Frequently Asked Questions
Once I have an approved site plan by the Planning and Zoning Department, what is the next step before beginning construction?
The next step would be to apply for an infrastructure permit through the Building Department and submit signed and sealed engineering drawings for the City’s Engineering Department’s review and approval. In addition to engineering related items, the infrastructure permit drawings will be required to match the layout of the latest approved site plan. A separate application for the infrastructure permit and a permit fee shall apply. Please refer to the fee schedule.
If I need to overlay and/or restripe a parking lot area in my property, do I need to apply for an infrastructure permit?
Yes. For an overlay project of any kind, a person must apply for an infrastructure permit through the Building Department. The only time a person does not need to submit for an infrastructure permit is when there is no overlay involved in the scope of the project and the restriping is to match the existing striping conditions exactly. Any modifications to the striping would also trigger the need for an infrastructure permit application.
How much will it cost me to have the Engineering Department review my projects, if required?
Because the Engineering Department is a cost recoverable department, the review fees are charged on an hourly basis. However, some projects may require a minimum lump sum amount. Every application reviewed by the Engineering Department will require a security deposit. The amount will vary between $1,000 and $10,000 depending on the complexity of the project itself. Please refer to the fee schedule for detailed permit charges.
Where can I find the City of Palm Beach Gardens code requirements?
Please refer to the Engineering Department’s Engineering Standards page for more details.
I have an active site plan petition with the Planning & Zoning Department, namely the site plan has not yet been approved. In order to speed up the process, can the Engineering Department start the Infrastructure review, even though the site plan is yet to be approved?
Yes. However, there is a minimum flat fee that must be paid before the engineering review can be done for a project which the site plan is not yet approved. In addition to the flat fee, hourly rates for the engineering review still apply. Please refer to the fee schedule for more details or call the Engineering Department.
I need to have an engineering inspection done on my project. Who should I contact?
Engineering inspections can be scheduled through the building department inspections hotline (561-799-4201) from 8:00am-5:00pm. Choose the inspections selection to speak to one of our permit counter representatives. Inspections may also be scheduled personally at the City Hall Building Department from 8:00am-4:30pm. Additionally, inspections can be scheduled 24 hours through our Online Permits and Inspections System.
When is a Right-of-Way permit required?
A Right-of-Way permit shall be obtained whenever any type of work is proposed within a City’s right-of-way. Proposed work on a right-of-way includes, but is not limited to, landscape removal or installation, excavation, irrigation system removal or installation, sidewalk or curb construction, driveway aprons and other types of work not mentioned here that relates to the right-of-way. Permits shall also be required when there is vehicular and/or pedestrian impact to a City’s right-of-way due to a specific project. Right-of-way permits are free of charge. However, failure to obtain a right-of-way permit prior to work being done will result in a Stop Work Order. Right-of-Way permits shall be obtained through the Building Department.
How do I obtain as-builts drawings or other City records?
To obtain as-builts or any type of records from the City, a person may fill out a “Request for Public Records Information” form which can be found at the Building Department lobby or through the Online Public Records Request located on the Building Department homepage. Please contact the Building Department for additional information.
Who do I call if I have any other questions?
Feel free to call our Planning & Zoning Department at 799-4230 or the Building Department at 561-799-4201 and they will transfer you to the most appropriate person.