Do I need a Notice of Commencement in Lake Worth Beach?

Florida law requires a recorded Notice of Commencement when the contract price is greater than $5,000 ($15,000 for repair or replacement of an existing heating or air conditioning system). Timing can vary, so confirm with the Lake Worth Beach building department whether it is due at application or before the first inspection.

What gets a building application rejected in Lake Worth Beach?

Missing a sub-qualifier signature = SEPARATE permit + SEPARATE fees for that trade. Commercial — ALL structural pages must be signed and sealed by design professional for wind load certification per FBC. Commercial — Palm Beach County IMPACT FEE STAMP required prior to permit issuance.

Lake Worth Beach Building Permit Requirements (2026 Checklist)

Building Permit checklist for Lake Worth Beach

Submit via: portal.lakeworthbeachfl.gov OR hub.lakeworthbeachfl.gov OR in-person drop-off at 1900 2nd Ave N (drop box) OR email bpermits@lakeworthbeachfl.gov (10MB limit)
Can use Palm Beach County Universal Permit Application OR City of Lake Worth Beach Permit Application
One (1) complete set of submittal documents required for all permits (PDF format for digital)
Plan review is performed DIGITALLY — reviewed plans sent by email or file transfer to contractor of record
Walk-In Hours: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays only, 8AM-12PM, no appointment needed — all other times require appointment
Contractor must be REGISTERED with city before pulling permits — registration form on Required Documents page
Contractor registration requires: (1) PBC Occupational License, (2) Palm Beach County Certification or State of FL Certification/Registration, (3) Certificate of Liability Insurance, (4) Workers Compensation or Exemption, (5) Qualifier's Driver's License
Registration documents may be emailed to: bpermits@lakeworthbeachfl.gov
Application requires NOTARIZATION — both owner and contractor signatures must be sworn/affirmed before a notary
ALL SIGNATURES MUST BE ORIGINAL on the permit application
Primary permit fees include sub-permit fees IF all applicable subcontractor qualifier signatures are on the application AND plans include details of all sub work
GotchaMissing a sub-qualifier signature = SEPARATE permit + SEPARATE fees for that trade
Current registration required at time of submittal
NOT in HVHZ — Wind-Borne Debris Region (WBDR). Uses FL Product Approval (FL#), NOT Miami-Dade NOA
All windows/doors/garage doors/hurricane shutters require FL Product Approvals
All construction plans reviewed for compliance with FBC 7th Edition (2020)
State licensed professionals must review all plans to ensure code compliance
NOC required for job value over $5,000
NOC must be RECORDED at PBC Clerk of the Circuit Court AND POSTED ON JOB SITE before first inspection
City provides NOC form on Required Documents page
NoteNOC is required by Florida Construction Lien Law — F.S. Chapter 713
1-2 Family Dwelling checklist required for residential (from city form): completed application, drawing package at min 1/8-inch scale (site plan, elevations, foundation plan, floor plans, roof framing, wall sections with hurricane strapping, electrical plan with riser diagram, plumbing plan), recent survey, FL Product Approvals for doors/windows/garage doors/shutters, energy calculations per FBC
FEMA Flood Elevation Certificate required on file PRIOR TO FINAL INSPECTION for construction in designated flood zones
All submitted plans must conform to conditions/variances approved by Planning and Zoning Board
Commercial checklist adds: Engineered Drainage Plan + Calculations, Landscape/Irrigation Plan, Life Safety Plan (exits/lighting), Approval Letter/COA from Planning & Zoning Board
GotchaCommercial — ALL structural pages must be signed and sealed by design professional for wind load certification per FBC
GotchaCommercial — Palm Beach County IMPACT FEE STAMP required prior to permit issuance
GotchaCommercial — No mechanical equipment or structures allowed in setbacks
GotchaProperties in any of Lake Worth Beach's SIX (6) historic districts require Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) BEFORE building permit can be issued for ANY exterior work
COA and building permit must be submitted CONCURRENTLY via the portal
Pre-application meetings REQUIRED for new construction, demolitions, changes of use in historic districts
Historic Preservation contact: (561) 586-1687 or pzhp@lakeworthbeachfl.gov
Historic Districts Map: lakeworth.maps.arcgis.com (ArcGIS)
Plan review delays caused by: incomplete application, missing disciplines, unsealed plans, outdated survey, improper setbacks/lot coverage, height exceedances, accessibility issues, missing COA for historic districts, LDR conflicts
3rd plan review = $50 fee, 4th+ plan review = 4x Plan Filing Fee
Plan Filing Fee (50% of permit fee) is NON-REFUNDABLE
Plan resubmittals must be COMPLETE — partial submittals not accepted
Inspections: request by 4:00 PM business day before via automated line (561) 586-1691 or online (Click2Gov)
Same-day inspections available by calling (561) 586-1647 — subject to availability + additional fees
Owner-builder affidavit required if applicable — must be completed as part of permit application
Permits NOT required for replacement/repair work under $1,000 provided no structural/fire/egress impact (LWB local amendment — lower than standard FL threshold)
Work without permit = permit fee PLUS penalty per code violation
Unlicensed contractor: misdemeanor of the first degree — up to 1 year prison and/or $5,000 fine (F.S. 489.127)
Milestone Inspection Program: Condos/co-ops 3+ stories and 30+ years old — milestone inspection report required per 2022 FL legislation
Online payment: credit card (2.65% convenience fee) or e-check ($1.25 fee)
Fee schedule available at lakeworthbeachfl.gov in city operating budget
NoteLake Worth Beach has MUNICIPAL electric utility — NOT FPL. Service coordination through LWB Utilities Customer Service (561) 533-7300
WOOD DECK
City-specific Wood Deck Installation Checklist REQUIRED
(1) Completed permit application with all signatures + owner-builder affidavit if applicable
(2) Drawing package at min 1/8-inch scale showing plan view and cross section with dimensions, materials, and attachment details
Decks 30 inches or more above grade: safety railings REQUIRED
Decks 30 inches or more above grade: wind load requirements must be met and structural connections SIGNED/SEALED by Engineer/Architect
Size of lumber for deck covering must be specified
ALL construction in designated historic districts subject to historic preservation review
Wood deck REPAIR up to 100 sq ft of previously permitted deck boards (no framing) is EXEMPT under $1,000
Contractor must be registered with city
REVISION
NoteThis is NOT the same as Plan Re-Submittal (which is for plan review corrections before issuance)
PLAN RESUBMITTAL
NOT for revisions to an issued permit (use Revision Form instead)
Email to Bpermits@lakeworthbeachfl.gov — limited to 10MB. Larger files submit through website
One (1) set of documents required — PDF format for digital submittal
GotchaCOMPLETE responses required — PARTIAL submittals will NOT be accepted
Check all applicable disciplines: Residential, Commercial, Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Zoning, Fire
NEW COMMERCIAL
City-specific New Commercial Checklist REQUIRED (Rev 7-6-2023)
(1) Completed permit application with all signatures + owner-builder affidavit
(2) Drawing package at min 1/8-inch scale showing plan view and cross section with dimensions and materials
ALL structural pages signed and sealed by design professional for wind load certification per FBC
(3) Recent survey showing all boundaries and easements
(4) FL Product Approvals for doors/windows/garage doors/shutters
(5) Energy calculations per FBC
(6) Approval Letter/COA with conditions from Planning and Zoning Board
Items marked with asterisk must match all prior board approvals
GotchaAll submissions must have Palm Beach County IMPACT FEE STAMP prior to permit issuance
No mechanical equipment or structures in setbacks
All construction in historic districts subject to historic preservation review
Submitted plans must conform to conditions/variances approved by P&Z Board
BOARD UP
Required for boarding up structures (hurricane damage, vacancy, etc.)
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
COA required BEFORE building permit can be issued — submit concurrently with building permit application
Apply online at portal.lakeworthbeachfl.gov/online-services/certificate-of-appropriateness/
COA covers: exterior changes on both primary façades (facing public ROW) and secondary façades (not facing ROW)
Pre-application meetings REQUIRED for: new construction, demolitions, changes of use
Pre-application meetings STRONGLY ENCOURAGED for major additions
Email pzhp@lakeworthbeachfl.gov to schedule BEFORE finalizing architectural designs or purchasing materials
COA construction must commence within 12 months of issuance
50% of approved improvements must be completed within 12 months of commencement
Certificate of Occupancy required within 24 months of commencement
One-time 12-month extension available from Dept of Community Sustainability
HRPB may grant additional extensions at its discretion
Work without COA = STOP WORK ORDER from building official or Director of Community Sustainability
No building permit valid without accompanying COA in historic districts
Six (6) historic districts: check Historic Districts Map at lakeworth.maps.arcgis.com

Requirements change. Confirm the current checklist with the Lake Worth Beach building department before you submit. See every permit type on the Lake Worth Beach permit requirements page.

Lake Worth Beach Building Permit Requirements

Check your building package.