Will you need to apply for a permit from Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District for work you are planning to do within the District? That depends on what type of work is being done and where. Northern’s permit application is maintained on our website under the Permit/Plat Program tab. The application lists the types of work which require permits: drainage modifications, construction, utility work and encroachments into Northern’s right-of-way. You should check here and see if your project type is listed.

As an agency primarily responsible for construction and maintenance of stormwater management systems, Northern has been granted easements and rights-of-way to facilitate this operation. As an example, take the case of a homeowner who seeks to construct a seawall behind his property adjacent to a Northern owned lake. This seawall may hinder the access for maintenance of the lake or lake bank necessary to provide protection to residents from storm water overflow. The property owner’s contractor would come to Northern with the permit application, permit fee and plans for the seawall construction. Northern’s staff would then review the application and plans and determine if the proposed seawall will impede maintenance or efficient operation.

Most people think large construction projects require permits and this is true. These projects require permits from many entities, including Northern, if the construction is located in an active Unit of Development within Northern’s jurisdiction. Construction of a building with adjacent parking areas will change the natural flow of water and consequently drainage. The plans for such a large project are reviewed by Northern’s District Engineer. They will determine, from an engineering perspective, how the proposed project affects drainage and what the permittee needs to do to ensure that proper drainage is maintained. The permit will have conditions stating that any water bodies adjacent to the site must be protected against effects of construction.

Utility companies seek permits for work to be done with their underground cables which are to be placed within Northern’s right-of-way. These types of permits are most often issued for work alongside and/or across roadways that Northern maintains. When completed, these projects will not impede into the right-of-way, but Northern needs to monitor the progress during and after construction to ensure that the site is fully restored. This is a good example of how Northern’s permitting process is a visible benefit to District constituents.

Engineering firms, fence contractors, irrigation companies and the like should know when they need to apply for a permit, and they should have reference maps which detail Northern’s boundaries. For your information, Northern’s Unit of Development map can be found on the District website under the General Information tab.

In the future, should you be planning a project and your contractor informs you that a permit is required; you will now have a better understanding of why the District requires the permit and why it is ultimately a process that benefits you and your fellow Northern constituents.