General / Citizen Services

Q. When and where are the City Council meetings held?
A. City Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 7:00pm at Council Chambers located in City Hall at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Q. Where can I find information about relocating to Palm Beach Gardens?
A. Call Donna Giuliana, Public Relations Director at 561.799.4128 and she will forward information to you.

Q. My garbage isn't being picked up on a regular basis. Who do I talk to?
A. Call the Citizen Services Hotline at 561.625.4PBG (4724), as they have radio contact with Waste Management. They will be able to contact the route driver immediately.

Q. How can I get a copy of a city ordinance?
A. Contact the City Clerk's office at 561.799.4122 and they will get you a copy.

Q. Where do I go to obtain a Special Events permit?
A. Call Heather Graeve at 561.799.4234 and she will send you an application, or you can download it from the City's website.

Q. What is the process for volunteering?
A. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 561.630.1102 to schedule an orientation session. At the orientation, prospective volunteers complete applications and background consent forms. The Volunteer Coordinator familiarizes prospective volunteers with the City's history and government as well as current volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Coordinator never assigns a volunteer to a specific task; all volunteers choose the position(s) they participate in. Upon receipt of a successful background screening, the Volunteer Coordinator provides the volunteer's name to the specific area Volunteer Supervisor. The supervisor contacts the volunteer and schedules a meeting for work to commence. No prior knowledge of an activity is required; volunteers receive proper training in all positions.

Q. If I want to send a letter of complaint or compliment, to whom do I send the letter?
A. Address all letters to Citizen Services or the City Manager, City of Palm Beach Gardens, 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Building Department

Q. Who do I need to talk to if I want to have a yard/garage sale?
A. A special event permit is required to conduct a garage sale. A garage sale is limited to three consecutive days and is only allowed three times during the year at the same location, at least 120 calendar days apart. Garage sale signs are limited to the following restrictions:
(1) One sign along the street frontage of the garage sale location.
(2) One sign at the street intersection closest to the garage sale.
(3) Signs shall not exceed four square feet in size.
(4) Signs may be installed one day prior to the event. All signs must be removed on the last day of the event. If you have any questions regarding garage sales, please call the Growth Management Department at 561.799-4236.

Q. I want to install an alarm system in my house. Do I need a permit for this?
A. A permit is not necessary for an alarm installation if the system is a "plug-in" system. If the system has a permanently mounted and hard-wired transformer, then a permit is required.

Q. I want to put a temporary sign in front of my business. Is this allowed?
A. A temporary sign may be permitted in front of your business, depending on what type of sign it is, and where you intend to place it. Temporary signs must comply with Section 78-290 of the LDRs, which states:
(1) Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
(2) Shall be setback 15 feet from the nearest property line; or edge of pavement; or edge of sidewalk
(3) Max. height shall be 5 feet above the crown of the road adjacent to the site.
(4) No pole signs permitted.
(5) Balloons, bunting banners, streamers, portable signs, flags, billboards, and similar signs are not permitted. A business activity may install not more than two grand opening banners or special event banners in lieu of other types of permitted signs. For a complete list of all temporary sign requirements, please refer to Table 25: Temporary Signs, in the Land Development Code. Please visit our Code Enforcement page for more information.

Under Search: Enter, "Table: 25, Temporary Signs" A building permit is required for all temporary signs. If you have any additional questions, please call the Building Department at 561.799.4272

Q. What is the process for obtaining a driveway permit in the city?
A. For a permit for a driveway, we need a copy of a site plan or survey, a permit application and a driveway detail if it affects the swale area. If the driveway is going into the swale area, it needs to be approved by the Public Works Department first then forwarded to the Building Division for permit issuance. If the swale area is not affected, the Building Division will issue the permit and inspect. If the residence is located in a residential area governed by a homeowners association, you must get an approval from the homeowners association prior to submitting the application to the City.

Q. Where are the Land Development Codes?
A. The Land Development Codes are contained in Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances. Please visit our Code Enforcement page for more information.

Q. Where do I file a complaint for investigation into building code violations?
A. Call the Building Division at 561.799.4272.

Q. Where do I report a code violation?
A. Call Code Enforcement at 561.799.4245.

Finance Department

Q. Who do I call to check on liens?
A. Send a letter, with a stamped envelope, and a check in the amount of $20.00 made payable to the City of Palm Beach Gardens to the Code Enforcement office at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Q. Where do I pay my property tax bill?
A. For Palm Beach Gardens, go to the North County Courthouse at 3188 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 or call 561.355.2622.

Q. Where do I go to file a homestead extension?
A. For Palm Beach Gardens, go to the North County Courthouse at 3188 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 or call 561.355.2622.

Q. What is the City’s current millage rate and how do I calculate the City’s portion of my tax bill?
A. Ad valorem taxes for fiscal year 2005 are based upon the tentative calendar year 2004 Certification of Taxable Value, multiplied by the millage for fiscal year 2005. For the current fiscal year the City’s operating millage rate is set at 5.768 mills and a debt service millage rate of 0.258 mills, for a total of 6.026 mills.

A mill is one-tenth of a penny, or $1.00 of ad valorem tax for each $1,000 of certified taxable value.

A property owner with property assessed at $250,000 and a homestead exemption of $25,000 will pay the above Citywide millage on $225,000 of taxable value, calculated by the following formula:

(Assessed Value – Homestead Exemption) divided by 1000 (x Millage Rate) = Ad Valorem Taxes.

Citywide Example:

($250,000 - $25,000) / 1000 x 6.026 = $1,355.85

Note that the above example is calculated on the Citywide rate only and does not take into account the Dependent Taxing Districts.

There are numerous other taxing authorities within Palm Beach County which levy taxes in addition to the City of Palm Beach Gardens. Examples of these other authorities include the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, South Florida Water Management District, the School Board of Palm Beach County and various independent taxing districts.

For question regarding property values please contact the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office at 561-355-2866 or the Tax Collector’s Office at 561.355.2264.

Fire / Rescue Department

Q. Will you file with my insurance carrier?
A. Yes, although it is truly the responsibility of the service user to file for their insurance claim, we will gladly file for the patient. A reminder that in order to do this, we must have complete insurance information which is not always obtained during your emergency. Therefore, your statement might ask that you return the enclosed insurance information sheet with complete data or call our office.

Q. What if my insurance company hasn't covered my claim?
A. In most cases your insurance carrier will pay for your service within 6 weeks of your claim. If this does not occur, it is your responsibility to contact your carrier about the delay. A reminder that your insurance contract is between you and your carrier.

Q. Will you file with my secondary insurance carrier?
A. Yes, we will gladly file your secondary insurance coverage as long as we are provided with full information for this carrier. A reminder that filing for secondary coverage can only be accomplished after receipt of payment from your primary carrier.

Q. Why was this service so expensive?
A. Our municipality began the delivery of Emergency Medical Services on January 1, 1995. At that time, the City Council elected to charge a user fee for these services in lieu of a tax increase to all residents. The average transport fee of $303.00 is reasonable and customary in our area and in fact, is lower than the majority of other providers. Please remember that you are not only paying for transport to the hospital, but Paramedic level care during your transport.

Q. Why did Medicare deny my claim?
A. Medicare guidelines for payment of pre-hospital care and transport have become more stringent in reaction to system abuse across the nation. In an attempt to alleviate any fraudulent claims, Medicare may deny your initial filing and request more detailed information in regards to your claim. Our office will make every attempt to provide Medicare with this information which in most cases concludes with payment of your claim. However, this process frequently takes up to 160 days to complete. This delay relates directly to Medicare and is not the fault of our agency. We would request that you be patient while waiting for payment of your claim.

Q. If I am treated and transported to the hospital by the Fire Rescue Department, will my health insurance pay for these costs?
A. Most insurance companies will cover the expense of pre-hospital emergency care and transport, however, the amount of coverage varies from company and is specific to your policy. Any amount not covered by insurance must be paid for by the patient.

Q. Does the Fire Rescue Department provide blood pressure checks?
A. Yes, citizens may go to any Fire Rescue Station between 7:00am and 7:00pm to have their blood pressure checked.

Q. Is there CPR training available to residents through the Fire Rescue Department?
A. Yes, the Fire Rescue Department teaches community CPR Programs. These programs are delivered by Fire Rescue staff through the American Heart Association. Course information is available at 561.799.4300.

Growth Management

Q. How do I determine the zoning classification or flood zone designation for a piece of property in PBG?
A. Contact or at 561.799.4242 or e-mail them by clicking on their name. Do not forget to provide the address of the property in question. We will find out the classification for the property by looking it up on the zoning map.

Q. How can I find out what's in the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda?
A. Click here to find out.

Q. When and where is the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting?
A. The second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at Council Chambers in City Hall, 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Q. How do I know for sure if my sign is non-conforming?
A. A copy of the revised sign code is available for review at the Planning and Zoning Division. If a field inspection by code enforcement and Planning and Zoning staff identified your sign as non-conforming, staff will be available to explain exactly why your particular sign is non-conforming, please contact Planning and Zoning staff at 561.799.4233 for further assistance.

Q. How much is a sign variance application, and where do I go to process an application?
A. $400.00 for a single-family residential application, and $1,000 for all others. Click Sign variance applications for a printable copy of the application; they are also available at the Planning and Zoning Department.

Q. Will staff assist me in processing a variance application?
A. Contact the Planning and Zoning Division at 561.799.4243 for further assistance.

Q. What if I take no action on replacing my non-conforming sign after the expiration date?
A. You will be formally cited through the City's Code Enforcement process which may include fines assessed against your property.

Q. What action should I take to replace my sign with a sign that meets code requirements?
A. Contact Planning and Zoning Department at 561.799.4233 regarding code interpretation. Contact the Building Department regarding permit issuance at 561.799.4272.

Q. Who do I talk to if my neighbor's grass is really long and hasn't been cut in awhile?
A. You can address your concerns to the Code Enforcement Division by calling 561.799.4246.

Q. Am I allowed to put up balloons for a birthday?
A. No, balloons are not allowed in the City.

Parks / Recreation

Q. What do I do if the sprinklers are on or the lights aren't working at the trail at Burns Rd?
A. Call the Parks Department at 561.775.1005.

Q. Are there year round programs for seniors at the Recreation Department?
A. Yes, Call Jennifer Bailey, Senior Specialist at 561.630.1146 for information about all of the senior programs offered.

Q. Are there meeting rooms available ...?
A. Yes, we do have facilities available on a rental basis for meetings, parties and other functions. Please call the Recreation Supervisor at 561-630-1146 for more information.

Q. What programs are available at the Recreation Department?
A. There are many programs available at our Parks and Recreation Department. Call the Burns Road Community Center at 561.630.1100.

Q. Where do I go to play tennis in Palm Beach Gardens?
A. There are 8 clay courts at PBG Tennis Center, 5110 117th Court North. Contact the PBG Tennis Center at 561.775.8277 for information regarding court times. PGA National Park and Oaks Park have two hard courts for general public use. These courts are lit and available from 7:00am to 11:00pm daily. Courts are limited to one hour for singles and two hours for doubles play if others are waiting.

Q. Who do I call if I want to have a birthday party?
A. Please call the Recreation Supervisor at 561-630-1146 if you would like to schedule a party at the Aquatic Complex or one of our indoor facilities. If you would like to reserve a park pavilion or field, please call the Parks Division at 561-775-8261.

Q. How do I register for a recreation division program?
A. Registration for tennis is at the Tennis Center, golf at the golf course, swimming at the Aquatic Center, child care at the Riverside Center, and all general programs at the Burns Road Community Center or Lakeside Center. Click here for information about online registration, or to download a registration form.

Q. What forms of payment are taken?
A. Cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard may be used for payment

Q. How do I show proof of residency?
A. Any form of identification with your street address (including a driver’s license) or utility bill or any property tax document is acceptable.

Q. How do I become a volunteer youth sports coach?
A. Volunteer coaches are needed for soccer, boys basketball, flag football and cheerleading. Please contact the athletics section at 561.630.1125.

Q. What is the YAA?
A. The YAA is the Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association, a non-profit organization that coordinates youth sports for girls basketball, girls softball, boys' baseball, boys tackle football and roller hockey, lacrosse, cheerleading.

Q. Where do I go if I want to sign up for a YAA sponsored program?
A. The PBGYAA website is www.pbgyaa.com

Q. Can I reserve a picnic pavilion at a park for a family function?
A. You can reserve picnic pavilions at PGA, Oaks and Mirasol parks. Please phone the Parks Division at 561.775.8261 or Recreation Division 561.630.1100 for details.

Q. Can I bring a pet from home to a park?
A. According to City Ordinance #46-11 animals are not permitted in parks or public grounds except for disability assistance animals such as Guiding Eye Dogs etc.

Q. How do I register for the water aerobics and arthritis classes?
A. Registration is not necessary for these classes. You are welcome to come to either of these classes on any days they are offered and pay as you participate.

Q. Can I rent the pool for a private party?
A. Yes. Please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 561-630-1146 for more information and to check availability.

Q. The swim lesson level that I am looking for is not offered. Will it be offered anytime soon?
A. Yes, we are always looking to improve our swim lesson programs. You can call the pool office at 561.630.1127 and express interest in a certain level. We will create classes on a demand basis.

Q. Does the pool offer private swim lessons and/or private training?
A. Yes, please contact the pool office at 561.630.1127 to speak to a private instructor and to schedule your sessions.

Q. Is the pool heated and/or chilled?
A. Yes, the pools are kept between 81-84 degrees year round. The splash park is not heated and is closed during the winter months.

Police Department

Click here for the Police Department's FAQ page.

Public Works

Q. Who provides water and sewer services in Palm Beach Gardens?
A. Seacoast Utilities – 561.627.2900

Q. Why was vegetation not picked up?
A. Oftentimes, the vegetation truck becomes full before the route is complete. Another truck will be sent to finish collection as soon as possible, often the next day.

Q. Where can I get recycling bins?
A. Call the Solid Waste Authority at 866.639.2467. They will deliver the bins to you.

Q. Who do I call if there is a dead dog or cat in the road?
A. For any dead animal in the road, call Public Works at 561.804.7000 and they will remove it. If the animal is on private property, it is the property owner’s responsibility to remove it.