Kent County, DE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of Kent County. Many incorporated towns use Kent County as the issuing authority after local approval.

Department

Kent County Levy Court, Office of Inspections and Enforcement

Address

555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901

Phone

(302) 744-2451 / (302) 744-2452

Email

Inspections@KentCountyDE.gov

Website

https://www.kentcountyde.gov/Residents/Permits-Licenses/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an account at mygovernmentonline.org
2. Complete the online permit application with project description and valuation
3. Upload required documents (site plan, construction plans, energy compliance certificate for single-family dwellings)
4. Pay applicable fees online
5. County staff review application and plans
6. If additional agency approvals are required (Fire Marshal, Kent Conservation District, DE Division of Public Health, DNREC), obtain those and submit
7. Permit is issued; post on job site
8. Schedule required inspections through MGO or by contacting the office
9. Pass all required inspections
10. Receive final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy (where applicable)

Typical processing time: Not published; contact office for current turnaround

Source: Kent County Levy Court, Office of Inspections and Enforcement

General Requirements

Any new construction, addition, or alteration to an existing structure. Specific triggers include: new dwellings, commercial buildings, additions, structural renovations, interior renovations affecting structure, sheds and accessory structures 101 sq ft or greater, gazebos/pergolas 101 sq ft or greater (any size if on a deck or elevated patio), retaining walls over 4 ft in height, roofing when replacing more than 25% of roof sheathing or changing roof material, pools, hot tubs, solar panels, fences over 7 ft in height, manufactured homes.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Site plan drawn to scale (1"=40')
• Two sets of construction plans (three sets for additions and renovations)
• Energy code compliance certificate for single-family dwellings (or prescriptive compliance per Section 402 of the state-adopted IECC)
• Design certification for engineered components (roof trusses, LVLs, steel beams) from manufacturer
• Delaware-licensed architect or engineer seal required for non-wood-frame structures and metal kit-built structures

Permit validity

Permit valid for one year from issuance. All construction must be completed and pass final inspection within two years of permit issuance. Pool permits valid for 90 days from issuance; automatic inspection performed 30 days from issuance.

Building code

Ordinance No. 20-6 (adopted 8-18-2020); International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted/amended by Kent County and the State of Delaware; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as adopted by State of Delaware

Owner-builder

Not specified publicly; contact office

Contractor requirements

Delaware state contractor license required; additional agency approvals may be required depending on trade (electrical inspection via Delaware-recognized electrical inspection agency)

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee

Permit fee formula

$50 for valuations $0-$1,000; $10 per $1,000 (or fraction) for valuations up to $1,000,000; $3 per $1,000 (or fraction) for amounts over $1,000,000. Application fee: $40 (nonrefundable once accepted).

Reinspection fee

First reinspection: $75; Second reinspection: $150; Third reinspection: $250; Fourth and subsequent: $300 each.

Payment note

Fees paid through MyGovernmentOnline portal. School district surcharge: 1.16% of construction valuation for local school district plus 0.09% for POLYTECH School District.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area not greater than 300 sq ft
• Fences not over 7 feet in height
• Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not affect structural members

Important: Exemptions from permit requirements do not authorize work that violates code or other laws; contact office to confirm any specific exemption

Inspections

How to Schedule

• MyGovernmentOnline portal (online)
• (302) 744-2451 (phone)

Inspection hours

Contact office for current hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footings/foundation (before concrete pour), framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, insulation, final inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: Ordinance No. 20-6 (adopted 8-18-2020); International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted/amended by Kent County and the State of Delaware; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as adopted by State of Delaware
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Permits, Building and Sewer
• Delaware Title 9, Chapter 44 (Kent County Code)
• License lookup guide: Delaware Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Delaware Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Delaware hub: Delaware Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Kent County, DE?

Any new construction, addition, or alteration to an existing structure. Specific triggers include: new dwellings, commercial buildings, additions, structural renovations, interior renovations affecting structure, sheds and accessory structures 101 sq ft or greater, gazebos/pergolas 101 sq ft or greater (any size if on a deck or elevated patio), retaining walls over 4 ft in height, roofing when replacing more than 25% of roof sheathing or changing roof material, pools, hot tubs, solar panels, fences over 7 ft in height, manufactured homes.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kent County, DE?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: $50 for valuations $0-$1,000; $10 per $1,000 (or fraction) for valuations up to $1,000,000; $3 per $1,000 (or fraction) for amounts over $1,000,000. Application fee: $40 (nonrefundable once accepted).. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kent County, DE?

1. Create an account at mygovernmentonline.org 2. Complete the online permit application with project description and valuation 3. Upload required documents (site plan, construction plans, energy compliance certificate for single-family dwellings) 4. Pay applicable fees online 5. County staff review application and plans 6. If additional agency approvals are required (Fire Marshal, Kent Conservation District, DE Division of Public Health, DNREC), obtain those and submit 7. Permit is issued; post on job site 8. Schedule required inspections through MGO or by contacting the office 9. Pass all required inspections 10. Receive final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy (where applicable)

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Kent County, DE?

Typical processing time is Not published; contact office for current turnaround.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kent County, DE?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area not greater than 300 sq ft; Fences not over 7 feet in height; Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not affect structural members. Note: Exemptions from permit requirements do not authorize work that violates code or other laws; contact office to confirm any specific exemption

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kent County, DE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: MyGovernmentOnline portal, (302) 744-2451.