Department of Community Development FAQ's


Frequently Asked Questions
What is the zoning and land use designation of my property?


 You may view the Zoning Map and Future Land Use Map (coming soon) on the Planning & Zoning home page.

If you are unable to locate your property on the Zoning Map or Future Land Use Map or if you wish to confirm your zoning and land use designation, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.
What are the setbacks on my property?

 Setbacks are based on the zoning district in which your property is located. For single family residential properties in the R-1 and R1-A zoning districts, access the Schedule of Site Requirements Table, which establishes the minimum property and building regulations for all commercial and residential development within the village.

Access the Village Code. 

If you would like assistance in determining your setbacks, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.

What does lot coverage mean?


 Lot coverage means that portion of the area of a lot, plot, or building site, expressed as a percentage, occupied by all buildings or structures which are roofed or are otherwise covered, exclusive of its eaves, and any portion of such building covered by a roof which qualifies as open space or any covered terrace, balcony, breezeway or porch or portion thereof not included in the floor area of a building shall be included in lot coverage.

For example, a lot containing 10,000 square feet has principal and accessory buildings planned or existing whose ground-floor area (footprint) is 2,500 square feet; thus lot coverage is 25 percent.
Un-screened patios or swimming pools are not considered in computing lot coverage, however, screened-in pools or patios are considered in computing lot coverage, but are computed as only 50 percent of their actual coverage.

If you would like assistance in calculating your lot coverage, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.
What does open space mean?
 Open space means that part of a lot, including courts or yards, which is open and unobstructed and is available for entry and use from its lowest level to the sky, and is available for entry and use by the occupants of the buildings on the premises and may include space located and treated to enhance the amenity of the development by providing landscaping and/or screening for the benefit of the occupants or neighboring areas. Open space may include water surfaces that comprise not more than ten percent of total open space; however, required parking shall not be computed as required open space.

If you would like assistance in calculating your open space requirement, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.
I want to install a swimming pool. What are the setback requirements for swimming pools?

 Per village code section 78-583: “all applicable setbacks for open swimming pools may be reduced by up to three feet of the established setback required by the zoning district in which the pool is located, as set forth on the schedule of site regulations in section 78-143. All applicable setbacks for swimming pools which are covered or enclosed shall meet the required setbacks of the zoning district in which the pool is located, as set forth on the schedule of site regulations.

For purposes of measuring setback requirements, all setback measurements for open swimming pools shall be taken from the closest point of the water's edge. For covered or enclosed swimming pools, all setback measurements shall be taken from the closest point of the cover, enclosure, and/or structural framing”.

The Residential Open and Covered Pool Setback Requirements Table can be viewed and downloaded.

If you would like assistance in determining required swimming pool setbacks, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.

How do I measure roof height on a main building or accessory structure?
Building height means the vertical distance measured from the existing average elevation of the highest adjacent grade, at the base of the building to the highest point of the building or roof. Height shall be measured to the highest point of the following:
  • The coping of a flat roof;
  • The average height level between the eaves and roof ridge or peak with gable, hip, or gambrel roofs;
  • Deck lines on a mansard roof;
  • For a roof with equipment which exceeds more than four feet above the highest point of the roof. Stairways, elevator penthouses, and accessory operating equipment enclosed within the roofline are excluded, as are screens to conceal facilities on the roof provided that the screen is not under roof and is less than ten feet in height.
If you would like assistance in determining building height, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.
How do I measure roof height on a main building or accessory structure?

 Building height means the vertical distance measured from the existing average elevation of the highest adjacent grade, at the base of the building to the highest point of the building or roof. Height shall be measured to the highest point of the following:
  • The coping of a flat roof;
  • The average height level between the eaves and roof ridge or peak with gable, hip, or gambrel roofs;
  • Deck lines on a mansard roof;
  • For a roof with equipment which exceeds more than four feet above the highest point of the roof. Stairways, elevator penthouses, and accessory operating equipment enclosed within the roofline are excluded, as are screens to conceal facilities on the roof provided that the screen is not under roof and is less than ten feet in height.
If you would like assistance in determining building height, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.
I want to install a fence or add fence sections. How do I determine where I can install a new fence?

 Generally, walls and fences may be erected or maintained within or adjacent to a property line to a height not exceeding 6 feet. No wall or fence is permitted to extend forward of the adjacent or nearest portion of the building front, regardless of the actual, allowed building setback line, on any lot or parcel. Please click on the hyperlink below to view Section 78.284. Walls and Fences of the Village Code of Ordinances.

Access the Village Code


If you would like assistance in determining where you can install a fence or wall, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.
I want to build a new dock. How do I find regulations on dock or pier length, width or configuration?

 Regulations on dock or pier length, width or configuration vary depending upon which local waterway your property is located; Loxachatchee River, Intracoastal or Canal waterway. Please click on the hyperlink below to view Chapter 76 Waterway Control of the Village Code of Ordinances to determine specific regulations.

Access the Village Code

If you would like assistance in determining dock length, width or configuration for your property, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.
What is a variance?

 Appeals and variances may be granted by either the Planning & Zoning Board or the Village Council. The Planning & Zoning Board considers appeals and variances relating to single-family properties and structures located within the R-1A and R-1 single-family dwelling districts of the village. The Village Council shall consider appeals and variances relating to all other properties not within the jurisdiction of the Planning & Zoning Board, including properties within the R-1A and R-1 single-family dwelling districts which are not single-family, and structures and properties in all other zoning districts in the village, and appeals and variances relating to subdivisions in any zoning district.
Generally, the Planning & Zoning Board or Village Council can authorize, upon application in specific cases, such variance from the terms of Zoning Code of Ordinances as will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of Zoning Code will result in unnecessary hardship. The power to grant any such variance shall be limited by and contingent upon a finding by the Board or Council that:
  • Special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures or buildings in the same zoning district.
  • The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant.
  • Granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this chapter to other lands, buildings or structures in the same zoning district.
  • Literal interpretation of the provisions of this chapter would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district under the terms of this chapter and would work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant.
  • The variance granted is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the land, building or structure.
  • The grant of the variance will be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of this chapter and such variance will not be injurious to the area involved or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.
To arrange a pre-submittal meeting with planning staff and to review variance procedures, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to speak with a planner.
What are the dates for Planning & Zoning Board and Village Council Meetings for variance applications?

 The Planning & Zoning Board meets as needed on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 pm. Applications with all backup must be submitted 45 business days prior. The Village Council meets regularly on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm. Applications with all backup must be submitted 45 business days prior.
Please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to discuss application procedures and deadlines.
What is the PCN for my property?

 You may find your Property Control Number by visiting the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s website by clicking on the hyperlink below. Select the owner, address or name of the subdivision of the property to find the PCN number.
What is an easement?


 An easement is a specified dedication of land to serve the purpose of the provision of services or the provision of access. A utility easement is a common example. Easements effect how you can utilize the land. Along with a recent survey, planning staff can assist you in finding out if you have an easement on your property.

Please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 or visit the Building Counter and ask to speak with a planner.
I want to install new signs for my business. How do I find out how large they can be and how many are allowed?


Sign regulations vary depending on which zoning district your property is located. To view and download the most current ordinance for signage click on the hyperlink below.

Access the Village Code. 

For more information, please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 or visit the Building Counter and ask to speak with a planner.
What is a site plan review?


All development and redevelopment for all permitted uses in all zoning districts, except single family dwellings R-1 and R-1A residential zoning districts, must apply for a site plan review. Any modifications to property aesthetics, building color, façade upgrades, roofing materials, freestanding and wall signage and any substantial driveway, pathway, parking lot or landscaping modifications in commercial and multi-family districts must also apply for a site plan review. Click on the hyperlink below to view the Village Code section pertaining to Site Plan Review.

Access the Village Code. 

Please contact the Department of Community Development at 561-768-0451 to discuss the application process and deadlines.

What is a Business Tax Receipt (BTR)? How do I obtain one?




The Village Code of Ordinances requires any business operating within the Village limits to have a Businesses Tax Receipt issued through the Building Department based on the following criteria: Individuals, agencies or companies engaged in any business and/or profession, whereby services are performed for the public in return for a consideration and where the sale of merchandise, a product or other tangible property may occur, and/or where certification or registration may be required to perform such services (nonprofessional category). To download and view the Village of Tequesta Business Tax Receipt Application and the Palm Beach County Business Tax Receipt Application please visit the Building Department web page.

Note: The Department of Community Development reviews all BTR applications and Home Business Permit Applications for conformity to permitted use within a zoning district.
Please contact the Building Department at 561-768-0450 or visit the Building Counter for further information.
I want to start a home business. Where can I find the application?

 A Business Tax Receipt is also required for a home business. The Home Business Permit Application can be found by visiting the Forms section of the Building Department’s home page.
Please contact the Building Department at 561-768-0450 or visit the Building Counter for further information.