822-1435 to verify your property's eligibility before beginning the design process.

What are the benefits of choosing a modular ADU for my West Palm Beach property?

Modular ADUs offer faster installation (10 days versus 4-6 months), factory quality control, pre-certified MEP systems that may eliminate rough-in inspections, and weather-independent construction. Mesocore's integrated solar and battery systems can provide off-grid capability, potentially eliminating utility connection costs.

Are there any specific grants or incentives for ADUs in West Palm Beach?

Florida offers 0% sales tax on solar equipment, property tax exemptions for renewable energy installations, and the "Granny Flat" property tax reduction of up to 20% for senior relative occupancy. Federal incentives include the 30% solar tax credit through 2032. Contact Mesocore for county-specific incentive calculators.

What are the post-permit steps for starting ADU construction in West Palm Beach?

After permit issuance, post the permit card on-site and schedule required inspections through the Civic Access portal. For traditional construction, complete foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, and finishes with inspections at each phase. For modular ADUs with factory-certified systems, the installation process is condensed to approximately 10 days with fewer required inspections. All projects require a final Certificate of Occupancy before the ADU can be legally occupied or rented.