WallDockDeck
Delray Beach · Palm Beach County

What are the storm and debris rules in Delray Beach?

60 / 365 daysto show progress / finish a cited seawall

Delray Beach makes failing to maintain or repair a needed seawall a public nuisance, with 60 days to show progress and 365 days to finish after notice. Before each hurricane season owners must inspect their land and fix hazards; during a warning or alert, construction materials must be tied down, and in single-family districts dumpsters must be emptied and roof tiles strapped or removed. The city will not collect construction or demolition debris.

Source: City of Delray Beach Code of Ordinances Secs. 37.39, 51.20, 100.02, 100.04; Land Development Regulations Secs. 4.4.3, 7.1.4 (Municode) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Seawall nuisanceIt is unlawful and a public nuisance to fail to erect, maintain or repair a seawall where a body of water requires one - necessary when the lack or condition of the wall endangers safety, navigability or swimming, allows upland erosion or transfer of material, or lets tidal water reach neighbours or the right-of-way. Show progress within sixty (60) days of notice and complete within three hundred sixty-five (365) days - Code Sec. 100.04 (Ord. 22-21)
Before the seasonEach year, prior to hurricane season, property owners shall inspect their properties and correct conditions that may be a hazard in hurricane winds; debris or vegetation that creates such a hazard is a nuisance - Sec. 100.02. Civil penalty: $250 uncontested, $325 contested - Sec. 37.39
Warning or alertConstruction materials and equipment shall be secured against displacement by wind - by guying and shoring and tying down loose materials, equipment and construction sheds - and loose outdoor objects lashed or stored - LDR Sec. 7.1.4(D)(1)
Single-family sitesIn the event of tropical storm or hurricane warnings the applicant/owner shall empty all dumpsters, remove or secure loose construction debris, materials and port-o-lets, and strap or remove all roof tiles - LDR Sec. 4.4.3(I)(5)
Not collectedBuilding materials from construction, alteration or demolition will not be collected under the city's residential service; removal is the contractor's or installer's responsibility. Debris from minor do-it-yourself repairs is collected if bundled, with lumber no longer than four (4) feet and without nails - Sec. 51.20

Your city's height sheet

The elevation your city requires, the datum it is measured in, and the section of code that says so. One page.

Available for the cities whose rule we have verified and sourced.

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The county rule behind this

What applies across Palm Beach County, and where each city departs from it.

Palm Beach CountySeawall requirements county-wide

The same question, nearby

The rule changes at the city line, not the county line.

Palm BeachBoca RatonPalm BeachWest Palm BeachPalm BeachNorth Palm Beach

Other questions about Delray Beach

Seawall height requirementHow high does a seawall have to be in Delray Beach?Seawall permit processDo I need a permit to repair a seawall in Delray Beach?Flood zone & elevationWhat flood zone is Delray Beach in, and what does it require?Dock permit & size limitsHow big a dock can I build in Delray Beach?Boat lift rulesWhat are the boat lift rules in Delray Beach?Waterfront deck requirementsWhat are the deck setback and railing rules in Delray Beach?Checking a marine contractorHow do I check a marine contractor in Delray Beach?

Twelve signs a seawall is failing

What to look for, where to look for it, and what it means when you find it. Walk your wall in twenty minutes.

A screening sheet for owners, not an engineering inspection.

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