What ADU can you build in your West Palm Beach backyard?
Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.
The quick answer
West Palm Beach ADU rules at a glance
- Max ADU size
Up to 800 sq ft, and smaller than your main home - Owner-occupancy
Not required — you can rent both units - Short-term rentals
Restricted — long-term rentals only in most zones - Where it's allowed
Eligibility varies by zoning district — check your address to confirm yours
ADU Rules in West Palm Beach, Florida
We've researched West Palm Beach's ADU rules so you don't have to. Here's what matters most — the facts that determine whether your project is possible, and how much it will cost.
- Rentable accessory apartment up to 800 sq ft — SF14 district only (Code §94-303)
- No owner-occupancy requirement; minimum lot 6,000 sq ft
- 28-day minimum tenancy (no short-term rentals)
Last verified: 2026-07-15
Backyard ADUs like this are being built across West Palm Beach — here's how to do it right.
What West Palm Beach's zoning may allow for an ADU
West Palm Beach permits an 'accessory apartment' — a full rentable dwelling unit up to 800 sq ft — but only in the Single-Family High Density (SF14) district, on a lot of at least 6,000 sq ft. Owner-occupancy is not required, and it may be rented for 28 days or longer (no short-term rentals).
Zoning allowance
An accessory apartment is permitted only in West Palm Beach's Single-Family High Density (SF14) district, on a lot of at least 6,000 sq ft; it is by-right if all §94-303 standards are met, otherwise a Class B special use permit is required (Code §94-303).
Size limits
A West Palm Beach accessory apartment may not exceed 800 sq ft, with a maximum height of 25 ft and a minimum lot width of 60 ft (Code §94-303).
Lot + setbacks
Setbacks, lot coverage, and minimum lot size for an accessory dwelling vary by zoning district. Confirm the exact figures with the jurisdiction's planning department (see the verified size and district notes above).
Height + coverage
Height and lot-coverage limits vary by zoning district. Confirm current limits with local planning.
Parking
Parking requirements for an accessory dwelling vary by district; typically one additional space. Confirm with local planning.
Rental / occupancy
Owner-occupancy is not required. The unit is a full dwelling unit that may be used for owner occupancy, rental or lease for a minimum of 28 consecutive days — short-term rentals (under 28 days) are excluded (Code Art. XIX / §94-303).
Permit process
An accessory dwelling is permitted through the jurisdiction's standard building-permit / zoning-review process. Contact the local planning or building department for current requirements.
Building limits and rental rules, side by side
These figures are based on the best available data for West Palm Beach and should be confirmed with the city's planning department before you commit to a design or a rental strategy — local ordinances change and vary by parcel.
Building Limits
- Max Size:800 sq ft
- Detached Allowed?Check with city
- Max Height:25 ft
Rental Rules
No Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Both units can be rented to tenants simultaneously.
Short-Term Rentals Prohibited: Minimum 30-day stay required in West Palm Beach.
Here's exactly what you'll pay — and how to avoid the fees that catch most homeowners off guard
Most homeowners spend 3–4 weeks piecing this together on their own. We've mapped the full West Palm Beach permit process step by step — so you know exactly what's coming, and what to prepare.
Step 1: Pre-Application Zoning Check
- Where:
- West Palm Beach Planning Department
- What to bring:
- Property address and parcel ID, preliminary site sketch, lot survey
- Timeline:
- No appointment fee — call ahead to confirm office hours
- Cost:
- No fee for initial inquiry
Step 2: Submit Permit Application
- Where:
- West Palm Beach Planning Department — contact for portal link
- What to bring:
- Architectural plans, site plan, boundary survey, energy compliance docs
- Timeline:
- Contact planning to confirm current review timelines
- Cost:
- Contact planning for current fee schedule
Step 3: Plan Review & Revisions
- Where:
- West Palm Beach Planning Department
- What to bring:
- Responses to any correction letters; revised drawings if required
- Timeline:
- Plan for one or more review cycles — timeline varies by submission completeness
- Cost:
- No additional fee for standard resubmittal
Step 4: Construction & Inspections
- Where:
- West Palm Beach Building Department
- What to bring:
- Approved permit set must be on-site at all times during construction
- Timeline:
- Schedule inspections as each phase of work is completed
- Cost:
- Included in permit fee
Eligible Zones in West Palm Beach
ADUs may be permitted in these zoning districts, but eligibility depends on your specific parcel and the current local ordinance. Confirm your parcel and rules with West Palm Beach Planning before relying on this — most homeowners can check their zone at the county GIS portal in a few minutes.
West Palm Beach neighborhoods where ADU permits are being filed — is your street next?
West Palm Beach ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most often from West Palm Beach homeowners. If yours isn't here, our ADU Zoning Experts can answer it directly.
Can I build an ADU in West Palm Beach, Florida?
An accessory apartment is permitted only in West Palm Beach's Single-Family High Density (SF14) district, on a lot of at least 6,000 sq ft; it is by-right if all §94-303 standards are met, otherwise a Class B special use permit is required (Code §94-303).
What is the maximum ADU size in West Palm Beach?
A West Palm Beach accessory apartment may not exceed 800 sq ft, with a maximum height of 25 ft and a minimum lot width of 60 ft (Code §94-303).
Do I need to be an owner-occupant to build an ADU in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach does not require owner-occupancy. Both the primary home and ADU can be rented to tenants simultaneously.
Can I use my West Palm Beach ADU as an Airbnb?
Short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited in West Palm Beach. The minimum rental period is 30 days.
How do I get an ADU permit in West Palm Beach?
An accessory dwelling is permitted through the jurisdiction's standard building-permit / zoning-review process. Contact the local planning or building department for current requirements.
Nearby Cities — ADU Rules
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Serving homeowners in 33401, 33402, 33403, 33404, 33405, 33406, 33407, 33409, 33410, 33411, 33412, 33413, 33414, 33415, 33417, 33418, 33480 and surrounding West Palm Beach zip codes.
This page provides general information based on current ordinances and publicly available data as of 2026-07-15. Zoning rules change — verify all requirements with your local planning department before making financial commitments.