Do you need a permit?

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Information below is from the City of West Palm Beach website.

“Do I need a permit?
The most likely answer is yes, but there are exemptions. As a best practice, you should email us and ask. Include your property address and describe the scope of work of your project in the email. An associate will respond to you as soon as possible with an answer and how to proceed. If you are unsure, do NOT start work. If you commence work without a permit you may be responsible for penalty permit fees.”

A  permit is now needed if you change out your air conditioner or water heater. See the application here:   AirConditioningChangeoutFo

Want to plant or remove a tree, you  need a permit.  See the application here:  TreeAlterationPermitApplic

I recently had my AC unit replaced and my AC guy told me I needed a permit. I said “since when” He replied “since the new city administration.” I checked and he was correct, I needed a permit.

Here is what readers should be aware of.

My permit for a new air conditioner unit.
Value of unit: $3,850.00
Permit fee:  $132.27
Penalty for no permit:  $529.08 (4 times the cost of original permit)

A neighbor of mine was recently cited for installing his AC without a permit. Due to Corona Virus he hasn’t worked for the last 6 months.

The swale is the area between the city sidewalk and the city street, and this area belongs to the city.

You are allowed without a permit to mow the grass, and fertilize to keep it looking great. If the grass has a fungus and the sod must be replaced the cost belongs to the homeowner not the city.

I don’t know what other changes the city (James) has made concerning permits, but if you are in doubt call the city or you will be penalized.

The city (James) has placed code enforcement under the umbrella of the WPB Police Dept. I have been told, but could not verify code enforcement does not work weekends when homeowners take advantage and working without a permit. As you are aware the Police Dept. work 24/7 365 days a year.

When residents receives their water bill there is an insert included. Why wont the city include changes they have made concerning permit changes, instead of going for the gotcha.

I can’t wait to see how James finds other ways into our pocket.