Which review board governs new construction in Delray Beach?

It depends on the parcel. Properties inside one of Delray's five historic districts (Marina, Nassau Street, Del-Ida Park, Old School Square, West Settlers) fall under the Historic Preservation Board. Coastal and most new-construction work outside the historic districts goes through the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board. Atlantic Avenue corridor properties additionally follow the Downtown Design Guidelines enforced by the CRA.

What is the Marina Historic District?

The Marina Historic District is a Delray Beach historic preservation area along the Intracoastal Waterway, covering properties south of Atlantic Avenue in the Marina neighborhood. New construction, additions, and substantial alterations inside the district require Historic Preservation Board approval evaluating massing, materials, and compatibility with the district's period character. Outside the district, the standard Site Plan Review and Appearance Board governs.

Is oceanfront single-family development active in Delray Beach?

Yes. The Seagate and Beach Drive stretch along A1A holds a discreet inventory of direct-oceanfront single-family residences. Every oceanfront parcel is governed by Florida's Coastal Construction Control Line, which drives foundation and elevation engineering. Single-family oceanfront transactions in Delray typically close between $12 million and $40 million-plus.

What are typical construction costs in Delray Beach?

$750 to $1,200 per square foot for inland custom residences outside historic districts; $900 to $1,500 per square foot inside historic districts (period-correct materials and detailing add a premium); $1,000 to $1,800 per square foot for direct-oceanfront construction along A1A. These figures exclude land, architecture, landscape, pool, dock, and FF&E.

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Delray Beach

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Overview

Delray Beach, Delray Beach

Delray Beach has evolved from a low-key beach town into one of Palm Beach County's most active high-end residential markets, anchored by the Atlantic Avenue corridor, the Seagate and Beach Drive oceanfront stretch, and the historic Marina Historic District on the Intracoastal. The city operates multiple design-review processes: the Historic Preservation Board for properties inside the five historic districts, the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board for most other coastal and new-construction work, and the Downtown Design Guidelines for the Atlantic Avenue CRA. Oceanfront parcels are subject to Florida's Coastal Construction Control Line, and direct-ocean single-family properties transact between $12M and $40M+.

Why Sabal in Delray Beach

Delray's permitting rhythm rewards builders who know which review board governs a given parcel and how to stage plan submittals to avoid cycle churn. Sabal has worked both the beachside CCCL process and the historic-district review for properties inside Marina and Nassau Street. We know the city staff, the local architects who clear HPB on first presentation, and the subcontractors who can actually perform at the standard Delray ownership expects.

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Frequently asked

Building in Delray Beach.

Which review board governs new construction in Delray Beach?: It depends on the parcel. Properties inside one of Delray's five historic districts (Marina, Nassau Street, Del-Ida Park, Old School Square, West Settlers) fall under the Historic Preservation Board. Coastal and most new-construction work outside the historic districts goes through the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board. Atlantic Avenue corridor properties additionally follow the Downtown Design Guidelines enforced by the CRA.
What is the Marina Historic District?: The Marina Historic District is a Delray Beach historic preservation area along the Intracoastal Waterway, covering properties south of Atlantic Avenue in the Marina neighborhood. New construction, additions, and substantial alterations inside the district require Historic Preservation Board approval evaluating massing, materials, and compatibility with the district's period character. Outside the district, the standard Site Plan Review and Appearance Board governs.
Is oceanfront single-family development active in Delray Beach?: Yes. The Seagate and Beach Drive stretch along A1A holds a discreet inventory of direct-oceanfront single-family residences. Every oceanfront parcel is governed by Florida's Coastal Construction Control Line, which drives foundation and elevation engineering. Single-family oceanfront transactions in Delray typically close between $12 million and $40 million-plus.
What are typical construction costs in Delray Beach?: $750 to $1,200 per square foot for inland custom residences outside historic districts; $900 to $1,500 per square foot inside historic districts (period-correct materials and detailing add a premium); $1,000 to $1,800 per square foot for direct-oceanfront construction along A1A. These figures exclude land, architecture, landscape, pool, dock, and FF&E.
Has Sabal delivered projects in Delray Beach?: Sabal has worked both the beachside CCCL process and the historic-district review for Delray properties, and maintains working relationships with city staff, local architects who clear HPB on first presentation, and the subcontractors performing at the standard Delray ownership expects. The firm treats Delray Beach as a primary Palm Beach County market alongside Manalapan, Highland Beach, and Boca Raton.

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