City of West Palm Beach, FL
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It is strongly encouraged that the applicant or a representative meet with a Planning Division staff member prior to submitting an application. This will ensure that the correct application is being submitted for the project, and that it is clear as to what materials are required at the time of submittal. To schedule a pre-application meeting you may contact the Planning Division at:
Phone: 561.822.1461
TTY: 800.955.8771
Email: planning@wpb.org
All application deadlines are strictly enforced. Deadline calendars can be downloaded utilizing the links below:
- General Development Application Deadlines
- Historic Preservation Deadlines
- Zoning Board of Appeals Deadlines
- Downtown Action Committee Deadlines
All applications must be submitted to the Planning Division no later than 12:00pm (noon) on the day of the deadline. In order to be accepted, the application must contain all required items and information requested.
Within ten (10) working days following the application deadline the Development Services Director, or his/her designee, shall determine whether or not the application contains sufficient information for substantive reviews. The applicant will be notified of any deficiencies and the nature of the information necessary before a formal review of the application will be commenced.
Following the Plans and Plats Review Committee meeting (if required) or the date review comments are issued to the applicant, if no response to the comments is received within 60 days of their issuance, the application will be considered withdrawn and any further action will require submission of a new application.
How much are the application fees?
To estimate the fees required for a specific type of application, please refer to the Planning Division Fee Estimator.
When are the fees due?
Fees are not paid immediately upon submittal of an application. After receiving an application, the Planning Division will review the submittal and confirm the proper application was filed. All of the applicable fees will then be invoiced to the applicant's account and they will be notified when payment is due. Applications will not be processed further until all fees have been paid.
What types of fees will be charged?
With the exception of annexations, all applications will have an Application Fee; the fee amount depends on the type of application. Additional types of fees may include:
- Advertising Fee - For applications requiring public notice. The fee amount depends upon the type of notice required (legal ad, display ad, etc.).
- Engineering Services Fee - For applications that require review by the City's Engineering Services Department. The fee amount depends upon the type of application.
- Wireless Consultant Fee - The City of West Palm Beach does have a contract with CityScape Consultants, Inc. As such, wireless communications facility applications do charge an additional consultant fee. The fee amount depends upon the type of application.
- Historic Consultant Review Fee (Demolition Applications) – Some Demolition applications (for structures 35 years or older within a historic district that was surveyed, designated or re-designated more than five years ago) may require an independent review by a historic preservation consultant, contracted through the City, to determine if the structure would contribute to the district if the district was resurveyed. If applicable, fees will be assessed at a rate of $500 per structure.
Please note that additional / separate applications and fees may be required by other departments as part of the development process.
Are there resubmittal fees? - Following the issuance of the first round of plan review comments, the applicant will be permitted one (1) resubmittal at no additional cost. If previously-issued comments continue to not be sufficiently addressed, the applicant will be charged a Resubmittal Fee. Such fee will be 20% of the original application fee.
To apply for a waiver from a required application material...
Complete form.
Planning Division reviews
If approved, attach the approved form when requested
If it is determined by the Planning Division that an application can be submitted without all of the
QUICK ACCESS: Informational Handouts
QUICK ACCESS: Checklists
QUICK ACCESS: Forms & Affidavits
To assist with the attachments that may be required for a particular application, please find below detailed information...
Unless specified otherwise, all attachments are required to be provided in .pdf format.
Notes:
(HP) = As required and utilized for Historic Preservation applications.
(WCF) = As required and utilized for Wireless Communication Facility applications.
For applications requesting the abandonment of a City right-of-way, an address list of all property owner’s mailing addresses that abut the subject right-of-way may be obtained by contacting the following:
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
301 North Olive Avenue, 1st floor
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Phone: 561.355.2881
Website:
https://www.pbcgov.org/papa/departments/public_services.htm
In addition to .pdf format, the Abutting Property Owners List can also be provided in .xls or .xlsx format.
The applicant shall arrange to raise a colored balloon, in sharp contrast with sky blue and no less than three (3) feet in diameter, to the maximum height of the proposed tower and within 30 horizontal feet of the center of the proposed antenna support structure.
The applicant shall inform the Planning Division and abutting property owners in writing of the date and times of the test at least 14 days in advance. The applicant must advertise the date, time and location of the balloon test in a locally distributed paper in a display ad of at least two (2) inches in width. The ad must be in the paper at least seven (7), but no more than 14, days in advance of the test dates determined by City staff. The ad must also contain alternate dates in case of inclement weather. The balloon shall be flown for at least four (4) consecutive hours during daylight hours on the dates chosen. The applicant shall record the weather during the balloon test. Re-advertisement will not be required if inclement weather occurs, provided the advertisement specifies the alternative date in the event of inclement weather.
The video files must be provided in one of the following file formats: .avi, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg, .wma, .wmv, or .zip.
Wireless Communication Facility applications must provide a letter that outlines the following:
- A description of the request.
- Related background information on the project and site.
- Impacts to the site, including any impacts on concealment.
- Description of the the concealment methods to be used, including the type of foliage and colors of concealment methods, as applicable.
A written determination of the need and explanation of the geographic search that was completed shall be provided. The determination and explanation shall include the following:
- A geographic search area of the area of the wireless provider committed to locate on the tower and that is justifying the placement of the tower.
- An inventory of all existing towers and all potential alternative structures in the geographic search area that are at least 80% of the height of the proposed tower or structure.
- A written explanation documenting why an existing tower cannot reasonably be used, instead of building a new tower.
The applicant must provide elevations of each entire affected façade. Elevations must include at least the following:
- Cardinal direction
- Dimensions
- Materials
- Roof pitch
- Overall Building Height, measured from the mean grade of a lot at the frontage of the building to the highest point of the top of the structure of a flat roof, or to the deckline of a mansard roof, or to the mid-height level between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.
- Types of Windows and Doors
A statement shall be provided, confirmed by engineering analysis, that the existing utility mains serving the proposed project are adequate.
Additionally, calculations shall be provided of existing and proposed water & sewer demands (average and peak) and fire flow demand. Calculations shall be per FAC 64E-6.008 for sewer and per FAC 64E-8 for water.
Plans submitted for Level I through Level IV Wireless Permit applications may be prepared by a Florida Licensed Architect.
If applicable, schematic architectural drawings (floor plans and elevations and/or perspectives) of all proposed buildings, signs, fences and other structures for the project shall also be provided.
The following statements shall be provided:
- A statement from a qualified individual that the applicant will comply with all FCC rules regarding human exposure to RF energy, along with the individual’s qualifications.
- A statement from the applicant that the applicant will comply with all applicable FCC rules regarding radio-frequency interference.
A Justification Statement shall be provided addressing the following:
- A general description of the request.
- Related background information on the project and site.
- Justification, special reasons, or basis for the request.
In addition to .pdf format, the Justification Statement can also be provided in .doc and .docx format.
Please provide the legal description of the remainder parcel which has or will become a nonconformity, as provided on the survey.
The Legal Description must be provided in .doc or .docx format.
Please provide the legal description of the subject property, as provided on the required survey.
The Legal Description must be provided in .doc or .docx format.
A Level of Services Analysis shall be provided comparing the impacts of the maximum development potential of the existing FLU designation and the maximum development potential of the proposed FLU designation. The analysis shall evaluate impacts to the following:
- Drainage
- Schools (for residential FLU designations only)
- Water
- Parks (for residential FLU designations only)
- Wastewater (Sewer)
- Traffic
- Solid Waste
In addition to the analysis for each service listed above, a summary table shall be provided. A sample can be found here.
Any increase in impact on any of the above‐listed services shall also provide written confirmation from the applicable service agency indicating that sufficient capacity exists to accommodate the build‐out of the proposed FLU designation.
An application for a Subdivision (Lot Split) shall be submitted in the following configuration with the title of “Lot Split” and formatted to 8½” x 14”:
Sheet 1: Affidavit of Ownership
Sheet 2: Sheet Index, Surveyor’s Certification and Planning and Zoning Administrator’s Approval
Sheet 3: Location Map
Sheet 4: Parent Tract Survey
Sheet 5: Parent Tract Legal Description
Sheet 6: Parcel 1 Boundary Survey
Sheet 7: Parcel 1 Legal Description
Sheet 8: Parcel 2 Boundary Survey
Sheet 9: Parcel 2 Legal Description
Upon approval of the application and recording of the document, the applicant shall provide a copy of the approved, recorded Minor Subdivision to the Planning Division.
For the splitting of combined lots that had already been platted, and the split is proposed along one of the original platted lot lines, the following shall be submitted and formatted to 8½” x 14”:
Sheet 1: Parent Tract Survey
Sheet 2: Parcel 1 Boundary Survey
Sheet 3: Parcel 2 Boundary Survey
In addition to .pdf format, the Narrative Statement of Significance can also be provided in .doc and .docx format.
A signed and notarized Owner's Consent Form shall be provided.
As applicable, the following shall also be provided:
- If a Contract Purchase, a copy of the Purchase contract and written consent of the owner; or
- If an authorized agent, a copy of the Agency Agreement and written consent of the owner; or
- If a lessee, a copy of the lease agreement and written consent of the owner; or
- If a corporation or other business entity, the name of the officer or person responsible for the application and written proof that said representative has the delegated authority to represent the corporation or other business entity; or
- If a group of contiguous property owners, written consent of the owners of a least (50) percent of the property described in the application.
In the case of an application submitted by a neighborhood or condominium association, documentation shall be provided indicating that a formal motion was made and approved by the association regarding the proposed application (i.e. meeting minutes, final order, etc.).
Photographs shall be provided of the following:
- The main façade or site if the request is for new construction.
- Any façade affected by the proposed action.
- Surrounding properties as defined by the Zoning and Land Development Regulations are required for all new construction applications.
In addition to .pdf format, Photographs / Pictures can also be provided in .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .tif, and .tiff formats.
The mylar version of the plat shall not be prepared until City staff has indicated it is acceptable to do so.
If applicable, submit a uniform street name and site address system plan.
For attached, collocated, or combined antenna: Where a lower ranked alternative is proposed, the applicant must file relevant justification, including, but not limited to, an affidavit by a licensed engineer with documented expertise in radio frequency propagation, demonstrating that despite diligent efforts to adhere to the established hierarchy within the geographic search area, higher ranked options are not technically feasible, practical or justified given the location of the proposed wireless communications facility.
For mitigated or freestanding tower: Where a lower ranked alternative is proposed, the applicant must demonstrate higher ranked options are not technically feasible, practical, or justified given the location of the proposed wireless communications facility, and the existing land uses of the subject and surrounding properties within 300 feet of the proposed tower.
Any master development plan submitted in support of an application shall be accompanied by letters which certify that the services of two (2) or more of the following professionals were utilized in the design or planning process:
- An urban planner who possesses the education and experience to qualify for full membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners.
- A landscape architect who possesses the education and experience to qualify for full membership in the American Society of Landscape Architects.
- A practicing civil engineer licensed by the State of Florida.
- A practicing architect licensed by the State of Florida.
A Data Table shall be provided that includes the following information:
- Existing Building Square Footage, including a breakdown of air-conditioned spaces and non air-conditioned roofed spaces.
- Lot Size (square feet).
- Proposed square footage (as a result of proposed action) including a breakdown of air-conditioned spaces and non air-conditioned roofed spaces.
After the passage of the Resolution by the City Commission, the Property Tax Exemption Covenant will be signed by the Historic Preservation Planner. The Covenant must then be recorded by the property owner (at an additional charge) in the official records of Palm Beach County. The Covenant may be recorded at the following location:
The Palm Beach County Court House
Recording Department, Room 4.25
205 N. Dixie Hwy. - P.O. Box 4177 - West Palm Beach, FL 33402
(561) 355-2991
Two (2) copies of the recorded Covenant must be delivered to the Historic Preservation Section. One (1) of the Property Tax Exemption Covenant copies must be a Certified Copy.
An address list of all property owner’s mailing addresses within 500 feet of the subject property shall be provided. This may be obtained by contacting the following:
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
301 North Olive Avenue, 1st floor
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Phone: 561.355.2881
Website:
https://www.pbcgov.org/papa/departments/public_services.htm
NOTE: In addition to .pdf format, the Public Notice Address List can also be provided in .xls or .xlsx format.
If the Property Owners List (obtained from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office) indicates that there are more than 50 properties within the required mailing radius, it will be the applicant's responsibility to mail the notices.
Upon mailing, the applicant shall provide a signed and notarized Public Notice Mailer Affidavit attesting to the date upon which such notices were sent.
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
301 North Olive Avenue, 1st floor
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Phone: 561.355.2881
Website:
https://www.pbcgov.org/papa/departments/public_services.htm
School District of Palm Beach County
3300 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Phone: 561.882.1941 or 561.882.1940
Website:
Palm Beach County School District - Find My School
Pictures of the public notice signs shall be provided along with the required affidavit. The affidavit and pictures shall be provided at least five (5) days prior to the required public hearing.
NOTE: In addition to .pdf format, the Sign Posting Pictures can also be provided in .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .tif, and .tiff formats.
In connection with the application types below, responses shall be provided indicating how you will meet or comply with each of the applicable standards indicated. Unless otherwise noted, all Section references are to the City’s Zoning and Land Development Regulations.
TYPE OF APPLICATION | APPLICABLE STANDARDS |
Annexation | |
Certificate of Conformity |
Section 94-514(d) |
Class A Special Use Permit, and Development of Significant Impact |
Section 94-36(e)(3) – General Use Standards Section 94-36(e)(4) – Specific Use Standards Section 94-36(e)(5) – Residential District Standards - Only needs to be provided if the request is located within a residential zoning district. Section 94-273(d) – Additional Use Standards - Please contact a Planner for assistance in obtaining the correct Standards (Click here for the Staff Directory). Section 94-273(a)(2) – Waiver Standards - Applicable only to Class A Special Use Permits where waivers from the Additional Use Standards are being requested. |
Class B Special Use Permit |
Section 94-36(e)(3) – General Use Standards Section 94-36(e)(4) – Specific Use Standards Section 94-36(e)(5) – Residential District Standards - Only needs to be provided if the request is located within a residential zoning district. Section 94-273(d) – Additional Use Standards - Please contact a Planner for assistance in obtaining the correct Standards (Click here for the Staff Directory). Section 94-273(a)(2) – Waiver Standards - Applicable only to Class B Special Use Permits where waivers from the Additional Use Standards are being requested. |
Demolition (DMP) | Section 94-107(c) – Demolition Standards |
Future Land Use Map Amendment |
Policy 1.1.5 and 1.1.6 of the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Section I.C. of the Introduction and Administration Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Any other applicable Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan. |
Planned Development (Including Major Amendments), Rezoning, and Text Change (ZLDRs) |
Section 94-32(a) – Amendment and Rezoning Standards All applications for a new Planned Development shall also submit responses indicating how the application complies with the applicable requirements of Section 94-207 of the City’s ZLDRs. |
Site Plan Review (Including Level I, Level II, and Level III) |
Section 94-35(c) – Site Design Qualitative Development Standards |
Special Review (DMP) | Section 94-54(b)(2) – Standards for Special Review |
Subdivision (Including Major and Minor) |
Section 94-342 – General Design Standards |
Variance | Section 94-38(d)(6) – Variance Standards |
Wireless - Level I and II Requesting a Waiver | Section 94-273(a)(2) – Waiver Standards |
Wireless - Level III and IV | Section 94-36(e)(3) – General Use Standards Section 94-36(e)(4) – Specific Use Standards Section 94-36(e)(5) – Residential District Standards - Only needs to be provided if the request is located within a residential zoning district. Section 94-273(d) – Additional Use Standards - Please contact a Planner for assistance in obtaining the correct Standards (Click here for the Staff Directory). Section 94-273(a)(2) – Waiver Standards - Only needs to be provided if any waivers from the Additional Use Standards are being requested. |
Required for new construction and some additions, a line drawing shall be provided showing the street elevation 250 feet in each direction from the subject property. Check with an Historic Preservation Planner for applicability (Click here for the Staff Directory).
Example:
An ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey shall be prepared and signed/sealed by a Florida registered surveyor. The ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey must meet the “Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys” as adopted by the American Land Title Association, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and the National Society of Professional Surveyors. In addition to the minimum standards, the ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey shall also provide the following:
- Vicinity map showing the property in reference to nearby highways or major street intersections.
- Gross land area (to the nearest one-hundredth (1/100) of an acre).
- Substantial, visual improvements (in addition to buildings) such as billboards, signs, parking structures, swimming pools, etc.
- Parking areas and, if striped, the striping and type (e.g. handicapped, motorcycle, regular, etc.) and number of parking spaces.
- Indication of access to a public way on land such as curb cuts and driveways, and to and from waters adjoining the surveyed tract, such as boat slips, launches, piers and docks.
- Location of utilities as determined by observed evidence together with evidence obtained from utility companies.
The ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey shall be within one (1) year old and accompanied by a current Ownership and Encumbrance (O & E) Report, which shall include all easements and restrictions of record, or a current title policy.
An ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey shall be prepared and signed/sealed by a Florida registered surveyor showing the area subject to the eminent domain proceedings as well as the remainder parcel.
The ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey must meet the “Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys” as adopted by the American Land Title Association, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and the National Society of Professional Surveyors.
In addition to the minimum standards, the ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey shall also provide the following:
- Vicinity map showing the property in reference to nearby highways or major street intersections.
- Gross land area (to the nearest one-hundredth (1/100) of an acre).
- Substantial, visual improvements (in addition to buildings) such as billboards, signs, parking structures, swimming pools, etc.
- Parking areas and, if striped, the striping and type (e.g. handicapped, motorcycle, regular, etc.) and number of parking spaces.
- Indication of access to a public way on land such as curb cuts and driveways, and to and from waters adjoining the surveyed tract, such as boat slips, launches, piers and docks.
- Location of utilities as determined by observed evidence together with evidence obtained from utility companies.
The ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey shall be within one (1) year old and accompanied by a current Ownership and Encumbrance (O & E) Report, which shall include all easements and restrictions of record, or a current title policy.
To obtain a Traffic Performance Standards (TPS) Letter, you will need to contact the the Palm Beach County Department of Engineering and Public Works - Traffic Division.
Palm Beach County
Department of Engineering and Public Works - Traffic Division
2300 North Jog Road, 3rd Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Phone: 561.684.4030
Website:
https://discover.pbcgov.org/engineering/traffic/Pages/default.aspx
A traffic study of the proposed development certified by a professional engineer practicing traffic engineering may be required.
Obtaining TPS approval from Palm Beach County or being located within a concurrency exception area (Coastal Residential Exception Area or Downtown Traffic Concurrency Exception Area) does not preclude the City from requesting further analysis or a more in-depth traffic study in light of traffic concerns or potential negative impacts to the transportation network.
When a traffic study is required, a meeting shall be held with the City’s Transportation Engineer prior to submission of the application in order to discuss the traffic study, impact of the development, and possible mitigation that may be required. Please contact:
Valerio Oricchio – City Transportation Engineer
City of West Palm Beach Engineering Services Department
401 Clematis Street – 4th Floor
P.O. Box 3366 – West Palm Beach, Florida 33402
Phone: 561.494.1092
TTY: 800.955.8771
Email: voricchio@wpb.org
For applications involving a Future Land Use Map Amendment, a Future Land Use Amendment Traffic Analysis may be required. For details, please contact:
Alex Hansen, AICP – City Comprehensive Planner
City of West Palm Beach Development Services Department – Planning Division
401 Clematis Street – 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 3147 – West Palm Beach, Florida 33402
Phone: 561.822.1463
TTY: 800.955.8771
Email: ahansen@wpb.org
Firm evidence of the unified control of the entire area within the petition shall be provided along with a statement from the applicant indicating that if the land is developed, the applicant shall:
- Do so in accordance with the Master Plan of development officially adopted for the district, in accordance with the regulations existing when the amendment creating the Planned Development (PD) district or Special Use is passed and in accordance with such other conditions or modifications as may be attached to the rezoning of the land to the PD classifications or Special Use Permit.
- Provide agreements, contracts, deed restrictions, or sureties acceptable to the City for completion of the undertaking in accordance with the adopted Master Plan as well as for the continuing functions and facilities as are to be provided, operated or maintained at general public expenses; and
- Bind all development successors in title to any commitments made under (1.) and (2.) preceding.
Provide written confirmation that the Public Utilities Department has reviewed the proposal for water, sewage treatment, storm drainage and garbage collection services. Please contact:
City of West Palm Beach Engineering Services Department
401 Clematis Street – 4th Floor P.O. Box 3366 – West Palm Beach, Florida 33402
Phone: 561.494.1040
Fax: 561.494.1117
TTY: 800.955.8771
IMPORTANT: Review the City of West Palm Beach Public Utilities Department Notice regarding information required to be submitted with the letter request. Additionally, information may be found about extension of water or sewer service facilities.
Letters from all public utilities shall also be provided confirming that the proposed project does not encroach into their easements or otherwise interfere with the provisions of their services:
Telephone
Vincent Lim, Manager OSP Planning & Engineering Design
AT&T Telecommunication
120 North K Street, 3rd Floor – Lake Worth, Florida 33460
Phone: 561.540.2639
Email: vl4396@att.com
Natural Gas
Ivan Gibbs
Florida Public Utilities
1635 Meathe Drive – West Palm Beach, Florida 33411
Phone: 561.723.3459
General Phone: 1.800.427.7712
Fax: 561.838.1769
Email: ENGINEERING-WPB@fpuc.com
Electric Service
Florida Power & Light Company
810 Charlotte Avenue – West Palm Beach, FL 33401
The FP&L Project Manager (including name and telephone number) for the project’s location may be found by visiting the following website: http://www.fplmaps.com/pml/
Television Cable
Anthony Springsteel
Comcast Cable Communications
10435 Ironwood Road – Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561.804.0973
Fax: 561.640.0231
Email: anthony_springsteel@cable.comcast.com
The applicant must demonstrate that a proposed new tower does not create a significant adverse visual aesthetic impact on the surrounding landscape, adjacent properties and lines of sight. A visual impact analysis shall be provided, including simulated photographic evidence of the proposed tower and antenna appearance from any and all residential areas within 1,500 feet and other area vantage points approved by the Planning Division, including the facility types the applicant has considered. Such simulations shall demonstrate the potential visual impact on the area, including but not limited to:
- Overall height
- Configuration
- Physical location
- Mass and scale
- Materials and color
- Illumination
- Architectural design
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser: https://www.pbcgov.org/papa
Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller: https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/
For proposed replacement and/or installation of windows, doors, awnings or shutters, please provide a window and door opening schedule. The schedule should consist of a sketch of each floor of the structure with openings clearly defined as existing in terms of quantity, size, style and material corresponding appropriately to a proposed window and door schedule as a result of the requested action.
An existing and proposed window schedule shall be included for all window replacement request.