Structural Restoration in
Palm Beach.

Questions from Palm Beach boards and owners.

Is my Palm Beach condominium subject to Florida's SB 4-D milestone inspection?

If your building is a condominium or cooperative three stories or higher and was completed 25 or more years ago, yes. The entire Town of Palm Beach is within the three-mile coastal threshold that triggers the 25-year milestone inspection under Florida Statute § 553.899. Reinspection is required every ten years thereafter.

What Palm Beach County inspection requirements apply alongside SB 4-D?

Following the 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse, Palm Beach County adopted building safety inspection requirements that run alongside the statewide SB 4-D milestone inspection. Boards in Palm Beach should confirm the specific requirements applicable to their building with a Florida-licensed structural engineer or attorney familiar with Palm Beach County ordinances.

Palm Beach has historic buildings from the 1920s–1950s — how does that affect restoration?

Historic and contributing structures in Palm Beach may be subject to review by the Town's Building, Zoning and Historic Preservation department for restoration scope that affects original architectural features. This can affect approved materials, methods, and finishes. CORE works under the engineer of record and coordinates with town preservation staff where applicable to develop a scope that satisfies both structural requirements and historic-district guidelines.

What's typical restoration scope in a Palm Beach oceanfront condominium?

Engineering reports on Palm Beach buildings most commonly identify chloride-driven rebar corrosion, concrete spalling at balcony soffits and column bases, post-tension tendon failures in parking and amenity decks, and envelope failures at window perimeters and sliding doors. High-value buildings also typically require careful attention to architectural finishes — scope must restore structural performance while maintaining or replicating original appearance.

Do I need to hire an engineer before contacting CORE?

No. If your board already has a structural engineer, CORE works directly with that team. If not, CORE connects you with its panel of partner engineers who specialize in South Florida coastal restoration. CORE is designed to be the first call — not the second.

Can residents stay in place during restoration in Palm Beach?

In most cases, yes. CORE phases work stack-by-stack or floor-by-floor with balcony access schedules and dust containment planned to minimize disruption. The high-value nature of Palm Beach residences means CORE coordinates carefully with building management and the board on protection of unit interiors and common areas during all phases of work.

What is the typical timeline for a Palm Beach restoration project?

A full structural restoration scope on an occupied Palm Beach building typically runs 90 to 180 days from mobilization to final punch. Historic-district coordination and the town building department's permit review process can affect timeline. CORE prepares permit packages with the engineer of record to minimize permit cycle time.

How does Town of Palm Beach permitting work?

Restoration work in Palm Beach requires permits from the Town of Palm Beach Building, Zoning and Historic Preservation department. The town has a thorough permit review process; scope that affects contributing historic structures may require additional review by the historic preservation office. CORE coordinates the permit package with the engineer of record — and with the historic preservation office where applicable — to minimize review cycle time.

Is post-tensioning common in Palm Beach buildings?

In buildings from the late 1970s onward — particularly at elevated parking decks and amenity decks — yes. Older historic structures are conventionally reinforced. Unbonded mono-strand PT is prevalent in Palm Beach County high-rise construction; ocean exposure accelerates corrosion of PT strand and anchor hardware. CORE self-performs PT repair with in-house trained crews.

What SB 4-D deadlines apply to Palm Beach buildings?

Buildings that reached 25 years by December 31, 2024 were required to complete Phase I of the milestone inspection by December 31, 2024. Buildings turning 25 after that date must complete Phase I within 180 days. Boards should confirm their specific deadline with their attorney and structural engineer.

Has CORE worked near Palm Beach?

CORE operates across the South Florida coastal corridor including Palm Beach County and is licensed as a State of Florida Certified General Contractor. The firm has been performing structural restoration in South Florida since 2013.

How does Palm Beach's strict building department affect project timelines compared to other cities?

The Town of Palm Beach Building, Zoning and Historic Preservation department is known for thorough plan review — permit timelines can run longer than in neighboring municipalities, particularly for larger scopes or projects involving historic structures. CORE factors this into the project schedule and prepares complete, well-documented permit packages with the engineer of record to minimize review iterations.