FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
General City Questions
Where are your offices located?
The Development and Neighborhood Services Department, including the Planning, Engineering and GIS Division is located in the City of Greenacres City Hall. Our address is 5800 Melaleuca Lane, Greenacres, Florida 33463.
What is the physical size and population of Greenacres?
The City of Greenacres is 5.79 square miles and has a population of 41,475.
How can I find out who owns a particular property in my neighborhood?
Visit the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.
How much do permits and other applications/fees cost?
The Planning, Engineering and GIS Division fees will vary depending on the type of permit or application. To view a general schedule of fees click here. Also, to view our list of Division applications and forms click here.
How do I request a copy of a document within the Development and Neighborhood Services Department or one of its divisions?
Requesting a copy of any document within the Development and Neighborhood Services Department or one of its divisions is considered a public record request. You may submit your request (include exact address and document description) online or in person at the City Clerk's Office.
I left a message with a City Planner. How long should I wait for a response?
The City's policy is that all communication will be responded to within twenty-four (24) business hours even if we do not have an answer.
How do I determine if a property is in the city or county?
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office will be able to assist in the determination of property location. You will need the address or legal description for the property.
General Planning and Zoning Questions
How do I learn more about current and future development in the City of Greenacres?
The Planning, Engineering and GIS Division staff is familiar with the development pattern of the City, zoning ordinances, zoning districts and the process for obtaining approvals. If you have questions about a specific property, it is helpful if you know the exact location or have a survey of the property. For more information, you may make an appointment to speak with a planner at (561) 642-2054.
What is zoning and why do I need to know the zoning of my property?
Each property has two designations; one designation is land use and the other is zoning. It is important to know the zoning of your property because it determines what you may build on your property and what uses are allowed.
I am ready to begin development on my property. What is my next step?
The first step in the development process is to schedule a pre-application meeting. A pre-application meeting is an informational conference that is used to discuss the process and code requirements before submission of the land use application for obtaining approval of the proposed development. A conceptual plan will be required. You can schedule a pre-application by contacting the Planning, Engineering and GIS Division at (561) 642-2054.
What are the building setbacks for my property?
Building setbacks are minimum distances by which any building or structure must be separated from a property line. These setbacks assure the adequate distance to provide for supply of light and air, fire protection and more generally to assure the health safety and general welfare of property owners. Setbacks are measure from the property line into the interior of the lot where the structure or building will be placed. Please note, structures cannot be placed in any easements or buffers. Setbacks can be found in the Zoning Code Chapter 16, Article III for each zoning district.
Where can I find the City's codes and ordinances online?
The City codes and ordinances can be found under the heading "Doing Business" on the front page of the City's website. You can also find the Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan by clicking on the links.
What type of uses are allowed on my property?
Once you have determined the zoning of your property, you can refer to the City's Zoning Code under each zoning district as to what uses are permitted.
Can I build within an easement?
Generally, building within an easement is not permitted. Objects that are easily movable such as a fence may be built within an easement if a Utility Easement Agreement is signed by all applicable utility companies.
Where can I build a fence on my residential property?
You are permitted to build a fence on your property line or any other place on your property depending on your zoning district. This does not assume that the sidewalk or curb is where your property line starts. A land survey is accurately use to determine where your property line is.
The maximum height of the fence will be determined by its location. Typically, fences in the front yards must be shorter than in the sides or rear yards. If your property is a corner lot then a visibility triangle for traffic safety purposes must be maintained. Refer to Chapter 16, Article IV, Section 16-620.
Can I have a storage shed or a non-attached garage to my house on my property?
Yes, with certain conditions. The Zoning Code defines these types of buildings or structures as accessory structures. In most residentially zoned districts, accessory structures can only be located in the rear yard of your property as close as five (5) feet to any property lines. These structures may have a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet. The structure must also be five (5) feet away from the house to be considered an "accessory". The maximum size of the accessory structure is two hundred (200) square feet although they can be as large as six hundred (600) square feet in the AR, RL-1 and RE Zoning Districts if there is no attached garage. Please note, this structure will count toward your maximum lot coverage. Lot coverage is the percentage of your property covered with buildings or structures (second story square footage is not included in lot coverage).
Can I put a carport in front of my garage?
In most residential areas, a carport may only be placed in front of a residence if it is attached to the residence and meets the lot coverage.
Questions about Requests or Notices
I received a letter about an issue before the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals or City Council. How do I find out more information?
If you have received a letter in the mail, it is because an application has been submitted to the City of Greenacres for a nearby property. To obtain additional information, please contact the Planning, Engineering and GIS Division at (561) 642-2054.
I need a letter that confirms the zoning details on my property. What do I need to do?
If written documentation of zoning classification is require for a lender, real estate transaction or similar purpose, a Zoning Confirmation Letter may be requested for a fee. The Zoning Confirmation Letter form can be found by clicking the link.
Why does it take so long to request and process a major plot plan, conditional use permit, parcel map, etc.?
Major development applications such as special exceptions and site plans are transmitted to numerous departments within the City and outside agencies for review and comments. During the review and comment process, issues can be raised that must be addressed in the project design. The process of re-design and review may be required several times before a project is approved and ready to proceed to a public hearing.
The Planning, Engineering and GIS Division, as the lead agency on most land development proposals, makes every effort to expedite the review process. The time required for the applicant and applicant's engineer to review comments and proceed with a re-submittal of plans can vary and is out of the Division's control.
How do I request and obtain the flood zone determination for my property?
For the most up to date information, contact the Building Division at (561) 642-2052.
Greenacres GIS
Can I get the Greenacres Zoning and Land Use Map online?
Yes. The Zoning and Land Use Maps are available online and for free by clicking here.
How can I view the City of Greenacres GIS data?
The GIS data, which includes online maps and applications can be found in the Planning, Engineering and GIS Division webpage located under City Maps.
How can I obtain demographic, census or economic data pertaining to the City of Greenacres?
The Planning, Engineering and GIS Division maintains some current and historical information which can be obtained by contacting our division at (561) 642-2054. For more information on demographic and census data, you can view this type of data at the US Census Bureau - www.census.gov.
Can I purchase city maps from the City of Greenacres?
City maps can be purchased at the Planning, Engineering and GIS Division located inside City Hall. The standard maps are listed on the fee schedule and pricing may vary.
