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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for New Castle County
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).
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Non-fixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 ft 9 in in height
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches
- Exempt 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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].
Source: New Castle County Department of Land Use, Licensing Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project type and review load; not published
- 01 Create an eServices account at https://oas.avolvecloud.com/Portal/Login/Index/NewCastleDE
- 02 Submit permit application through eApply within the eServices portal
- 03 Receive confirmation email; upload all required permit documentation and complete assigned tasks
- 04 Staff conduct prescreen review for completeness. If documents are missing, applicant is notified by email and must correct and resubmit
- 05 Application is routed simultaneously to all applicable discipline reviewers (building, mechanical, plumbing, site, zoning, etc.)
- 06 If corrections are required, changemarks and comments are sent via email; applicant revises and resubmits for another prescreen review
- 07 Staff conduct final approval review. When permit is issued, applicant receives an email and can download the permit and approved plans from ePlans
- 08 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 ↗
Fee schedule
Effective Current
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 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.
Source: New Castle County Department of Land Use, Licensing Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated New Castle County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated New Castle County, DE? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated New Castle County, DE? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated New Castle County, DE? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated New Castle County, DE? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated New Castle County, DE? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated New Castle County, DE? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with New Castle County Department of Land Use, Licensing Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.