WallDockDeck
Ocean Ridge · Palm Beach County

What are the deck setback and railing rules in Ocean Ridge?

0 ftsetback waived where a deck or patio abuts the seawall

Ocean Ridge sets uncovered decks, patios, steps and terraces 5 ft from property and right-of-way lines, but waives that setback for the part that abuts a seawall. On the beach side, decks and walkways may not go past the seaward toe of the dune.

Source: Town of Ocean Ridge Code Secs. 64-60, 64-41 (Supp. 15; Ord. 620, 638, 2022-09); Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Ed. (2023) R312.1.1-R312.1.3 (ICC Digital Codes) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Decks and patiosUnenclosed, uncovered decks, patios, driveways, parking areas, steps, stoops and terraces set back at least 5 ft from any property line or right-of-way line; where that part of the property abuts a sea wall, the setback for the area abutting the sea wall is waived. They must be maintained and drained to prevent nuisance. Code Sec. 64-60.
Roof decksFlat roof usable areas must meet all building setbacks. Sec. 64-60.
Dune crossoversDecks, walkways and steps may not extend beyond the seaward toe of the dune. Sec. 64-41.
ShedsSmall screened storage sheds (100 sq ft, 7 ft) may sit 3 ft from side and 5 ft from rear lines, but where the yard abuts a waterway the normal easement applies. Sec. 64-41(c)(3).
Small lotsLots under 10,000 sq ft may get an administrative special exception from the building official to let qualifying sheds encroach up to the property line. Sec. 64-41(c)(3)e.
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.

Your city's height sheet

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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 BeachDelray BeachPalm BeachJupiter

Other questions about Ocean Ridge

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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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