Apply. Track.
Verify completion.

First, confirm the correct building department

The County Permit Center processes building permit applications for unincorporated Palm Beach County. A “West Palm Beach” mailing address does not, by itself, establish that a property is inside the City of West Palm Beach.

Confirm the property’s jurisdiction before applying. The County’s PZB service directory points to property information resources for checking incorporated versus unincorporated location. If uncertain, ask the Permit Center which agency handles the specific address.

Check the authority. Protect the property.

How to apply for a permit

The County offers online applications through ePZB. Its current instructions direct applicants to register for an account and use the Building area to submit and track an application.

1. Confirm whether the work needs a permit. Describe the actual project to the Building Division or a qualified contractor. Requirements depend on the work, not simply its price.
2. Identify the proper applicant. Agree who will submit the application, respond to comments, pay fees, and coordinate inspections. Do not assume an owner-builder route is appropriate for association work.
3. Gather the required documents. Use the County’s checklist for the permit type. Depending on the work, this may include plans, specifications, product information, contractor details, and other supporting documents.
4. Submit through ePZB. Open the official portal, register or sign in as instructed, and choose the applicable Building permit application.
5. Save the application number. Keep it with the property address, contractor information, scope, and submission date.
6. Respond to review comments. Have the responsible applicant provide corrections or missing information and check the updated review status.
7. Verify issuance before starting permitted work. Confirm the issued permit and approved documents cover the intended work. Submission alone is not permission to begin.

Portal labels and document requirements can change. Use the current Permit Center page for application guidance and submittal checklists.

How to find a permit and track progress

You can check a contractor’s permit claim rather than relying only on a verbal update. The County’s Building FAQs provide an address-search link; the ePZB Building area offers “Permits & Inspections” and application review information.

1. Start with the official portal. Open ePZB and navigate to Building, then the permit/inspection search. Follow any account prompts.
2. Use the available search fields. Search by permit or application number when you have it, or use the property address. Some County property-search services also use the Property Control Number (PCN).
3. Match the right project. Check the address, unit or building, contractor, permit type, and work description. One property can have several unrelated permits.
4. Review the details. Look for application status, review comments, fees, issuance information, and inspection history where available.
5. Record the next action. Ask who is responsible for a missing document, correction, payment, inspection, or closeout step. Check again after that action is completed.

Official help: Building FAQs and ePZB Building portal guide (PDF).

What does the status mean?

Use the County’s current status definitions for the exact label shown. The distinctions below are a practical guide, not a complete list of portal status codes.

The Permit Center page links to official permit/application status definitions.

Follow the inspections through to closeout

Agree with the contractor who will schedule inspections and provide access. Check results, required corrections, and any reinspection rather than assuming a scheduled visit means approval.

The County’s inspection information guide (PDF) explains how to find inspection details in the Building “Permits & Inspections” area. Follow its permit-number formatting instructions if a search does not work.

At project closeout, ask for the applicable final inspection results and permit status, along with warranties and relevant approved documents. Coordinate final payment with the contract’s requirements and appropriate professional advice.

A project is easier to trust when its progress is visible.

An association’s permit-tracking checklist

• Confirm the work belongs to the association and obtain required association approvals.
• Identify the contractor, permit applicant, and person monitoring progress.
• Keep application and permit numbers in the project file.
• Check that permit scope matches the contracted work.
• Track corrections, inspections, and closeout steps.
• Preserve relevant permits and project records for future boards.

For owner alterations, clearly explain the association’s approval process and what documentation owners should provide. Avoid representing an association’s approval letter as government permit authorization.

Routine tracking or a formal search?

A portal lookup is useful for following a project. It is different from the County’s staff-provided open-permit, lien, or code-compliance search services, which can involve fees and a formal request.

For a sale, title review, unresolved permit, or other transaction, ask the appropriate professional which search is needed. A routine online result should not be described as a certified clearance.

Where to get help

PBC Building Division Permit Center—Vista Center
2300 N. Jog Road, first floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33411
561-233-5100

Published hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; last sign-in at 4:30 p.m. Confirm holiday closures and current arrangements before visiting.

Have the address, unit or building identification, permit/application number, and a specific question ready when requesting assistance.

Official resources & guidance

Use the linked County Permit Center, Building FAQs, portal guides, and search-services pages for current instructions. If a direct portal link changes, start from the PZB home page and select Online Services.

Reviewed October 17, 2026. General guidance for Century Village West Palm Beach. Permit requirements, fees, processing times, and inspection obligations depend on the project and jurisdiction.

Save enough information to repeat the search

Keep the exact address, unit or building, parcel identifier when used, permit number, search date, status displayed, and outstanding action. Save the relevant record or report in the project file.

• Ask the applicant for the exact number when address searching is inconclusive.
• Match scope and location rather than relying on an unrelated permit at the property.
• Record the county contact and response when a status is unclear.
• Repeat the check after a correction or final inspection and retain the result.

Use the current official Permit Center links if a portal address or menu changes. A routine lookup supports oversight; it is not a certified title, lien, or open-permit clearance.

Connected project and community resources

• Building permits →
• Material alterations →
• Unit alterations →
• Suspected unpermitted construction →
• Palm Beach County Code Compliance →
• UCO POD storage authorization →
• Contractor licensing and insurance →
• Inspection follow-up →
• Moving and delivery procedures →
• Understanding UCO and separate community responsibilities →