Boca Raton permits run through Boca eHub and ePlans. The Building Division is at 200 NW Second Ave., 561-393-7930; zoning and planning 561-393-7789.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Boca Raton’s Building Permits and Inspections and Development Services pages.

Boca Raton issues its own building permits and runs its own zoning for property inside the city limits. Everything starts online: you apply, pay and book inspections in Boca eHub, and you upload plans for review in Boca ePlans. Property outside the city goes to Palm Beach County instead.

Who to call

  • Building permits and inspections: Building Division, 561-393-7930, 200 NW Second Ave.; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, Wednesday until 3 p.m.
  • Planning, zoning and code questions: Development Services, 561-393-7789; City Hall, 201 W. Palmetto Park Road, Room 220 by appointment
  • Clerk (meeting records, captioned video): 561-393-7742
  • Apply online: Boca eHub

How a permit works

The city’s permit process page describes two systems:

  1. Boca eHub: register an account, apply for the permit, pay fees, check status, schedule inspections and search public permit records.
  2. Boca ePlans, also called ProjectDox: upload your plans and the permit application, read the reviewers’ comments and download the approved set once the permit is issued.

The city posts “how to” guides and video tutorials for both, plus a post-storm permitting guide. If you cannot apply online, Development Services will book an appointment at City Hall.

The Building Division is run by Building Official Michael DiNorscio. Development Services, which covers planning, zoning, code enforcement and business tax, is led by Director Brandon Schaad.

Doing the work yourself

Florida lets owners pull their own permits in some cases. Boca Raton’s rules for an owner-builder permit:

  • The property must be a single-family home.
  • You must be the owner on title, not a business, and you must live there, not rent it out.
  • Sections 7 and 8 of the application must be signed and notarized by the owner, whatever the job’s value.
  • Any sub-permit applications must also be filled out by the owner. The city will not accept them from a contractor.

What it costs

Building permit fees are based on the contracted value of the work, materials and labor included. The city’s Permit Fee Estimator gives a ballpark; the city says the final fee can add fire, engineering, appearance board, scanning and administrative charges. Other set fees from the city’s pages:

Service Fee
Zoning Confirmation Letter (zoning district, permitted uses, code violation check) $250
Planning and Zoning Property Status Report (development history) $500
Open permit and code violation search, per location $200

Buying a house? The open permit search is the one title companies ask about. It does not cover financial liens; for those, the city lists 561-393-7729.

Zoning and inspections

The zoning code is part of the city’s code of ordinances on Municode. Zoning maps and city limits are on the city’s GIS map gallery.

According to the Zoning page, when you book a zoning inspection in eHub you email the zoning office the survey, elevation certificate or photos it needs. Fences get an on-site inspection by zoning or structural staff. Seawalls and docks have their own rules on the city’s seawalls and marine structures page.

The boards that decide

Board What it does When and where
Planning and Zoning Board Holds hearings on development and recommends to the City Council; seven members 6 p.m., first and third Thursday, 6500 Building, 6500 N. Congress Ave.; live on Channel 20
Community Appearance Board Reviews exterior changes, signs and landscaping on buildings other than single-family homes 6 p.m., first and third Tuesday, Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd.
Historic Preservation Board Protects historic sites and districts 5 p.m., second Wednesday, Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd.
City Council Makes the final call on rezonings and major projects See Meetings & Agendas

Agendas for every board are on the city’s Meetings & Agendas page. Hearings are open to the public, and anyone can speak.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a building permit in Boca Raton? Apply and pay through Boca eHub, then upload your plans to Boca ePlans for review. The Building Division is at 561-393-7930.

Can a homeowner pull their own permit? Yes, for a single-family home you own and live in. Sections 7 and 8 of the application must be notarized.

When does the Planning and Zoning Board meet? At 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursday at the 6500 Building, 6500 N. Congress Ave.

How do I find out the zoning of a property? Use the city’s GIS maps, or order a $250 Zoning Confirmation Letter through Boca eHub.

Does a fence need a permit? Yes, and each fence gets an on-site inspection by zoning or structural staff.

What this means for you

  • Register for Boca eHub before you need it; every permit and inspection runs through it.
  • Owner-builder permits are only for the home you live in.
  • Selling or buying? Order the $200 open permit search early.

Related: road construction and closures, who to call at City Hall and property taxes.