The City of West Palm Beach has been involved in Historic Preservation since 1988, when a survey of the historical and architectural resources was conducted. Since then, The City has developed a progressive historic preservation program. This includes the adoption of a Historic Preservation Ordinance, Participation in the Florida Certified Local Government Program, the designation of sixteen (16) historic districts amounting to over 3,200 properties, and an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program. In 1991, Old Northwood was adopted as the City’s first historic district. The City’s historic districts have a unique character that they wish to maintain for future generations.

BUILDING SIZE, SCALE AND MASS REGULATIONS ADOPTED FOR THE CITY’S RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS!

To view Ordinance 4265-10, click below:
http://wpb.org/hist_pres/pdf/Filenet4265-10.pdf

To view maps of the City’s Historic Districts, click below:
http://www.wpbgis.com/downloads_maps.php

Project Background
Since 2006, the City of West Palm Beach embarked on a public process, looking for tools to protect the character of its residential historic districts. Guidelines and dimensional standards to address building mass and scale were developed to provide tools to help ensure that neighborhood character is maintained. The Building Mass and Scale in the Historic Districts of West Palm Beach project identified the appropriate tools, such as a maximum Floor Area Ratio and Lot Coverage, to address mass and scale as part of a wider goal to protect the design character of residential areas in the city’s historic districts.
The new regulations meet preservation goals while also allowing for reinvestment and change. Public participation throughout the process helped to ensure that the regulations promote new development in a way that reflects the needs and values of the community. Contemporary preferences and market trends were balanced with preservation objectives to ensure a positive outcome.
The project has included active public participation in a series of community workshops and was endorsed by the City’s Historic Preservation Board, Planning Board and Downtown Action Committee. The Ordinance was adopted upon two readings by the City Commission, and is in effect as of May 27, 2010.
For more information, contact the Historic Preservation Division at 561.822.1435.