Zoning explained · Palm Beach County

General Commercial (GC) District West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach\'s zoning code does not use the label \"CG\"; its equivalent district is the General Commercial (GC) district under Sec. 94-145 (Article V - Commercial Districts). Citywide permitted uses for all commercial districts, including GC, are governed by the Permitted Use Table at Sec. 94-272 (Article IX).

217 buildings zoned CG53 permitted business types

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Education › Zoning & land use › West Palm Beach — CG

Permitted uses

What you can operate in CG, West Palm Beach

The businesses the CG district in West Palm Beach allows. The ones on the left are permitted by right; the ones on the right need a special approval first. (Zoning codes are set by each municipality, so CG here means specifically West Palm Beach's CG district.)

Allowed by right

Clothing/apparel retail storeConvenience storeGrocery store/supermarketFurniture/home goods storeElectronics retail storePet store/pet supplies retailBookstoreSit-down restaurantCoffee shop/cafeFast-casual/quick-service restaurantBakery (retail)Hair salon/barbershopNail salonDay spaDry cleaner (drop-off/pickup)Pet groomingTailor/alterations shopDance studioYoga/pilates studioCrossFit/fitness gymMartial arts/jiu-jitsu studioReal estate officeLaw officeInsurance agencyAccounting/tax preparation officeBank/credit union branchMedical clinic/urgent careDental officePhysical therapy officeHotel/motelPrint/copy shopPhone/electronics repair shopCoworking/shared office space

With special approval

Bar/tavern (no extended-hours entertainment)Nightclub/live entertainment venueBrewery/microbrewery with tasting roomTattoo/piercing studioIndoor trampoline park/kids play centerMovie theaterBowling alleyCheck-cashing/payday loan storeVeterinary clinic (no outdoor kenneling)Bed & breakfastAuto repair/mechanic shopTire shopCar washAuto detailingGas station/fuel salesUsed/new car sales lotSelf-storage/mini-warehouse facilityDrive-through pharmacy or restaurantEvent/banquet hallOutdoor display/sales (e.g., garden center, furniture)

Build envelope

Development standards

Headline dimensional limits for this district. Confirm exact figures against the current code for your specific parcel.

Minimum lot area5,000 square feet; minimum lot width: 50 feet

Maximum lot coverage by buildings60%; maximum impermeable surface coverage: 85%

Minimum open space40%; minimum landscape area: 15%

StandardNo citywide maximum building height, but capped at 30 feet where abutting a residential district

StandardFront setback ranges from 5 feet (buildings ≤50 ft tall) up to 20+ feet for taller buildings; side/rear setbacks 5–15 feet depending on adjacency to residential zoning

StandardResidential density up to 20 (or 32.27 as a planned development) dwelling units/acre allowed in conjunction with nonresidential development in Commercial East future land use areas

The fine print

In plain English

BY RIGHT No hearing needed

If your business is on the by-right list, you can occupy a space in this district and open — no zoning hearing. Building permits and licensing still apply, but the use itself is already allowed.

SPECIAL Approval first

Special-approval uses can work here too, but they go through a public review before opening. Plan for extra time and possible conditions — we'll tell you which path a space needs.

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