Building Permits
The Building Division is a centralized operation, housing all of the services relating to building and permitting activity for the City of Lake Worth Beach. The Building Division is located at 1900 2nd Ave N., Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am till 4:00 pm.
The City of Lake Worth Beach Building Division protects the life, health, safety, and welfare of the community by enforcing building codes, issuing permits, and conducting inspections for all construction projects. Whether you are building new, renovating, or making repairs, a permit ensures your project meets the latest adopted Florida Building Code.
The City of Lake Worth Beach follows the latest adopted versions of the Florida Building Code. Building permit applications and their checklists are available in our office and online at lakeworthbeachfl.gov. When applying for a permit a master permit application is used for all scopes of work but the requirements will vary according to the scope of work. Permit application may be submitted with Palm beach County universal permit application, or a Lake Worth Beach permit application.
To apply for a building permit the following are required:
Completely fill out and verify that all information is accurate and correct on the permit application.
One (1) copy of submittal documents are required for all permits
Permits are required to construct, modify, repair, demolish or alter buildings.
Air Conditioning Window Unit: Unit in existing window opening with existing electrical cord and plug.
Appliance Replacement (With Cord and Plug): Excluding water heater
Doors: Replace interior only, Single Family/R-3 occupancy
Drywall: Interior wall repair, less than 3 sheets of 4'-0" x 8'-0"
Electrical: Replacement of lights, outlets, and switches for Single Family/ R-3 occupancy per 2020 N.E.C.
Fence: Repair/Replace for previously permitted fence up to 16'-0" sections-excluding Pool Barriers
Gutters and downspouts: Single family/R-3 occupancy
Plumbing Fixtures: Replacement of common household fixtures for Single Family/R-3 occupancy (same location)
*Excluding bath tub/shower
Soffit and /or Fascia: Repair and replace up to 25% of total
Stucco: Repair only Single Family/R-3 occupancy
Wood Deck: Repair up to 100 square feet of previously permitted deck boards (no framing members)
Permit fees can be found in the City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule within the City’s operating budget which is available online in our Finance Documents Page or by clicking here.
Required inspections are requested through the City’s automated phone line at (561) 586-1691. All next day inspections shall be scheduled by 4:00 pm. Inspections may also be scheduled online at lakeworthbeachfl.gov. If a same day inspection is needed a call must be made to (561) 586-1647 for availability of inspectors. (additional fees are assessed)
The plan review process is a technical review of submitted plans to ensure they reflect the requirements needed to comply with all codes, as adopted by the State of Florida. Plan examiners make every effort to review plans as quickly as possible. Plan Review may be delayed due to the following:
Incomplete permit application
Plans not complete or missing required disciplines
Plans not stamped, signed or sealed as required by State Statute
No up to date survey or site plan
Improper setbacks, lot coverages and/or building lot coverages
Exceeding height requirements
Inconsistencies between plans and /or product listings
Accessibility-access for handicapped not shown
Lack of Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) application, if located in a City historic district
Conflicts with the city’s Land Development Regulations, including use.
The city now performs the review digitally. Once reviewed by all appropriate departments the permit is sent by email or file transfer service to the contractor of record.
The Florida legislature in 2022 adopted new regulations that all Condominiums/ Cooperative associations that have a building three stories or taller and more than 30 years old must initiate a milestone inspection report. That inspection report must be submitted to the city prior to December 31, 2024.
How to Apply for a Building Permit
Submit your permit application online or in person with the required documents.
Complete Your Application
Fill out the master permit application completely, verifying all information is accurate. You may use the City of Lake Worth Beach application or the Palm Beach County universal permit application.
Apply OnlineGather Submittal Documents
Prepare one copy of all required submittal documents for your scope of work. Requirements vary by project type — check the applications and checklists page for specifics.
View ChecklistsPlan Review & Approval
Your submitted plans undergo technical review to ensure compliance with all Florida Building Codes. Once approved, your permit is issued and work can begin.
Permit IssuedWhat You Need to Submit
- Completed permit application with all information verified for accuracy
- One copy of submittal documents for your scope of work
- Plans stamped, signed, and sealed as required by State Statute
- Up-to-date survey or site plan with proper setbacks and lot coverage
- Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) if located in a City historic district
Permits Are Required
Building permits are required to construct, modify, repair, demolish, or alter buildings in the City of Lake Worth Beach. Work without a permit may result in code compliance action. If you need to report unauthorized work, contact Code Compliance.
Plan Review
The plan review process is a technical review of your submitted plans to ensure they meet all codes adopted by the State of Florida. Plan examiners make every effort to review plans as quickly as possible, but reviews may be delayed if applications are incomplete, plans are missing required disciplines, or there are conflicts with the Land Development Regulations.
Common Causes of Plan Review Delays
- Incomplete permit application or missing required plan disciplines
- Plans not stamped, signed, or sealed as required by State Statute
- No up-to-date survey or site plan
- Improper setbacks, lot coverages, or exceeding height requirements
- Inconsistencies between plans or product listings
- Accessibility requirements not shown on plans
- Missing Certificate of Appropriateness for properties in a historic district
- Conflicts with the City Land Development Regulations, including use
Scheduling Inspections
Required inspections are requested through the City automated phone line at (561) 586-1691. All next-day inspections must be scheduled by 4:00 PM. Inspections may also be scheduled online. If a same-day inspection is needed, call (561) 586-1647 for inspector availability — additional fees are assessed for same-day requests.
Schedule by 4:00 PM
All next-day inspections must be scheduled by 4:00 PM the day before. Call the automated inspection line at (561) 586-1691 or schedule online.
Building Safety Inspection Program
In 2022, the Florida legislature adopted new regulations requiring all condominium and cooperative associations with buildings three stories or taller and more than 30 years old to initiate a milestone inspection report. For questions about this program, contact the Building Division Office at (561) 586-1647.
Permit Fees
Permit fees are listed in the City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule, found within the operating budget available on the Finance Documents page.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your building permit application online through the City portal. Have your documents and plans ready for a smooth process.
Schedule Inspection or Permit Search
Search building permits or schedule an inspection online. A quick and convenient way for citizens and contractors to manage permitting tasks.