How much does a building permit cost in Dover, DE?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based using ICC valuation tables plus local amendments. Downtown Development District (DDD) projects: permit fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are waived for eligible projects; sign permits not waived..

How do I apply for a building permit in Dover, DE?

1. Determine permit type and gather required plans and documents 2. Submit Building Permit Application (available as PDF or through Citizen Portal) 3. Planning and Inspections staff review for code compliance (IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IECC, IEBC) 4. Pay permit fees (valuation-based per ICC tables plus local amendments) 5. Permit is issued upon approval 6. Post permit on job site 7. Schedule required inspections through the department 8. Pass all inspections 9. Obtain certificate of occupancy upon final inspection

How long does it take to get a building permit in Dover, DE?

Typical processing time is Not published; contact office at (302) 736-7010.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Dover, DE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (302) 736-7010, permitsandlicenses@dover.de.us.

City Building Permits

Dover, DE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Dover, Delaware. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Delaware Kent County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Dover is an independent city with its own full permitting program. Building permits within Dover city limits are issued by this department, not Kent County.

Department: Planning and Inspections Department
Address: City Hall, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 736-7010
Email: permitsandlicenses@dover.de.us
Website: https://www.cityofdover.gov/planning-and-inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open Citizen Portal

Platform: Citizen Portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine permit type and gather required plans and documents
Submit Building Permit Application (available as PDF or through Citizen Portal)
Planning and Inspections staff review for code compliance (IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IECC, IEBC)
Pay permit fees (valuation-based per ICC tables plus local amendments)
Permit is issued upon approval
Post permit on job site
Schedule required inspections through the department
Pass all inspections
Obtain certificate of occupancy upon final inspection

Typical processing time: Not published; contact office at (302) 736-7010

Source: Planning and Inspections Department

General Requirements

New buildings, additions, changes to existing buildings, fences, pools, and some repairs. The department enforces ICC Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes. Permits are issued for new construction, signs, fences, demolition, and mobile homes.

Required Documents

Completed Building Permit Application
Construction plans
Site plan
Additional documents vary by project type (see brochures at https://www.cityofdover.gov/pi-forms-and-brochures)

Permit validity: Not published; contact department
Building code: IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IPC 2018, IMC 2018, IFGC 2018, IECC 2018 (with DNREC amendments), IEBC 2009. Note: Confirm current adopted editions with department.
Owner-builder: Not published; contact department
Contractor requirements: Delaware state contractor license required

Fees

Permit fee formula: Valuation-based using ICC valuation tables plus local amendments. Downtown Development District (DDD) projects: permit fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are waived for eligible projects; sign permits not waived.
Payment note: Fees paid at time of permit issuance; contact department for current schedule

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning and Inspections Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(302) 736-7010 (phone)
permitsandlicenses@dover.de.us (email)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Plan review, rough-in inspections (plumbing, electrical, mechanical), framing, insulation, final

Additional Resources

Building code: IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IPC 2018, IMC 2018, IFGC 2018, IECC 2018 (with DNREC amendments), IEBC 2009. Note: Confirm current adopted editions with department.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Dover Parcel and Zoning Map Viewer
License lookup guide: Delaware Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Delaware Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Delaware hub: Delaware Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning and Inspections Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dover Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Dover, DE?: New buildings, additions, changes to existing buildings, fences, pools, and some repairs. The department enforces ICC Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes. Permits are issued for new construction, signs, fences, demolition, and mobile homes.
How much does a building permit cost in Dover, DE?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based using ICC valuation tables plus local amendments. Downtown Development District (DDD) projects: permit fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are waived for eligible projects; sign permits not waived..
How do I apply for a building permit in Dover, DE?: 1. Determine permit type and gather required plans and documents 2. Submit Building Permit Application (available as PDF or through Citizen Portal) 3. Planning and Inspections staff review for code compliance (IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IECC, IEBC) 4. Pay permit fees (valuation-based per ICC tables plus local amendments) 5. Permit is issued upon approval 6. Post permit on job site 7. Schedule required inspections through the department 8. Pass all inspections 9. Obtain certificate of occupancy upon final inspection
How long does it take to get a building permit in Dover, DE?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact office at (302) 736-7010.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Dover, DE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (302) 736-7010, permitsandlicenses@dover.de.us.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Dover can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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