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

Fees are calculated as: Building permit review fee = $12.00 per $1,000 of total valuation (rounded up to next $1,000). Plan check fee: Zoning review fee = 10% of the building review fee, minimum $21, maximum $145.

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

Typical processing time is Varies by project type and review load; not published.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Non-fixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 ft 9 in in height; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches; Work specifically listed in NCC Code Chapter Six, Section 06.03.012. Note: Even if a permit is not required, all work must still comply with applicable construction and zoning codes. For any project not on the exempt list, assume a permit is required. Contact (302) 395-5400 to confirm.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspections Portal (24/7), (302) 395-5572, [email protected]. Phone scheduling available 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for same-day or next-day appointments.

County Building Permits

New Castle County, DE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Delaware Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of New Castle County. Incorporated municipalities handle their own permits. Electrical permits are issued by state-licensed inspection agencies, not the county.

Department: New Castle County Department of Land Use, Licensing Division
Address: 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 395-5400
Email: inspections@nccde.org
Website: https://www.newcastlede.gov/2503/Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open eServices / ePlans

Platform: Avolve Software ProjectDox • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Create an eServices account at https://oas.avolvecloud.com/Portal/Login/Index/NewCastleDE
Submit permit application through eApply within the eServices portal
Receive confirmation email; upload all required permit documentation and complete assigned tasks
Staff conduct prescreen review for completeness. If documents are missing, applicant is notified by email and must correct and resubmit
Application is routed simultaneously to all applicable discipline reviewers (building, mechanical, plumbing, site, zoning, etc.)
If corrections are required, changemarks and comments are sent via email; applicant revises and resubmits for another prescreen review
Staff conduct final approval review. When permit is issued, applicant receives an email and can download the permit and approved plans from ePlans
Schedule inspections through https://inspections.newcastlede.gov as work progresses

Typical processing time: Varies by project type and review load; not published

Source: New Castle County Department of Land Use, Licensing Division

General Requirements

All construction including new buildings, interior and exterior improvements, alterations, and most repairs require a permit unless specifically listed on the Work Exempt from Permit document (Rev. 1/1/2026).

Required Documents

Completed eApply application
Construction drawings/plans (stamped by licensed design professional for commercial and larger residential projects)
Site plan
Project valuation
Trade subcontractor lists as applicable

Permit validity: Not published on main permit pages; confirm with the department at (302) 395-5400. Extensions for expired or soon-to-expire permits are available through the online portal.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), effective January 1, 2024. Also 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), effective January 1, 2024. Energy: 2018 IECC effective January 1, 2021.
Owner-builder: Not explicitly described in available public-facing materials. Electrical work may require state homeowner permit from Delaware DPR.
Contractor requirements: Contractors performing work requiring a permit must hold a NCC Permit Endorsed Contractor License. Requirements include: valid Delaware state business license, Certificate of Liability Insurance, and Statutory Compliance Bond. Non-permit endorsed license available for work not requiring a permit. Apply at the eServices portal. Contact: (302) 395-5420 or [email protected].

Fees

Plan check fee: Zoning review fee = 10% of the building review fee, minimum $21, maximum $145
Permit fee formula: Building permit review fee = $12.00 per $1,000 of total valuation (rounded up to next $1,000)
Payment note: Fees payable online at https://secure.nccde.org/permitfeepayment/Lookup/ or in person at 87 Reads Way. Additional fees: NCC Volunteer Fire Assistance Fund Fee = 0.50% of permit valuation; Certificate of Occupancy = $60; Lines and grades review = $60 (applies to additions over 480 sq ft)

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Non-fixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 ft 9 in in height
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches
Work specifically listed in NCC Code Chapter Six, Section 06.03.012

Important: Even if a permit is not required, all work must still comply with applicable construction and zoning codes. For any project not on the exempt list, assume a permit is required. Contact (302) 395-5400 to confirm.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspections Portal (24/7) (online)
(302) 395-5572 (phone)
[email protected] (email)

Scheduling deadline: Phone scheduling available 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for same-day or next-day appointments
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence (residential): Footing/foundation inspection; framing inspection (before drywall); rough-in trades (plumbing, mechanical -- through state-licensed agencies for electrical); site inspection as applicable; final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy.

Virtual inspections available. Email notifications sent at 7:00 a.m. on inspection day with estimated timing and inspector ID. Document upload available for permits with conditions.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), effective January 1, 2024. Also 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), effective January 1, 2024. Energy: 2018 IECC effective January 1, 2021.
Verify contractor license: NCC Contractor License Search
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Residential Permit Types and Checklists
Non-Residential Permits
State Permits (DNREC, DelDOT, Fire Marshal, etc.)
ePlans Resource Center
Local Permits by Municipality
2026 Building Contractor Requirements
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 New Castle County Department of Land Use, Licensing Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Castle County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated New Castle County, DE?: All construction including new buildings, interior and exterior improvements, alterations, and most repairs require a permit unless specifically listed on the Work Exempt from Permit document (Rev. 1/1/2026).
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated New Castle County, DE?: Fees are calculated as: Building permit review fee = $12.00 per $1,000 of total valuation (rounded up to next $1,000). Plan check fee: Zoning review fee = 10% of the building review fee, minimum $21, maximum $145.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated New Castle County, DE?: 1. Create an eServices account at https://oas.avolvecloud.com/Portal/Login/Index/NewCastleDE 2. Submit permit application through eApply within the eServices portal 3. Receive confirmation email; upload all required permit documentation and complete assigned tasks 4. Staff conduct prescreen review for completeness. If documents are missing, applicant is notified by email and must correct and resubmit 5. Application is routed simultaneously to all applicable discipline reviewers (building, mechanical, plumbing, site, zoning, etc.) 6. If corrections are required, changemarks and comments are sent via email; applicant revises and resubmits for another prescreen review 7. Staff conduct final approval review. When permit is issued, applicant receives an email and can download the permit and approved plans from ePlans 8. Schedule inspections through https://inspections.newcastlede.gov as work progresses
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated New Castle County, DE?: Typical processing time is Varies by project type and review load; not published.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated New Castle County, DE?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Non-fixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 ft 9 in in height; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches; Work specifically listed in NCC Code Chapter Six, Section 06.03.012. Note: Even if a permit is not required, all work must still comply with applicable construction and zoning codes. For any project not on the exempt list, assume a permit is required. Contact (302) 395-5400 to confirm.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated New Castle County, DE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspections Portal (24/7), (302) 395-5572, [email protected]. Phone scheduling available 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for same-day or next-day appointments.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in New Castle County (Unincorporated Areas) can be complicated.

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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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