Fiberglass Pool Permits in Palm Beach County: Complete 2025 Homeowner Guide

Fiberglass Pool Permits in Palm Beach County: Complete 2025 Homeowner Guide

One of the most common questions we get from West Palm Beach homeowners is: "How do permits work?" It's a valid question — permit delays are one of the top reasons pool projects take longer than expected. This guide gives you everything you need to understand the Palm Beach County permit process before you sign a contract.

## Do I Need a Permit to Install a Fiberglass Pool in Palm Beach County?

Yes, absolutely. All inground pools in Palm Beach County — including fiberglass pools — require a building permit. This is non-negotiable under Florida Building Code. Any pool company that offers to skip the permit is putting you and your home at serious legal and safety risk.

Permits ensure that your pool is: - Safely located on your property (meeting setback requirements) - Properly plumbed and electrical work is code-compliant - Equipped with the required safety barrier (fence or enclosure) - Inspected at critical stages of construction

## How Palm Beach County Pool Permits Work

### Step 1: Submit Through ePZB

Palm Beach County's permit system is online via the ePZB portal (pbcgov.com/epzb). Your pool contractor submits the permit application on your behalf, but you as the homeowner sign off on it.

The application includes: - Site plan showing pool location and setbacks - Pool specifications (dimensions, depth, equipment) - Plumbing and electrical drawings - Contractor license information and insurance certificates

### Step 2: Plan Review

After submission, Palm Beach County Building Department reviews your plans. Review times vary: - Standard review: 10–20 business days (2–4 weeks) - Expedited review (additional fee): Available for some project types

Common review comments that slow down permits: - Missing or incorrect setback dimensions on site plan - Incomplete electrical or plumbing drawings - Encroachment into easements or utility corridors

An experienced pool contractor who regularly works in Palm Beach County will submit clean, complete plans the first time — avoiding these delays.

### Step 3: Inspections

Once your project begins, multiple inspections occur: 1. Footing/Steel inspection — Before concrete or shell placement 2. Rough plumbing inspection — After underground piping 3. Electrical rough inspection — Before equipment is covered 4. Final pool inspection — Before water fill 5. Barrier/fence final — Confirming your fence or enclosure meets code

### Step 4: Certificate of Completion

After passing all inspections, Palm Beach County issues a Certificate of Completion. This is your official record that the pool was built to code.

## Palm Beach County Pool Permit Fees (2025)

Expect to budget: - Residential pool permit: Calculated by valuation; typically $300–$900 for a mid-size fiberglass pool - Electrical permit: $150–$300 - Plumbing permit: $150–$300 - Expedited review fee: Additional 50–100% of base permit fee

Your pool contractor should include all permit fees in their quoted price. If they don't, ask explicitly.

## Pool Setback Requirements in Palm Beach County

For most residential zones in unincorporated Palm Beach County: - Rear setback: 7.5 feet from rear property line to pool wall - Side setback: 7.5 feet from side property line to pool wall - Front setback: Cannot be installed in front yard in most zones - Structure setback: 10 feet from house foundation to pool wall

Important: Setback requirements vary by municipality. West Palm Beach city limits, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and other municipalities have their own building departments and may have different setback rules. Always verify for your specific address.

## City-Specific Permit Information

### West Palm Beach (City Limits) The City of West Palm Beach has its own building department separate from Palm Beach County. Apply at the City of West Palm Beach Development Services Department. Permit timeline: 2–4 weeks.

### Jupiter Jupiter's permit process runs through the Town of Jupiter's Building Department. Jupiter has strict rules about pool equipment noise and screening. Permit timeline: 2–4 weeks.

### Boca Raton City of Boca Raton has its own permitting system. The city is known for thorough reviews — expect 3–5 weeks for initial review.

### Palm Beach Gardens City of Palm Beach Gardens permitting through their Building & Planning Department. Generally efficient process with 2–3 week review times.

## HOA Requirements for Pools in Palm Beach County Communities

Many Palm Beach County communities have HOA restrictions on top of county permit requirements. Before signing your pool contract:

Common HOA rules to check: - Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval — Most HOAs require ARC approval before permits can even be pulled - Equipment screening — Pump and filter equipment may need to be screened with landscaping or fencing - Pool color restrictions — Some HOAs restrict visible pool colors - Coping and decking materials — Premium communities often require specific materials (pavers, travertine, etc.) - Fence material and height — HOA fence requirements may be stricter than county code - Screen enclosure style — Some communities regulate enclosure roofline style or color

Communities with notably specific HOA pool rules: - Abacoa (Jupiter) — ARC requires detailed plans and approval letter before permit application - Avenir (Palm Beach Gardens) — Community design guidelines strictly govern pool placement and materials - PGA National (Palm Beach Gardens) — Specific equipment and enclosure requirements - Mirasol, Ibis Golf & Country Club — Premium community standards apply

## What Happens If You Build Without a Permit?

Skipping permits creates serious problems: - Stop-work order: County inspectors can halt your project mid-construction - Mandatory demolition: In worst cases, unpermitted pools must be demolished - Insurance issues: Homeowner's insurance won't cover unpermitted structures - Title problems: When you sell your home, unpermitted work can kill the deal or require expensive remediation

Never work with a pool company that suggests skipping permits. It protects neither of you.

## How Cool Pool of Florida Handles Permits in Palm Beach County

Our West Palm Beach team handles the entire permit process for you: - We prepare and submit complete, accurate permit packages - We track status and respond to reviewer comments promptly - We schedule all required inspections - We obtain your Certificate of Completion

We know the Palm Beach County ePZB system well, and we work regularly in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and surrounding communities.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the full permit process take in Palm Beach County? From application to permit-in-hand, expect 4–6 weeks in most municipalities. We start this process as soon as your contract is signed.

Q: Can my pool installation start before the permit is approved? No. Work cannot legally begin until a permit is issued and posted at the job site.

Q: Do I need separate permits for a screen enclosure? Yes. Screen enclosures require a separate permit in Palm Beach County and most municipalities.

Q: What if my HOA rejects my pool plan? Your HOA ARC has the right to require design modifications. We can work with you and your HOA to find an approved solution. This is why we recommend getting HOA approval before signing your pool contract.

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[Start your Palm Beach County pool project with Cool Pool of Florida](/contact) — we handle all permits, HOA coordination, and inspections so you don't have to.