What to Know Before You Build a Custom Home in West Palm Beach
Building a custom home is exciting — but before you hire an architect or start designing, there are critical factors that can dramatically affect your budget, timeline, and even whether you can build at all.
What We Review Before We Design Anything
Before we sketch a floor plan.
Before we select materials.
Before we talk about finishes.We verify the property.
Building a home in West Palm Beach or Palm Beach County requires more than beautiful design — it requires deep understanding of zoning, impact fees, flood regulations, infrastructure, and permitting.
Our clients rely on us to anticipate what others miss.
Here’s what we evaluate first.
1. West Palm Beach Zoning Requirements
Zoning defines what you can legally build, including:
- Zoning classification
- Maximum allowable height
- Setbacks (front, side, rear)
- Guest house or accessory structure allowances
- Waterfront or historic overlay restrictions
You can view the City of West Palm Beach Zoning Code here:
https://library.municode.com/fl/west_palm_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances
We confirm the buildable envelope before design begins — avoiding costly revisions later.
2. Palm Beach County Impact Fees
Palm Beach County assesses impact fees for new residential construction.
These may include:
- Schools
- Roads
- Public facilities
- Parks & recreation
Official Palm Beach County Impact Fee information:
https://discover.pbc.gov/pzb/administration/Pages/Impact-Fees.aspx
For larger homes, these costs are not minor line items. We factor them into early feasibility planning so your budget reflects reality from the start.
3. Flood Zones & Elevation Strategy
Flood regulations in West Palm Beach may influence:
- Required finished floor elevation
- Foundation type
- Structural costs
- Long-term insurance implications
City flood zone information:
Elevation strategy is part of the design process — not an afterthought.
4. Permitting & Site Conditions
We manage the entire approval process through West Palm Beach Development Services:
https://www.wpb.org/Departments/Development-Services
Because we handle both design and construction in-house, we anticipate review comments before they happen — reducing revisions and protecting your timeline.
We also verify utilities, drainage, and site constraints before advancing into full design.
Start With Feasibility
Our Feasibility Study includes:
• Zoning and buildable envelope analysis
• Impact fee projections
• Flood and elevation review
• Utility and infrastructure verification
• Preliminary cost alignment
Design-forward. Thoughtfully executed. Built with clarity.
FAQs
How long does it take to build a custom home in West Palm Beach?
Most custom homes in Palm Beach County take 10–16 months depending on design complexity, permitting timelines, and site conditions.
Are impact fees required when building a house in Palm Beach County?
Yes. Palm Beach County requires impact fees for new residential construction. These fees are typically paid before permit issuance.
How do I check zoning in West Palm Beach?
Zoning information can be reviewed through the City of West Palm Beach Development Services portal. However, professional interpretation is recommended before design begins.
Do flood zones affect custom home design?
Yes. Flood zone designation affects finished floor elevation, foundation systems, and insurance requirements.