City Building Permits
Town of Smyrna, DE - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Town of Smyrna, Delaware. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Smyrna operates its own full permitting program for properties within town limits. Kent County does not administer permits within Smyrna.
- Department
- Building and Inspections Department
- Address
- 220 Artisan Drive, Smyrna, DE 19977 (mailing: 27 S. Market Street Plaza, Smyrna, DE 19977)
- Phone
- (302) 653-3486
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Traisr • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Determine if permit is required by contacting department at (302) 653-3486 before starting work
- Create account at https://portal.traisr.com/landing.aspx?OrganizationId=569
- Complete permit application online with project details
- Submit required plans and documents
- Pay fees through portal
- Await plan review and permit issuance
- Schedule inspections via phone (302) 653-3486 or email permits@smyrna.delaware.gov with 24-hour notice required
- Pass all required inspections
- Receive certificate of occupancy upon final inspection
Typical processing time: Not published; contact department
General Requirements
New construction; additional rooms; finished basements; garages; decks; structural renovations; siding; roofing when replacing more than 25% of sheathing; standalone garages; pole barns; sheds; gazebos; fences; pools (in-ground, above-ground, or portable over 24 inches deep); hot tubs; plumbing and HVAC installations; sidewalks and driveways
Required Documents
- Permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Additional documents vary by project type; contact department for specific checklist
- Permit validity
- Not published; contact department
- Building code
- Not published on main permit page; contact department for current adopted edition
- Owner-builder
- Not published; contact department
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be licensed with the Town of Smyrna. License applications available through the Traisr portal.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Not published in extractable form; see fee schedule PDF or contact department
- Reinspection fee
- $50 reinspection fee for inspections not ready from a previous visit
- Payment note
- Fees paid through Traisr portal
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Building and Inspections Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (302) 653-3486 (phone)
- permits@smyrna.delaware.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour advance notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Footings (before concrete pour), foundation (before backfill), framing (structure weathertight and air-sealed, rough plumbing and electrical approved first), insulation, final (energy testing approved, Kent Conservation District approval, final plumbing and electrical approved). Sewer/water lateral inspections and sidewalk/apron inspections (before concrete pour) also required.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Not published on main permit page; contact department for current adopted edition
- 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 Building and Inspections Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Town of Smyrna Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Town of Smyrna, DE?
- New construction; additional rooms; finished basements; garages; decks; structural renovations; siding; roofing when replacing more than 25% of sheathing; standalone garages; pole barns; sheds; gazebos; fences; pools (in-ground, above-ground, or portable over 24 inches deep); hot tubs; plumbing and HVAC installations; sidewalks and driveways
- How much does a building permit cost in Town of Smyrna, DE?
- Fees are calculated as: Not published in extractable form; see fee schedule PDF or contact department.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Smyrna, DE?
- 1. Determine if permit is required by contacting department at (302) 653-3486 before starting work 2. Create account at https://portal.traisr.com/landing.aspx?OrganizationId=569 3. Complete permit application online with project details 4. Submit required plans and documents 5. Pay fees through portal 6. Await plan review and permit issuance 7. Schedule inspections via phone (302) 653-3486 or email permits@smyrna.delaware.gov with 24-hour notice required 8. Pass all required inspections 9. Receive certificate of occupancy upon final inspection
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Smyrna, DE?
- Typical processing time is Not published; contact department.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Smyrna, DE?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (302) 653-3486, permits@smyrna.delaware.gov. 24-hour advance notice required.
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