WallDockDeck
Tequesta · Palm Beach County

How high does a seawall have to be in Tequesta?

4ft NAVD88

New and substantially rebuilt seawalls in Tequesta need a cap of at least 4 ft NAVD88. Repairs under 50% of replacement cost are exempt.

Source: Village of Tequesta Code, Ch. 76 Waterway Control, Art. IV, Sec. 76-33 (Ord. 8-24, 11-14-2024); Secs. 76-32, 76-36 · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Zone X / X500Min 4 ft NAVD88; max 6 in. above grade or 4.5 ft NAVD88, whichever is greater - Sec. 76-33(3)
FEMA SFHA/CHHA with BFEMin 4 ft NAVD88; max 6 in. above grade or 5 ft NAVD88, whichever is greater - Sec. 76-33(3)
Applies toNew walls and repairs of 50% or more of replacement cost - Sec. 76-33
Returns/drainageCap above neighbor grade needs wall return and drainage plan - Sec. 76-33(4)
Riprap/mangroves100% facing on new/replaced walls - Sec. 76-34
Who may build a new wallOnly to stabilize disturbed shorelines or replace deteriorated walls. Natural shorelines and riprap revetments need a variance under Sec. 76-7, with evidence the shoreline is disturbed - Sec. 76-32(6)
How the 50% is measuredThe community development director keeps a list of typical cost per running foot for each type of wall - Sec. 76-33(7)
Mangrove monitoringPlanting plan at final inspection, a time-zero report within 30 days, then annual photos for five years; replant if under 80% survive. A recent sea grass study (no older than half a year) can excuse riprap - Sec. 76-34, 76-36(b)-(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.

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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 BeachJupiterPalm BeachWest Palm Beach

Other questions about Tequesta

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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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