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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Harrington
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
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
- Exempt Accessory structures under 120 square feet (tool sheds, playhouses, similar)
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet high
- Exempt Painting, tiling, cabinets, carpeting
- Exempt Above-ground swimming pools under 2 feet deep
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment
- Exempt 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)
Required documents
- Completed application
- Property address
- Exact project size
- Lot location drawing
- Location of existing buildings
- Contractor license
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code; Code of the City of Harrington (Chapter 292, Article II for building permits; Chapter 180 for fees)
- Permit validity
- Not published; contact department
- 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
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; contact office
- 01 Determine if permit is required; contact Code Enforcement at (302) 398-4428 for questions
- 02 Complete building permit application (available on city website at harrington.delaware.gov)
- 03 Prepare plans in electronic format (required); smaller projects may use 11x17 paper temporarily
- 04 Include: property address, exact project size and location on lot, location of existing buildings on property
- 05 Submit application and plans by fax to (302) 398-4477 or in-person at City Hall
- 06 Plans reviewed by David Naples (Code Solutions International) for compliance with 2018 IBC and city code
- 07 All contractors must be licensed with the city before permit approval; submit contractor license with application
- 08 Permit issued upon approval
- 09 Schedule final inspection by contacting Code Enforcement at (302) 398-4428
Typical processing time: Not published; contact office
§ 04
Fee schedule
Harrington building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Per city fee schedule (Chapter 180); details not extracted from ecode360 (requires subscription or direct contact)
Contact department for payment methods
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (302) 398-4428 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- City Hall Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Final inspection scheduled upon project completion; contact Code Enforcement Officer John Long at (302) 398-4428
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Harrington permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in Harrington, DE? ▸
Building permit fees in Harrington, DE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Per city fee schedule (Chapter 180); details not extracted from ecode360 (requires subscription or direct contact).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Harrington, DE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Harrington, DE, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Harrington, DE? ▸
Building permit processing times in Harrington, DE typically run Not published; contact office. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Harrington, DE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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) When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Harrington, DE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Harrington, DE via: (302) 398-4428.
last verified April 2026
source Planning and Inspections Department ↗
entry id permits/delaware/kent/harrington
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Inspections Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.