Building & Zoning Department
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Building & Zoning
(561) 586-1644 FAX (561) 586-1745
Community Development
(561) 586-1687 FAX (561) 586-1786
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Building, Planning & Zoning department provides a program of review and inspection to promote the environmental health, safety and aesthetic value of the public with respect to new and existing structures on private property. Also responsible for preparing and administering all elements of the City's Comprehensive Plan in accordance with state mandates as implemented through land use regulations and site review. The Building, Planning & Zoning Department also oversees the survey nomination, and designation of local historic properties and districts as well as administering the "Certificate of Appropriateness" process within the district. The efforts of staff in grant preparation have ensured funding for several new programs which greatly enhance the beauty and quality of life in our City.
OBJECTIVES.
- Process permit and license applications in a courteous, professional and proficient manner.
- Collect license and building permit fees.
- Review plans in a professional manner and expedite them as quickly as possible.
- Enforce all building code items in a courteous, professional and proficient manner.
- Establish and maintain an effective monitoring system for Building Inspections and Code Enforcement activity.
- Initiate demolitions of condemned structures that are beyond rehabilitation and possible repair and a possible danger to the public.
- Preserve, protect and enhance the appropriate use of landmarks and historic districts.
SERVICES
The mission of Building, Planning and Zoning is to create economic and development opportunities within the community, while maintaining a level of appearance and organization to the City's business community and neighborhoods. This is accomplished through the following six (6) Divisions/Offices.
• Building Division: Telephone: (561) 586-1644
The Building Division provides for the public's health, safety and well-being by monitoring the general quality of buildings in the community. Staff reviews and approves building plans, issues permits and performs building inspections.
• Planning Division: Telephone: (561) 586-1687
The Planning Division develops and maintains the City Comprehensive Plan as a tool to manage future growth and development of the community. Staff reviews all development proposals for consistency with the goals, objectives and vision of the Plan, and identifies and suggests recommendations for long-range development and planning issues that need to be addressed. This Division also oversees Community Development Block Grant monies and develops various other grant proposals. Staff reviews all COA's, required for historic districts and landmarks.
• Zoning Division: Telephone: (561) 586-1747 (Zoning) (561) 586-1648 (Licensing)
The Zoning Division staff reviews all zoning proposals for consistency with the City Zoning Map and Zoning Code and regulates businesses and professionals through licensing procedures.
• Code Compliance Division: Telephone: (561) 586-1652
This office enforces relevant City codes and provisions of the adopted Zoning Ordinance and Minimum Housing Code. An answering machine receives calls after hours at the above phone number and these complaints are routed to appropriate individuals or departments.
• Office of Economic Development: Telephone: (561) 586-1644
Economic Development staff identifies and promotes City projects intended to increase the quality of life for residents and the financial well being of the City. This office maintains available land inventory and population databases, to attract new business and retain and enhance existing business.
• Office of Projects Manager: Telephone: (561) 586-1687
The Projects Manager develops City project concepts, seeks funding for said concepts and oversees eventual construction of the project. Also acts as a liaison to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and oversees the projects associated with FDOT and other similar entities.
General information about the City of Lake Worth Building, Planning and Zoning Department:
The City of Lake Worth has adopted the 1997 Standard Building Code (SBC) with local amendments.
The Department has a full-time staff of twenty-four (24).
The City participates in the Palm Beach County CDBG program.
The Department has adopted a Redevelopment and Revitalization Plan for the Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Department has revised it's Land Development Regulations to expedite use approvals and permitting procedures.
The City has adopted a progressive Historic Preservation Ordinance and established four (4) Historic Districts to provide a mechanism for rehabilitation of the City's valued housing stock and central business district.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is the current zoning on my property? What are the allowed uses?If you contact the Zoning staff with the location and address of your property, they will identify the current zoning, explain allowed uses and advise you if your property conforms with the existing general Land Use Plan.
2. Can I, or should I, consider annexation into the City?
Yes. There is a long list of advantages to being a resident of the City of Lake Worth. Specific questions can be answered on an individual case basis by contacting the Office of Economic Development and the City Planner.
3. Do I need a Building Permit?
Contact the City Building Division and explain what you would like to build. Staff will advise you on the proper procedure to comply with City requirements. NOTE: A Building Permit may not be required for what you want to do but to be safe, check with the City. Should you proceed with work requiring a permit without obtaining one, you are subject to fines plus paying four (4) times the normal fee when applying for permit.
4. I need assistance to fix up my house. Who can help?
Call the Code Compliance Division. Housing financial assistance may be available, based on need, to help you rehabilitate your home.
5. I know of a problem property in my neighborhood. Who can I call?Please call the Code Compliance Complaint line at (561) 586-1652. The City will check out your concern and assure that City codes and zoning provisions are not being violated. Your assistance in helping us do our job will be greatly appreciated.
6. I would like to know the status of upcoming projects and/or on-going projects. Who should I contact?
For most City and State projects, the Projects Manager oversees or coordinates the City's efforts and may be contacted at (561) 586-1687.
7. Do I need an occupational license to conduct a business within the City of Lake Worth?
Yes. If you are providing services or merchandise to the public, even through a one person company or home based occupation, you must obtain an occupational license.
8. How can I find out whether my house has any historic potential?
The City Planner has the master site files for those properties reviewed during the historic surveys over the past several years and they will be made available for your inspection upon request.
9. How does living in a Historic District effect me?
For any exterior modifications (including painting) visible from the street, you need to fill out a COA (Certificate of Appropriateness) application available at City Hall or print out a version from the attached link. If you have any further Historic District questions contact the Planning Department at (561) 586-1687.