ADU Rules in West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach's current Zoning and Land Development Regulations contain rules for accessory apartments and, in some districts, expressly use the term Accessory Dwelling Unit.

There is not one dimensional rule that should be applied to every parcel citywide.

Check the Zoning District First

Use the City's zoning map to identify the parcel's district, then use the Development Services Code Portal to review:

• the district's permitted uses;
• supplemental accessory-apartment requirements; and
• any district-specific ADU provisions.

West Palm Beach Development Services Code Portal

Why District Matters

The current code contains district-specific provisions. For example, CMUD §94-215 includes a specific ADU rule for single-family lots with its own size, height, and location standards.

Those CMUD standards should not be copied onto an SF14, historic, or other district without confirming that the same rule applies.

The code also includes §94-303 — Accessory apartments permitted with extra requirements, plus citywide parking requirements for accessory garage apartments.

Historic and Flood Requirements

Historic districts can add design-review requirements.

Floodplain and Florida Building Code requirements can also apply independently of zoning.

Permit Workflow

1. Identify the parcel's zoning district.
2. Check permitted-use and accessory-apartment provisions.
3. Review historic/flood overlays.
4. Confirm the proposed unit with the Planning Division.
5. Submit building plans through Development Services when zoning eligibility is confirmed.

Contact

City of West Palm Beach Planning Division
Phone: 561-822-1461
Email: [email protected]

Planning Division

Disclaimer: Do not rely on a dimensional standard from another West Palm Beach zoning district. Verify the current code for the specific parcel.