Legal Lot of
Record Review
(for a single-family residence)
Background: A legal lot of record is exempt from Concurrency for one (1) single-family dwelling unit. Examples of legal lots of record include: platted lots; lots which were subdivided prior to February of 1973; lots within an "antiquated" subdivision as defined in the PBC Comprehensive Plan; and lots appearing on the list of Affidavits of Exemption. The legal status of a lot is determined by the method by which it has been sub-divided, and is not to be confused with chain of ownership or associated with a title insurance policy.
Platted lots with a legal description matching the original plat as well as lots identified in the "Blue Book" (Lots of Record Eligible for Vesting from Concurrency) may not require review, and are eligible for permitting. All other lots will require submittal of a Request for Legal Lot of Record Review.
Application Intake: Application forms can be obtained form the Community Development Review Section (CDR) of the Zoning Division, 2nd Floor - East Wing, or by fax by calling (561) 233-5042. The application must include the following: owner's name; applicant name, address and contact/fax number(s); property control number (PCN)* and location; and a copy of the current recorded deed**. Applications can be submitted to the CDR Secretary in person or by fax at (561) 233-5165.
Review Fee/Time/Process: A $35.00 is required. Staff will process a request within 10 working days. If Zoning Division records do not show that the parcel is a legal lot of record, Zoning staff will initiate further research by the Land Development Division of the Engineering and Public Works Department. The applicant may also be requested to provide a deed for the subject parcel recorded prior to February of 1973 (note: if available, this deed may be included in the application submittal). Additional review time may be required contingent on the applicant's ability to provide any requested documentation.Approval/Denial: If research and/or documentation provided verifies that the subject parcel is a legal lot of record, a certificate (Vested Letter) is issued, vesting the lot from Concurrency for a single-family residence. All lots identified in the Blue Book or having a Vested Letter will be required to pay an additional $50 fee at the time building permits are submitted.
If a lot cannot be determined to be a legal lot of record, the applicant may be eligible to submit a Request for Potentially Buildable Lot Review.
* An application may be submitted without a PCN, if the legal description is substituted; however, a PCN will be required prior to the issuance of a Vested Letter.
** Quit claim deeds must be documented back to a recorded warranty deed.
For further information contact:
Palm Beach County Zoning Division
2300 N. Jog Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33411
(561) 233-5200