WallDockDeck
Ocean Ridge · Palm Beach County

How high does a seawall have to be in Ocean Ridge?

5ft NAVD88

New, substantially repaired or substantially rehabilitated seawalls in Ocean Ridge must have a top (including cap) of at least 5 ft NAVD88. Atlantic Ocean frontage is excluded.

Source: Town of Ocean Ridge Code, Ch. 64 Zoning, Art. IV, Sec. 64-82 (Ord. 2025-03, 6-2-2025); Sec. 64-81 · Verified 2026-10

The detail

MinimumTop elevation incl. cap min 5 ft NAVD88 - Sec. 64-82(a)(1)
TriggerNew wall, work on more than 50% of shoreline length, or over 50% of replacement cost - Sec. 64-82(c)(5)
Also triggeredSubstantial damage/improvement of the principal structure - Sec. 64-82(b)
ExcludedProperties adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean - Sec. 64-82(f)
MaximumNone set
Cap widthNo more than 2 ft from the wet face or the property line, whichever is greater - Sec. 64-82(a)(4)
How far waterwardWhere the property line abuts the waterway line, a rebuilt wall may project at most 18 in. waterward, with no further projections - Sec. 64-82(a)(3)a
Cost test50% of fair market replacement cost as certified by a licensed Florida engineer; docks, piles and footers are excluded unless poured monolithically with the wall - Sec. 64-82(c)(5)
Navigation and easementsWhere the lot runs past the waterway line, a new or rebuilt wall may not unreasonably interfere with navigation or existing easement rights - Sec. 64-82(a)(2), (a)(3)b
NeglectA seawall, bulkhead or dock left in disrepair or ruin so it causes flooding or damage is declared a public nuisance; failing to maintain is a citable violation under the town's community standards procedures - Sec. 64-81, 64-82(e)
No walls on empty lotsA new seawall is not allowed where none existed and no principal structure exists, except to protect government property - Sec. 64-82(g)

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.

Done — it is on the way to your inbox. Not there in a minute? Check your Promotions or Spam folder, and move it to your inbox so the next ones arrive.

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 BeachJupiterPalm BeachWest Palm Beach

Other questions about Ocean Ridge

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

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.

Done — it is on the way to your inbox. Not there in a minute? Check your Promotions or Spam folder, and move it to your inbox so the next ones arrive.