WallDockDeck
Gulf Stream · Palm Beach County

What are the deck setback and railing rules in Gulf Stream?

20 ftfrom a water lot line on the Intracoastal for minor accessory structures (raised decks, pools)

Gulf Stream treats decks and patios more than 8 inches above grade, and in-ground pools, as minor accessory structures that must stay 20 ft from a water lot line connected to the Intracoastal. Low patios and decks up to 8 inches high need only 3 ft from property lines.

Source: Town of Gulf Stream Code Secs. 70-74, 70-51, 66-367 (Supp. 4); Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Ed. (2023) R312.1.1-R312.1.3 (ICC Digital Codes) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Low patios and decksPatios and decks up to 8 inches higher than the highest abutting grade: minimum 3 ft from all property lines. Code Sec. 70-74.
Raised decks are 'minor accessory'Decks and patios more than 8 inches above the highest abutting grade, in-ground pools and spas (waterfalls up to 4 ft), and one-story detached structures up to 300 sq ft and 18 ft are minor accessory structures. Sec. 70-51.
Water setbackWater lot line connected to the ICWW: minor accessory structures 20 ft in every district column; principal structures 50 ft in the Gulf Stream Core district and 30 ft in others. Accessory structures that are not 'minor' meet principal setbacks. Sec. 70-74.
PoolsAbove-ground pools (top edge more than 2 ft above average grade) are not allowed in any district; barrier at least 4 ft; pools may be visible from waterways. Sec. 66-367.
Other minor accessory setbacksRear interior/beach 15 ft; interior side 12-15 ft depending on district; pools in Place Au Soleil Addition No. 2 10 ft rear measured to the water. Sec. 70-74.
DistrictsThe setback table covers the Gulf Stream Core, Ocean West, Beachfront, North/South and Place au Soleil districts. Sec. 70-74.
Guards (state rule)Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Sec. R312.1.1-R312.1.3: a guard is required on open sides of a walking surface located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below at any point within 24 inches of the open edge; it must be at least 36 inches high; openings must not let a 4-inch sphere pass. No local guard amendment was found in this town's code.

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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.

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