Skip to content 
Paver projects can be a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal and allow you to better enjoy your property, but there are a lot of things you’ll need to consider before getting started.
For starters, you’ll want to work with a high-quality paver installation contractor — like the professionals at Pup Pavers — to ensure the final results match your expectations. You’ll also need to identify the type of pavers you want to use for the project.
But it’s also important to ensure you carry out the project in a legal manner that complies with all local codes and zoning ordinances. And while permits aren’t always required for paver installation, they are in some cases. We’ll try to help you navigate this issue by explaining everything you need to know about permits for paver installations below.
Pavers and Permits in Palm Beach County
The Palm Beach County PZB is the governing authority that sets the rules for when a paver project does or does not require a permit. The exact requirements vary depending on whether you live in an incorporated city or an unincorporated part of the county, but these countywide guidelines are the starting point every homeowner should understand.
Projects That Don’t Require a Permit
According to Palm Beach County’s official “Items Not Requiring a Permit” list, paver projects meeting all the following conditions are usually exempt and don’t require a permit:
- Sand-set patios or walkways that are not within 5 feet of a pool or spa
- Installed at a one- or two-family dwelling
- Not connected to a driveway or driveway turnout
- Outside the public right-of-way
These exemptions cover many small backyard projects. For example, a simple garden path or standard patio would likely be exempt, provided that the pavers are set on a sand base and don’t require concrete footers or structural work.
Projects That Do Require a Permit
While many simple projects do not require a permit, most projects that fit into the following categories will need a permit from the PZB:
- Driveways or Driveway Expansions: Decorative pavers in a driveway or any surface that connects to a public street generally require a permit. If the work touches the road right-of-way, the county may also ask you to sign a “recorded removal agreement,” confirming you’ll maintain or remove the pavers if necessary.
- Within 5 Feet of a Pool or Spa: Any paver installation inside this zone is treated like a pool deck and must meet stricter safety standards.
- Mortar-Set or Structural Installations: If the pavers are permanently bonded to a concrete slab or involve retaining walls, footers, or other structural elements, a permit is typically required.
- Significant Grading or Drainage Changes: Projects that alter how water flows across your property can trigger review by the county’s Engineering and Public Works Stormwater Section.
Other Regulations That May Apply
Even if you’re exempt from a standard building permit, other county codes may affect your paver project. A few of the most common situations that create additional hurdles include:
- Drainage & Stormwater Management: Large paved areas can change runoff patterns. The county may require a drainage plan or limit how much impervious surface you can add. In fact, some zoning districts set a minimum percentage of permeable groundcover to reduce flooding risk.
- Setbacks & Easements: The Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) dictates how close hardscape can be to property lines, utility easements, and protected landscaping.
- Landscaping Standards: If your project affects required landscape areas or tree protection zones, you may need additional approvals.
Bottom Line: Does Your Palm Beach County Paver Project Need a Permit?
Small sand-set patios and garden walkways can often be carried out without a permit, but driveway projects (or even some driveway-adjacent projects), pool-side installations, and any project that will change the drainage characteristics of the property will usually require a permit.
If you’re not clear, contact the Palm Beach County Permit Center or your Pup Pavers customer service representative to confirm whether or not your project will require a permit.
Why Permits Matter for Paver Projects
In addition to understanding the permitting requirements for Palm Beach County paver projects, it is important to understand what permits actually are and why they exist.
A building permit is official approval from Palm Beach County’s Planning, Zoning & Building Department (PZB) to carry out your project. It confirms that the work you plan to do will meet all the relevant safety codes, zoning rules, and environmental regulations.
Why Palm Beach County Cares About Pavers
Even though paver projects seem simple, they can have surprisingly far-reaching implications. A few of the most notable include:
- Community Safety: A poorly built driveway or patio can create trip hazards or drainage problems. In some cases, that could even allow water to undermine the foundation of a neighbor’s yard or lead to flooding issues.
- Infrastructure: Driveway pavers sometimes extend into the public right-of-way, which the county is responsible for maintaining. This is important for keeping local vehicles and pedestrians safe.
- Stormwater Management: Large, paved areas change how rainwater runs off your property. This can contribute to flooding or erosion problems if the project is not properly designed.
Because of these factors, the county may require a permit to ensure your plans won’t cause serious problems for your property, your neighbors’ property, or public property.
What Happens if You Don’t Obtain a Permit in Palm Beach County
While some homeowners may be tempted to forego a permit and ignore local regulations, this can be a big (and costly) mistake. In fact, starting work without a required permit can lead to:
- Fines
- Stop-work orders
- Costly tear-outs or redesigns
- Complications when trying to sell your home
- Denied insurance claims
Don’t Take Chances; Obtain a Palm Beach County Paver Permit When Required
As you can see, failure to obtain a permit (when necessary) can lead to a number of headaches that most homeowners would prefer to avoid. In fact, even if you don’t think your paver installation will require a permit, it’s wise to verify this upfront, to protect your investment and ensure your project can proceed without a hitch.
How Do You Get a Permit for Your Palm Beach County Paver Project?
If you determine that your Palm Beach County paver project does, in fact, require a permit, you’ll need to obtain one before the work actually begins. Fortunately, the process is fairly straightforward and easy to complete.
Where to Apply for a Paver Project Permit in Palm Beach County
If your property lies inside a Palm Beach County municipality (such as Boca Raton or West Palm Beach), you’ll apply through your city’s building department. In all other cases, you’ll want to contact the PZB directly:
Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building (PZB) Permit Center
2300 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
561-233-5000
You can also apply for a permit via the county’s online portal.
What You’ll Need to Submit with Your Paver Project Permit Application
The specific documentation requirements may vary a bit from one project to the next, but most paver installation permits will require the following:
- A Completed Building Permit Application: This should include all of the contact information for both the property owner as well as the contractor carrying out the work. You’ll also need to include a basic project description.
- A Property Survey or Site Plan: This should display the property lines, all existing structures, and where the pavers will be installed.
- The Grading or Drainage Plan: This plan needs to demonstrate that stormwater runoff will not impact your neighbors or nearby public property.
- Impervious/Pervious Surface Calculations: These calculations will confirm that the finished project will comply with the relevant zoning rules outlining how much of your lot can be covered by non-permeable materials.
- Recorded Removal Agreement: These agreements are required whenever the pavers extend into a road right-of-way. The agreement acknowledges that you’ll maintain or remove them if the county ever needs access.
- Contractor License & Insurance: You’ll have to provide proof that your installer is licensed in Palm Beach County and properly insured.
Paver Permit Timelines and Fees in Palm Beach County
Fortunately (and unlike the case in many other cities and counties), the permitting process is fairly quick and reasonably affordable in Palm Beach County.
Simple paver permits are often approved and issued within 5 to 10 business days, assuming all the paperwork is completed properly. However, projects that involve drainage review or right-of-way agreements may take up to two to three weeks for approval.
In terms of costs, basic paver permits are generally between $75 and $150 in unincorporated Palm Beach County, though they may be slightly more expensive for homeowners living inside city limits. Additional fees may also apply if you need a drainage review.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Permit for a Paver Project in Palm Beach County?
It might be tempting to save time and (a little bit of) money by starting a paver project without a permit. But that will be a mistake that can lead to some pretty undesirable consequences in Palm Beach County.
A few of the most important risks of failing to obtain a permit for your paver project include:
- Stop-Work Orders: If a county inspector discovers unpermitted work taking place, he or she can issue a stop-work order on the spot. And it may be weeks before you’re allowed to resume the work.
- Fines: The county may charge fines — potentially representing thousands of dollars in penalties — until you obtain the proper permit or remove the unapproved installation.
- Potential Tear Outs: In many cases, you’ll be required to remove the new pavers, fix any code violations, and reinstall them after securing a permit.
- Problems Selling Your Property: Unpermitted improvements often appear during a title search or home inspection, which may cause buyers to walk away or demand a price reduction.
- Uncovered Insurance Claims: If an unpermitted patio or driveway contributes to flooding, drainage issues, or injuries, your homeowner’s insurance could deny the associated claim and potentially cancel your policy.
It’s also important to understand that retroactive (“after-the-fact”) permits often have higher fees and may have more stringent documentation requirements. So, for all of these reasons and more, it’s simply wise to obtain a permit for your paver project if you need one.
Paver Project Permits in Palm Beach County: FAQ
Still have questions about paver installation and the relevant permitting requirements in Palm Beach County? We’ll try to help by answering some of the most common questions our customers have below!
Do you need a permit to lay pavers in Florida?
It varies from one municipality to the next. In some jurisdictions, sand-set paver projects can be completed without a permit (as long as they don’t involve driveways or the public right-of-way), while others require permits for all paver projects. Your Pup Pavers representative will be happy to discuss the specifics of your project with you.
What goes under pavers in Florida?
Crushed concrete is generally the base layer used for paver projects in Florida.
Is a paver patio considered a permanent structure?
Paver projects are typically not considered permanent structures, provided that they are set in concrete, sand, or a similar material.
Are pavers a DIY project?
Some homeowners do try to install paver projects themselves, but most will find that professional installation yields a much higher-quality result. Additionally, a paving professional can help guide you through the permitting process (if necessary).
Trust Pup Pavers to Help with Your Palm Beach County Paver Project!
The permit requirements for paver projects in Palm Beach County are certainly a bit complex. And given the potential risks permit mistakes can present, many homeowners feel understandably nervous trying to navigate these waters on their own.
But you don’t have to worry about the permit process at all if you work with the professionals at Pup Pavers. We’ll gladly explain whether permits are needed for your project, and we’ll even obtain the permits for you if they’re necessary.
But beyond simply providing permit assistance, we will complete your entire paver installation while employing the skill and craftsmanship you deserve. Part of the Palm Beach community since 2006, Pup Pavers is the paving and hardscape contractor you can trust.
Contact us today to get started!
References and Sources
- Palm Beach County PZB – “Items Not Requiring a Permit”
Official brochure listing county-approved exemptions from building or zoning permit requirements, including criteria for sand-set pavers in unincorporated areas, distance from pools/spas, driveway connections, and public right-of-way.
https://discover.pbcgov.org/PDF/Publications/PZB/PZB-Permit-Required-Brochure.pdf - Palm Beach County Engineering & Public Works – “Permitting”
County webpages covering required permits for work affecting driveways, stormwater/drainage, right-of-way, and land development—useful for understanding when paver projects trigger permit requirements.
https://discover.pbcgov.org/engineering/Pages/Permitting.aspx - Palm Beach County PZB – “Permit Center (Building Division)”
Information on how and where to submit permit applications for building-related work in unincorporated Palm Beach County, including online portal access.
https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/building/Pages/Permit-Center.aspx
