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

Fees are calculated as: Per city fee schedule (Chapter 180); details not extracted from ecode360 (requires subscription or direct contact).

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

1. Determine if permit is required; contact Code Enforcement at (302) 398-4428 for questions 2. Complete building permit application (available on city website at harrington.delaware.gov) 3. Prepare plans in electronic format (required); smaller projects may use 11x17 paper temporarily 4. Include: property address, exact project size and location on lot, location of existing buildings on property 5. Submit application and plans by fax to (302) 398-4477 or in-person at City Hall 6. Plans reviewed by David Naples (Code Solutions International) for compliance with 2018 IBC and city code 7. All contractors must be licensed with the city before permit approval; submit contractor license with application 8. Permit issued upon approval 9. Schedule final inspection by contacting Code Enforcement at (302) 398-4428

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

Typical processing time is Not published; contact office.

What work is exempt from building permits in Harrington, DE?

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures under 120 square feet (tool sheds, playhouses, similar); Retaining walls under 4 feet high; Painting, tiling, cabinets, carpeting; Above-ground swimming pools under 2 feet deep; Swings and playground equipment; Window awnings under 54 inches supported only by exterior walls. Note: Plumbing and electrical do not require City of Harrington permits but may require State of Delaware permits (plumbing: contact Delaware Health and Social Services, (302) 741-8600; electrical: contact State Fire Marshal inspection agencies)

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (302) 398-4428.

City Building Permits

Harrington, DE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Delaware Kent County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Harrington operates its own full permitting program. Building permits within city limits are issued by this department. Plumbing and electrical work require separate State of Delaware permits, not city permits.

Department: Planning and Inspections Department
Address: City Hall, 106 Dorman Street, Harrington, DE 19952
Phone: (302) 398-3530
Email: codesolutionsint@gmail.com
Website: https://harrington.delaware.gov/planning-inspections/

Application Process

Determine if permit is required; contact Code Enforcement at (302) 398-4428 for questions
Complete building permit application (available on city website at harrington.delaware.gov)
Prepare plans in electronic format (required); smaller projects may use 11x17 paper temporarily
Include: property address, exact project size and location on lot, location of existing buildings on property
Submit application and plans by fax to (302) 398-4477 or in-person at City Hall
Plans reviewed by David Naples (Code Solutions International) for compliance with 2018 IBC and city code
All contractors must be licensed with the city before permit approval; submit contractor license with application
Permit issued upon approval
Schedule final inspection by contacting Code Enforcement at (302) 398-4428

Typical processing time: Not published; contact office

Source: Planning and Inspections Department

General Requirements

Structural alterations; fences; sheds; pools (over 2 feet deep); vinyl siding; roofing; demolitions; driveways; addition or removal of walls; reconfiguring windows; carports; decks; ramps; finishing basement or attic

Required Documents

Completed application
Property address
Exact project size
Lot location drawing
Location of existing buildings
Contractor license

Permit validity: Not published; contact department
Building code: 2018 International Building Code; Code of the City of Harrington (Chapter 292, Article II for building permits; Chapter 180 for fees)
Owner-builder: Homeowners performing work on their own properties do not need a contractor license
Contractor requirements: All hired contractors must be licensed with the City of Harrington before permit approval

Fees

Permit fee formula: Per city fee schedule (Chapter 180); details not extracted from ecode360 (requires subscription or direct contact)
Payment note: Contact department for payment methods

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Accessory structures under 120 square feet (tool sheds, playhouses, similar)
Retaining walls under 4 feet high
Painting, tiling, cabinets, carpeting
Above-ground swimming pools under 2 feet deep
Swings and playground equipment
Window awnings under 54 inches supported only by exterior walls

Important: Plumbing and electrical do not require City of Harrington permits but may require State of Delaware permits (plumbing: contact Delaware Health and Social Services, (302) 741-8600; electrical: contact State Fire Marshal inspection agencies)

Inspections

How to Schedule

(302) 398-4428 (phone)

Inspection hours: City Hall Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Final inspection scheduled upon project completion; contact Code Enforcement Officer John Long at (302) 398-4428

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 International Building Code; Code of the City of Harrington (Chapter 292, Article II for building permits; Chapter 180 for fees)
Zoning information: View zoning info
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

Harrington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Harrington, DE?: Structural alterations; fences; sheds; pools (over 2 feet deep); vinyl siding; roofing; demolitions; driveways; addition or removal of walls; reconfiguring windows; carports; decks; ramps; finishing basement or attic
How much does a building permit cost in Harrington, DE?: Fees are calculated as: Per city fee schedule (Chapter 180); details not extracted from ecode360 (requires subscription or direct contact).
How do I apply for a building permit in Harrington, DE?: 1. Determine if permit is required; contact Code Enforcement at (302) 398-4428 for questions 2. Complete building permit application (available on city website at harrington.delaware.gov) 3. Prepare plans in electronic format (required); smaller projects may use 11x17 paper temporarily 4. Include: property address, exact project size and location on lot, location of existing buildings on property 5. Submit application and plans by fax to (302) 398-4477 or in-person at City Hall 6. Plans reviewed by David Naples (Code Solutions International) for compliance with 2018 IBC and city code 7. All contractors must be licensed with the city before permit approval; submit contractor license with application 8. Permit issued upon approval 9. Schedule final inspection by contacting Code Enforcement at (302) 398-4428
How long does it take to get a building permit in Harrington, DE?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact office.
What work is exempt from building permits in Harrington, DE?: The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures under 120 square feet (tool sheds, playhouses, similar); Retaining walls under 4 feet high; Painting, tiling, cabinets, carpeting; Above-ground swimming pools under 2 feet deep; Swings and playground equipment; Window awnings under 54 inches supported only by exterior walls. Note: Plumbing and electrical do not require City of Harrington permits but may require State of Delaware permits (plumbing: contact Delaware Health and Social Services, (302) 741-8600; electrical: contact State Fire Marshal inspection agencies)
How do I schedule a building inspection in Harrington, DE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (302) 398-4428.

Need help with your project?

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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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