Boca Raton Building Permit Search & Inspection Guide
Find building permits by property address, check application progress, view inspection information, submit a new permit application, and locate older construction records using the City of Boca Raton’s official systems.
This guide explains when to use Boca eHub, when ePlans is needed, and why some properties with a Boca Raton mailing address may fall under Palm Beach County permitting instead.
Start with jurisdiction: The City of Boca Raton Building Department handles city permits. An address that says “Boca Raton, FL” is not necessarily inside city limits. Properties in unincorporated Palm Beach County may need the county’s permitting system instead.
How to Search Boca Raton Building Permits by Address
Boca eHub is the city’s primary online system for searching current public permit and planning records. Certain public information can be viewed without creating an account. You can start with an address, permit number, or other available search criteria.
- Open the official Boca eHub website.
Use the City of Boca Raton’s official portal at Boca eHub. Look for the search or public-records area.
- Choose the appropriate record category.
Select building permits rather than planning applications, business tax receipts, or code cases when researching construction activity.
- Enter the property address.
Use the street number and name. Check directional prefixes such as NW or SW and street suffixes such as Avenue, Street, or Drive.
- Review the matching results.
Compare the address and project description before selecting a permit. Several permits may relate to one property.
- Open the permit record.
Look for the permit type, application or issuance status, inspection activity, review information, and available documents.
- Check outstanding work.
Do not assume a permit is completed merely because the permit was issued. Review final inspections and any unresolved requirements.
No account? The city’s Boca eHub support materials specifically explain how to check certain permit and inspection information as a guest. Some actions, including submitting applications and managing your own permits, require an account.
Which search information works best?
| Information available | Suggested approach | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Exact permit number | Search the permit identifier. | Checking one known application or inspection record. |
| Property address | Search the building address and verify the match. | Finding multiple projects at one location. |
| Parcel Control Number (PCN) | Confirm property details first; use the PCN where the chosen portal supports it. | Distinguishing similarly named properties. |
| Contractor or project information | Use relevant filters if offered, or request assistance from the department. | Researching incomplete or uncertain records. |
| Older permit date | Use the city’s historical permit records route. | Finding older construction permits. |
For a broader Florida permit research workflow, including how to prepare identifiers before searching, see our Florida permit search guide.
City of Boca Raton or Palm Beach County: Which Permit Portal?
Boca Raton is located in Palm Beach County, but municipal and county permit records are not interchangeable. The governing jurisdiction matters more than the name printed on the mailing address.
City of Boca Raton
Start with Boca eHub for city-issued permit searches, applications, inspections, and related public records.
City permitting resources ↗Palm Beach County
Use the county’s Planning, Zoning and Building resources when the property is outside municipal jurisdiction and the county is the permitting authority.
Palm Beach County permit search guide →How to confirm the correct jurisdiction
- Look up the parcel through the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.
- Check the property’s municipality or jurisdiction information rather than relying only on its postal address.
- For a property near a boundary or involving annexation, confirm responsibility with the relevant building department.
- Search the appropriate city or county permit database and retain the parcel identification for follow-up.
This extra step is especially valuable for property buyers researching historic construction, additions, roof replacement, or possible unpermitted alterations.
How to Check Boca Raton Permit Status
A permit search result may describe an application that has not yet been issued, a permit authorized for work, or a project awaiting inspections. You need to interpret the record’s actual status and outstanding conditions.
- Find the permit in Boca eHub.
Search by permit number or property address and open the matching record.
- Read the current status and relevant dates.
Check whether the record is in review, awaiting action, issued, on hold, or completed, using the exact terminology shown by the city.
- Check reviews and corrections.
Look for plan review comments, additional document requirements, unpaid invoices, or resubmission notices.
- Review the inspection history.
Confirm which inspections have been completed and whether a final inspection remains outstanding.
- Contact the building department for unclear status.
Provide the permit number and ask which action is required to advance or close the record.
| Status or condition | What it generally indicates | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted / Pending | Application received or awaiting processing. | Check for outstanding intake items. |
| In Review | Review activity is underway. | Monitor comments and review decisions. |
| On Hold / Attention | Something may need correction or applicant action. | Read the specific record notes. |
| Issued | A permit has been issued, subject to its conditions. | Check approved plans and required inspections. |
| Failed inspection | An inspection did not pass. | Review deficiencies and arrange corrections. |
| Finaled / Closed | May indicate completed inspection or closure steps. | Verify the official final record for the project. |
Important: Status labels can vary by permit and software workflow. A record showing “Issued” is not the same as proof that all construction passed final inspection. Obtain official confirmation where the distinction matters for a sale, insurance policy, or renovation.
Boca Raton Historical Permit Search and Older Building Records
The City of Boca Raton maintains a separate historical permit search route. Its official Permit History page says the historical system provides permit history through February 13, 2023, while the current eHub system includes active permits from 2016 with more updated information.
This overlapping coverage is useful: older projects may appear in the historical database, but active permit information should be checked against eHub.
Finding an older permit
- Open the City of Boca Raton Permit History page.
- Follow the link to the official historical building permit search.
- Enter the property address in the format accepted by the historical system.
- Compare matching permits by year, description, and address.
- For missing documents or a complete historical search, follow the city’s public records request instructions.
Historical address-search tip: The city instructs users searching a numerical street name to enter the number only. For example, its guidance changes “200 NW 2ND AVE” to “200 NW 2 AVE” in the historical search.
Official open-or-closed permit letter
For transactions requiring written confirmation, the city’s Permit History page lists a $200 fee for a formal open-or-closed permit search. The results are provided on city letterhead, often for real estate transactions.
This is different from casually reviewing public permit information online. Check the city page for the current request method and fee before submitting payment.
A request for a complete permit history from construction or annexation to the present, or for particular plans and documents, can be made through the city’s public records process.
View Historical Records & Request Options ↗How to Apply for a Boca Raton Building Permit Online
Boca eHub lets applicants start building permit applications online. The city also uses a separate electronic plan review platform, so a project involving drawings may require work in both systems.
- Confirm the city has jurisdiction.
Check the property location and identify the correct permit authority.
- Review the applicable permit requirements.
Find the correct application category and any required forms, drawings, product information, or contractor documents.
- Create or access a Boca eHub account.
Use the official registration instructions. Existing users should follow the city’s current account-access guidance.
- Select the correct application.
Enter accurate owner, contractor, property, and project information.
- Complete document submission.
Follow the city’s instructions for ePlans where plan review documents are required.
- Monitor reviews and corrections.
Read requested revisions carefully and respond using the authorized system.
- Handle invoices and issuance requirements.
Pay official fees when assessed, and wait for actual permit issuance before beginning work requiring approval.
- Keep approved project records.
Retain the permit, approved plans, inspection requirements, and relevant correspondence.
The city publishes application instructions and system tutorials on its Permit Process Information page.
Common application documents
Document requirements depend on the permit type and project. Before applying, consider whether you need:
- Property address and Parcel Control Number.
- Owner and applicant information.
- Contractor details and appropriate licensing information.
- A description of the proposed work.
- Site plan or survey showing the work location.
- Construction drawings and supporting engineering information.
- Applicable product approvals or manufacturer specifications.
- Required owner authorizations or other supporting forms.
- Documents addressing zoning, setbacks, or other project-specific review issues.
Do not upload every item on this checklist automatically. Use the current instructions for your actual permit category.
Owner-builder permits in Boca Raton
The city’s published owner-builder instructions include important conditions: the property must be a single-family home, the applicant must be the owner, the property cannot be owned by a business, and the owner must currently live there rather than rent it out.
The city also requires the owner to sign and notarize sections 7 and 8 of the permit application, regardless of job value. Applicable sub-permit applications must be completed by the property owner, not by a contractor.
Owner-builder caution: Owner-builder exemptions involve legal responsibilities and eligibility restrictions. Confirm the complete current requirements with the city before assuming you can perform or manage a particular type of work without a licensed contractor.
Boca eHub vs. Boca ePlans: Understanding the Two Systems
This distinction is one of the most useful things to know before applying. The City of Boca Raton expressly describes a two-part electronic permitting process.
| System | Main purpose | Typical tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Boca eHub | Permit applications and customer-facing record management. | Apply, search permits, check status, pay invoices, schedule inspections. |
| Boca ePlans / ProjectDox | Electronic plan and document review. | Upload permit plans, view plan comments, submit revised files, download approved documents. |
Boca eHub
Use for the application record, public permit searches, payments, and inspection-related tasks.
Open eHub ↗Boca ePlans
Use when your permitting workflow requires plan uploads, review comments, corrections, or approved electronic documents.
Open ePlans ↗What if reviewers request corrections?
Review comments are not necessarily a final denial. The application may require revised information, corrected plan sheets, missing documents, or other responses.
According to the city’s eHub instructions, the applicant dashboard has an “Attention” area for items such as holds, unpaid fees, failed reviews, failed inspections, and files needing resubmission.
Find the affected permit, read the specific comments, and follow the appropriate resubmission workflow. For plan-related revisions, consult the ePlans instructions and naming conventions so the revised drawings are handled correctly.
Schedule Boca Raton Building Inspections and Check Results
The city provides multiple inspection scheduling methods, including Boca eHub, text messaging, and telephone access. Before scheduling, check which inspection codes and stages apply to your permit.
Schedule online through eHub
- Open Boca eHub and access the relevant permit or inspection workflow.
- Choose the appropriate inspection type and code.
- Enter the required permit and scheduling information.
- Review the available scheduling options and submit the request.
- Check the resulting confirmation and any inspection instructions.
Schedule or check inspections by text
The city’s inspection page identifies the number 833-821-0601 for text-based inspection actions.
| Text command | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SCHEDULE | Request an inspection. |
| CANCEL | Cancel a requested inspection. |
| RESCHEDULE | Change an inspection request. |
| RESULTS | Obtain inspection results. |
Follow the automated prompts for the permit number, inspection code, and any other required information.
Use the inspection phone system
Call 561-393-7914. The city’s published menu identifies these options:
- Press 1: Schedule an inspection.
- Press 2: Cancel or reschedule.
- Press 3: Obtain results.
- Press 0: Speak with department staff.
Check the city’s current Inspections page for scheduling instructions, inspector contacts, time-frame information, and inspection code details. Do not assume a particular cutoff time or appointment time without checking the current instructions.
Before the inspector arrives
- Confirm the requested inspection is associated with the correct permit.
- Make sure the specific work is ready for inspection.
- Keep the approved permit documents and relevant plans available as required.
- Provide safe access to the work being inspected.
- Do not conceal work that must be inspected before covering.
- Review any failed inspection comments before requesting a repeat inspection.
Common Boca Raton Permit Types: Roofing, Fences, HVAC and Remodels
Permit needs differ by work scope. A roof replacement, fence installation, electrical panel change, or residential addition may involve different application materials and inspections.
| Project | Items to review | Possible follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Roof replacement | Roof system, materials, product approvals, applicable drawings and contractor documentation. | Roof inspections and final approval. |
| Fence | Location, height, property lines, easements and applicable zoning requirements. | Permit and zoning review as required. |
| Windows and doors | Opening details, product approvals and installation scope. | Applicable installation inspections. |
| Electrical work | Service changes, circuit scope and licensed contractor requirements. | Electrical inspections. |
| Plumbing | Fixture changes, repiping and work affecting water or drainage systems. | Rough or final inspections as required. |
| HVAC replacement | Equipment specifications, installation scope and applicable efficiency requirements. | Mechanical inspections. |
| Pool or addition | Site plans, setbacks, structural and other relevant requirements. | Multiple trade or construction-stage inspections. |
Boca Raton fence permits
Before buying materials or beginning installation, determine whether the proposed fence needs a building permit, zoning review, or other approval. Prepare a survey or site information that clearly identifies the fence location, dimensions, and relationship to property boundaries.
Pay particular attention to corner lots, easements, waterfront conditions, and association rules. HOA approval, when applicable, does not replace the city’s permit requirements.
Boca Raton roofing permits
A roofing project should be researched using the correct permit category and applicable Florida Building Code requirements. Material approvals, installation details, and inspections may affect the process.
For an existing roof permit, check whether the roof work passed its required inspections rather than relying only on a contractor invoice or the permit issue date.
Verify contractor licensing
Before hiring a contractor or relying on a contractor-provided permit number, check the relevant state license and confirm that the license category covers the proposed work.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — license resources ↗
Boca Raton Building Permit Fees and Approval Time
There is no reliable single price or approval time for every Boca Raton building permit. Fees and processing depend on the work type, project scope, required reviews, and applicable city fee schedule.
For the current applicable charges, use the city’s Building Permits and Inspections resources and the invoices associated with the application in Boca eHub.
What can affect the review timeline?
- Whether the initial application is complete.
- Whether electronic plans meet submission requirements.
- Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or other reviews required.
- Planning and zoning issues.
- Applicant responses to requested corrections.
- Additional documents, approvals, or resubmissions.
- Permit issuance conditions and payment completion.
Avoid relying on generic timelines: A statement such as “all fence permits take 5–15 business days” cannot safely predict the city’s processing time for an individual project. Check your application record or ask the department about the particular permit.
How to avoid unnecessary review delays
Use the right application category, match all addresses and parcel details, submit readable plans in the required format, and respond completely to review comments. Recheck the dashboard after resubmitting documents to make sure no additional applicant action remains.
Boca Raton Permit Search Not Working? Common Problems and Fixes
Nothing appears when I search an address
Confirm the property jurisdiction, spelling, street direction, and street type. Try a more limited search where supported. If the work is older, check the historical permit search.
I found a permit, but the status seems outdated
Make sure you are using the current Boca eHub record rather than an older historical entry. If information remains inconsistent, contact the building department with the exact permit number.
My application needs corrections
Open the applicant dashboard, find the permit under items requiring attention, and read the review notes. Use the correct eHub or ePlans workflow to submit the required revisions.
A contractor says the work was finaled, but I cannot verify it
Request the permit number and any final inspection documentation. Search the city records and contact the department if the final status is not clear.
The previous owner completed work without a visible permit
First establish whether the work needed a permit and which authority had jurisdiction. Gather records of the work, contractor information, photographs, and available plans. Contact the appropriate department to discuss legal compliance and possible corrective permitting or inspections.
I need proof for a real estate closing
Public online searches may not satisfy the documentation requested by an insurer, lender, title company, or buyer. The city’s formal permit search letter and public records request process may be more appropriate.
See the City of Boca Raton Permit History page for available records-request options.
City of Boca Raton Building Department: Address, Hours and Map
City of Boca Raton — Building Permits
Physical address: 200 NW 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Telephone: 561-393-7930
Email: buildingpermits@myboca.us
Published public hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Holiday schedules may differ.
Contact the department before visiting to confirm the service you need, required documents, and whether an appointment or specific submission procedure applies.
The Building Permits office address is distinct from the general Boca Raton City Hall address. Use the department’s official location information when planning your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boca Raton Permits
1. How do I search Boca Raton building permits online?
Open the official Boca eHub portal, use the available public permit search, enter the property address or permit number, and select the matching record. Review status, inspections, and any other publicly available details.
2. Can I search Boca Raton permits without creating an account?
Yes. Boca eHub makes certain public records available without registration. The city provides separate instructions for checking permit and inspection status as a guest. Applying for and managing permits may require an account.
3. How can I check whether a Boca Raton permit is closed?
Find the relevant permit in the city’s records and check its current status and final inspection activity. If closure is unclear or official written verification is needed, contact the Building Department or use the formal records-search process.
4. Where can I find Boca Raton permit history before 2023?
Use the city’s historical building permit search linked from its Permit History page. The city says the historical search covers records through February 13, 2023. For complete history or specific archived documents, submit a public records request.
5. What is the difference between Boca eHub and ePlans?
Boca eHub is used for applications, searches, status checks, payments, and inspection tasks. Boca ePlans, also known as ProjectDox, supports electronic plan uploads, reviews, corrections, and approved document retrieval.
6. How do I schedule a Boca Raton building inspection?
You can use Boca eHub, text SCHEDULE to 833-821-0601, or call the city’s inspection line at 561-393-7914. Follow the prompts and provide the correct permit number and inspection code.
7. Does Palm Beach County issue permits for every Boca Raton address?
No. The City of Boca Raton operates its own permitting system. Unincorporated Palm Beach County properties may be handled by the county. Confirm jurisdiction rather than assuming every Boca Raton mailing address belongs to the city.
8. Can a Boca Raton homeowner apply as an owner-builder?
Potentially, if all owner-builder eligibility and documentation requirements are met. The city’s published conditions include single-family ownership and occupancy restrictions and notarized application sections. Review the official requirements before applying.
9. How much does a Boca Raton building permit cost?
The charge depends on the project and the applicable city fee schedule. Check current city fee information and the invoices assessed in Boca eHub. A formal city open-or-closed permit search letter is separately listed at $200 on the city’s Permit History page.
10. How long does Boca Raton permit approval take?
There is no single reliable approval time for every permit. Required reviews, application completeness, revisions, and project complexity affect the process. Monitor your application in Boca eHub for actual progress.
11. How can I verify a contractor before a permitted project?
Check the contractor’s relevant license through Florida’s official licensing resources, confirm the license category is appropriate, and compare the contractor’s information with the permit application. Ask the department about any local registration requirements.
12. What should I do if an inspection fails?
Review the inspection comments, identify the corrective work required, and coordinate the correction with the responsible contractor or qualified professional. Request another inspection using the city’s approved scheduling process when the work is ready.
Official Boca Raton Permit Resources
The following links lead to government resources or systems identified in the city’s published permitting guidance.
Permit searches, applications, invoices, inspections, and customer records.
Registration, account guidance, public record searches, inspection instructions, and tutorials.
Details about Boca eHub, ePlans/ProjectDox, corrections, and owner-builder requirements.
Scheduling methods, inspection code information, results, and inspector resources.
Older permit history, formal open-or-closed permit search information, and records requests.
Building permits, contact information, permit-related resources, and department updates.
Property identification and parcel research to help establish the correct property record.
State license information and contractor verification resources.