Zoning explained · Palm Beach County

R-1-A single-family Boca Raton, Florida

Single-family residential district (R-1-A single-family). Residential only; nonresidential uses only by conditional use. Not a commercial/industrial district.

2 buildings zoned R1A15 permitted business types
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Insights › Zoning & land use › Boca Raton — R1A
Permitted uses

What you can operate in R1A, Boca Raton

The businesses the R1A district in Boca Raton 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 R1A here means specifically Boca Raton's R1A district.)

Allowed by right
Single-family residences (incl. community residential homes of 6 or fewer residents, per Sec. 28-1304)Parks and recreational facilities owned/leased/operated by the city, Greater Boca Raton Beach and Parks District or county (Sec. 28-1305(a), all districts)City-owned water, sewer, reclaimed water and stormwater facilities (Sec. 28-1305(a), all districts)
With special approval
Social service activities and places of worshipChild care and adult care centers and social service activities, only as accessory to approved institutional uses (Sec. 28-1416 et seq.)Public and nonprofit museums, libraries, social centers, parks, open space and recreational areas incl. bodies of water and cemeteriesCity-owned police and fire stations and related facilities (Sec. 28-1305(c), residential districts)Public, private and parochial schools with established curriculum incl. K-12, colleges and universities (with accessory dormitories, lunchrooms, gyms, athletic fields)Helistops (Sec. 28-1451 et seq.)Signs (chapter 24)Detached servant/noncommercial guest quarters (R-E-2 and R-E-1 only; min 500 sf; 1 unit)Any nonresidential building or structure over 25 feet in heightAntennas, towers, masts, satellite dishes not complying with Sec. 28-1300(1)Dock plots (docks on vacant plots unsuitable for single-family development, subject to detailed conditions)Height-exempt features of nonresidential buildings exceeding 50 feet
Build envelope

Development standards

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

StandardMin plot 16,800 sf, 140 ft width; min living area 2,200 sf
StandardFront/side/rear yards 30/25/25 ft; max 1.53 du/gross acre
Accessory usesGarages, carports, storage buildings, patios, fireplaces, piers, docks, swimming pools, cabanas, tennis courts, tree houses, playground equipment, sports fixtures, athletic areas, putting greens, parking areas (same plot, unity of title); Clubhouses incl. restaurant/bar, pro shops, utility buildings (accessory to recreational amenities serving the residential area); Baby-sitting services (max 5 children incl. sitter's own under 12; county family day care permit); Municipal utility system buildings and structures (subject to P&Z review and council approval); Lawfully established home-based business per Sec. 28-1533 (no other business/trade accessory use)
StandardRead from Sec. 28-336 (district table), Sec. 28-339 (permitted/accessory), Sec. 28-340 (conditional); permitted = by right, conditional = needs conditional-use / special-exception approval
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.

Looking for space zoned R1A in Boca Raton?

Tell us what you'll run in it — we'll match you to the right building in Boca Raton and flag anything that needs approval.

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Based on the Boca Raton zoning code.
Educational content — not legal or zoning advice. Verify permitted uses with the municipality for your specific parcel.