Shed Permit Requirements in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach states that a permit is required to install a shed in a backyard: it must meet Zoning setbacks and resist hurricane wind loads. The city's permit application adds that a separate permit must be secured for any electrical or plumbing work.

Verified against official sources · Last verified: September 19, 2026

Do You Need a Permit?

Permit Required

The City of West Palm Beach states that a permit is required to install a shed in a backyard: the shed must meet Zoning setbacks and must resist wind loads in a hurricane. The city's HB 803 guidance lists structural work as never eligible for the $7,500 small-project exemption. The city's permit application states that a separate permit must be secured for electrical work and plumbing.

See what applies to your exact property.

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Permit Type

Building Permit

Documents You May Need

  • Building Division permit application (notarized when the job value is $5,000 or more, or for any owner-builder)
  • Owner-Builder affidavit, if using the owner-builder exemption (signed in person at City Hall before the permit is issued)
  • Recorded Notice of Commencement, for a direct contract greater than $5,000

Conditions That Can Affect This Result

This isn't a flat rule — the outcome can depend on details specific to your project. Use the checker to get a result based on your own answers, or see the verified scenarios below.

  • If the shed will have electrical service: you'll also need: Separate electrical permit.
  • If the shed will have both electrical service and plumbing: you'll also need: Separate electrical permit.
  • If the shed will have plumbing: you'll also need: Separate plumbing permit.
  • If the shed will have both electrical service and plumbing: you'll also need: Separate plumbing permit.

What to Do Next

  1. 1Gather the required documents listed above.
  2. 2Contact the building department to submit your application.
  3. 3Respond to any plan-review comments if issued.

Ready to continue?

Apply for the permit

Open the official government application portal.

Apply on Official Website

Questions about your permit?

Call the Building Department.

Call 561-805-6700

Permit Fees

Fees vary by project scope. See the City of West Palm Beach Civic Access Fee Estimator for an estimate.

Review Time

Varies by project and plan-review workload

Building Department

Building Division

Phone: 561-805-6700Email: ds@wpb.org

Address: 401 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Official Sources

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PermitAhead provides informational guidance based on official government sources. Final permitting decisions are made by the applicable local authority.