Is Northwood Hills a historic district?
Yes. Northwood Hills is a locally designated historic district within the City of West Palm Beach. Historic designation helps preserve the architecture and character that make our neighborhood special.

Do I need approval before making changes to my home?
Possibly. Exterior alterations to properties within the historic district may require review by the City of West Palm Beach Historic Preservation Division and a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Check with Historic Preservation before beginning exterior work.

Can I change the paint color of my house?
Yes. The City does not regulate residential paint colors within historic districts, although Historic Preservation staff can provide guidance on historically appropriate colors.

Can I replace my windows, doors or roof?
Yes, but these improvements may require Historic Preservation review and/or a City permit. Contact Historic Preservation before purchasing materials or beginning work to confirm what is permitted.

What types of fences are allowed?
Fencing within a historic district is subject to City requirements. Wood and aluminum fencing may generally be permitted when applicable standards are met, while vinyl fencing is not permitted in historic districts. Check with the City before purchasing or installing a fence.

Are there incentives for restoring a historic home?
Qualifying historic properties may be eligible for an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for approved rehabilitation improvements. Applications must be submitted before work begins. Contact the City’s Historic Preservation Division for current requirements.

What is WPB Key?

WPB Key is the City of West Palm Beach’s service-request system and should be your first stop for most non-emergency City issues. Residents can use it to report missed garbage, potholes, streetlights, code concerns, overgrown vegetation, damaged signs and other maintenance issues. Visit wpb.org and search “WPB Key.”

How do I report missed trash, recycling, bulk waste or vegetation pickup?
Submit a service request through WPB Key or contact West Palm Beach Public Works at 561-822-2075.

How do I find my trash and recycling schedule?
The City provides a Sanitation Service Day Lookup by address. Visit wpb.org and search “Sanitation Service Day Lookup” for your current schedule.

How do I report a code compliance concern?
Submit the issue through WPB Key. Include the exact location and photos when possible so the City can route and investigate the request appropriately.

How do I report a pothole, broken streetlight or damaged street sign?
Submit the location through WPB Key. For streetlights, the City can help determine whether the light is maintained by the City or FPL.

Where do I go for building permits?
Building permits are handled by the City of West Palm Beach Development Services Department. If your property is within the historic district and the work affects the exterior, Historic Preservation review may also be required.

Who do I call for a City issue after hours?
The City of West Palm Beach’s 24-hour hotline is 561-822-2222.

Who do I call for a police or safety concern?
For an emergency or immediate threat to life or property, call 911. For non-emergency police matters, contact the West Palm Beach Police Department at 561-822-1900.

What should I do if I see suspicious activity?
If something doesn’t look right, report it directly to the West Palm Beach Police Department rather than relying solely on social media or neighborhood groups. Call 911 for an active emergency or 561-822-1900 for non-emergency concerns.

I’m going out of town. Can the police check on my home?
Yes. The West Palm Beach Police Department offers a House Watch program for residents who will be away. Contact WPBPD or visit the City’s website for current enrollment information.

How do I report speeding or recurring traffic concerns?
Traffic and speeding concerns can be reported to the City through WPB Key. If the issue is recurring or affects multiple streets or residents, please also let the Neighborhood Association know so we can help identify patterns and advocate for appropriate solutions.

What can be done about dangerous intersections or traffic conditions?
The City evaluates traffic concerns and may consider measures such as signage, pavement markings, traffic calming, visibility improvements, or other engineering solutions. Submit specific concerns through WPB Key and include as much detail about the location and problem as possible.

How do I report parking concerns?
Parking violations or recurring parking concerns should be reported to the appropriate City department or through WPB Key. For an immediate safety issue involving a vehicle blocking traffic or creating a hazard, contact the West Palm Beach Police Department.

Who should I contact about a street, sidewalk or other right-of-way concern?
Potholes, damaged sidewalks, street signs, drainage concerns, streetlights, and other public right-of-way issues can generally be reported through WPB Key. Include the exact location and a photo whenever possible.

Can I make changes to my landscaping?
Yes. Residents are encouraged to maintain and improve their yards. Most planting and landscaping changes do not require Historic Preservation approval; however, tree removal, fences, walls, hardscaping and structures may be subject to City requirements.

What is the swale, and who is responsible for trees in it?
The swale is the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street (or, in some areas, between the curb and property line) designed to help with drainage and stormwater management. Trees located in the swale are typically within the City’s right-of-way, meaning they are generally maintained by the City of West Palm Beach. However, adjacent property owners are often expected to help keep the swale clean and may be responsible for routine upkeep such as mowing. If a swale tree is damaged, diseased, or poses a safety concern, it should be reported to the City through WPB Key.

Who is responsible for maintaining trees on private property?
Property owners are generally responsible for trees located on their property. Concerns involving City-owned trees, rights-of-way or potentially hazardous conditions should be reported to the City through WPB Key.

Can I plant or improve a traffic circle, median or other public area?
Please don’t make changes to public landscaping or rights-of-way without approval. If you see an area that could use some love, contact the Neighborhood Association so we can coordinate improvements with the City.

What does the Beautification Committee do?
The Beautification Committee works to enhance the appearance of Northwood Hills through neighborhood cleanups, landscaping projects, improvements to shared spaces and helping neighbors who may need a hand maintaining their properties.

How can I help with neighborhood beautification?
We welcome neighbors who enjoy gardening, landscaping, DIY projects, cleanup days or simply lending a hand. You don’t need any special skills—just a willingness to help make Northwood Hills a more beautiful place to call home.

Can I donate tools or supplies?
Yes! We are building a neighborhood tool shed with working, usable tools that can help volunteers and neighbors tackle landscaping and home improvement projects. Contact us if you have tools or supplies you’d like to donate.

How do I report a code compliance concern?
Code concerns can be reported directly to the City of West Palm Beach through WPB Key. Providing the exact location, a description of the concern, and photos when available can help the City investigate and respond appropriately.

What types of issues can Code Compliance address?
Code Compliance addresses many property-related concerns, including overgrown lots, property maintenance, accumulation of trash or debris, certain abandoned or inoperable vehicles, unsafe conditions, and other potential violations of City codes.

What should I do about an overgrown or poorly maintained property?
If you are comfortable doing so, consider speaking with your neighbor first—they may need a little help. Our Beautification Committee may also be able to assist neighbors who have physical or financial limitations. Ongoing or significant property maintenance concerns can be reported to the City through WPB Key.

What can I do about an abandoned or inoperable vehicle?
Vehicles that appear abandoned or inoperable may be subject to City regulations depending on where and how they are stored. Submit the location and details through WPB Key so the appropriate City department can determine whether action is needed.

Can I report a concern anonymously?
Florida’s rules regarding anonymous code complaints are limited. In most cases, a person reporting a potential code violation must provide their name and address to the City. Contact Code Compliance or use WPB Key for current reporting requirements.

Can the Neighborhood Association enforce City codes?
No. The Northwood Hills Neighborhood Association is an independent neighborhood organization and does not have code enforcement authority. Code violations must be investigated and enforced by the City of West Palm Beach.

Should I contact the Neighborhood Association about a problem with another property?
For individual code violations, WPB Key is generally the best place to start. However, please contact us if an issue affects the broader neighborhood, you aren’t sure which City resource to use, or you believe a neighbor may simply need some community support.

What does the Northwood Hills Neighborhood Association do?
The Northwood Hills Neighborhood Association brings neighbors together to strengthen our community, preserve its historic character, and improve quality of life through beautification, historic preservation, education, advocacy, events, and neighborly engagement.

Is the Neighborhood Association part of the City of West Palm Beach?
No. The Northwood Hills Neighborhood Association, Inc. is an independent nonprofit neighborhood organization. We work closely with the City and advocate on behalf of our neighborhood, but we are not a City department and cannot provide City services or enforce City ordinances.

Who can participate in the Neighborhood Association?
Everyone who calls Northwood Hills home is encouraged to participate! Attending meetings, volunteering, joining a committee, becoming a Block Captain, or simply staying informed are all great ways to be involved in our neighborhood.

When and where are neighborhood meetings held?
Neighborhood meetings and other community events are posted on the Events Calendar on our website. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, share ideas, and learn about what’s happening in and around Northwood Hills.

How do I stay informed about what’s happening in Northwood Hills?
Register as a neighbor through our website to receive neighborhood news, meeting information, City updates, events, volunteer opportunities, and other important communications. You can also follow the Neighborhood Association on social media.

How can I get involved or volunteer?
There are many ways to get involved, whether you have an hour to help or want to take on a larger role. Opportunities include the Beautification Committee, Block Captain program, neighborhood cleanups, Historic Home Tour, community events, and special projects. Visit the Get Involved page to learn more.

What is a Block Captain?
Block Captains help strengthen communication and connection at the street level. They serve as a friendly point of contact for their block, welcome new neighbors, share important neighborhood information, and help connect residents with the Association and one another.

How do I contact the Board?
Use the Contact Us form on our website for Association-related questions, ideas, or neighborhood concerns. Our Board is made up of neighborhood volunteers, and we’ll do our best to respond or help connect you with the appropriate resource.