How much does a building permit cost in Town of Georgetown, DE?

Fees are calculated as: Fees may be reduced based on the value of the improvement, with reductions ranging from 15% up to 75% for qualifying projects.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Georgetown, DE?

1. Download building permit application from the town website or pick up at Town Hall. 2. Complete application with all required information and plans. 3. Submit application with construction plans and required documents to Town Planning Department. 4. Town Council approves or rejects applications within 20 working days of a completed submission. 5. Projects in complete compliance with Town Zoning Code are administratively approved; all town reviews completed within approximately 3 weeks. 6. Town building permit is issued. 7. Apply separately to Sussex County for county building permit at 2 The Circle, Georgetown. 8. Post permits on job site and proceed with construction. 9. Permit becomes null and void if construction is not substantially commenced within 90 days of issuance.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Georgetown, DE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Town Planning Department via website.

City Building Permits

Town of Georgetown, DE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Georgetown, Delaware. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Delaware Sussex County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Georgetown issues its own town-level building permits for all work within town limits. A separate Sussex County building permit from the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Department (also located in Georgetown at 2 The Circle) is also required.

Department: Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department
Address: Georgetown Town Hall, Georgetown, DE 19947
Website: https://www.georgetowndel.com/planning-department.htm

Online Permit Portal

Open Planning Department

Platform: In-person submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download building permit application from the town website or pick up at Town Hall.
Complete application with all required information and plans.
Submit application with construction plans and required documents to Town Planning Department.
Town Council approves or rejects applications within 20 working days of a completed submission.
Projects in complete compliance with Town Zoning Code are administratively approved; all town reviews completed within approximately 3 weeks.
Town building permit is issued.
Apply separately to Sussex County for county building permit at 2 The Circle, Georgetown.
Post permits on job site and proceed with construction.
Permit becomes null and void if construction is not substantially commenced within 90 days of issuance.

Typical processing time: Up to 20 working days for Town Council approval; zoning-compliant projects approximately 3 weeks.

Source: Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department

General Requirements

All construction, alterations, additions, demolitions, and similar work within town limits.

Required Documents

Completed application
Construction plans conforming to town ordinances and applicable laws
Fee payment

Permit validity: Permit becomes null and void if construction is not substantially commenced within 90 days of issuance.
Building code: Sussex County adopted codes (2021 IBC, 2021 IRC) plus town zoning ordinances. Town Zoning Code at https://ecode360.com/6476908.
Owner-builder: Not detailed on public pages; contact town.
Contractor requirements: State of Delaware contractor license required; contact town for local requirements.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
Permit fee formula: Fees may be reduced based on the value of the improvement, with reductions ranging from 15% up to 75% for qualifying projects.
Payment note: Payment at Town Hall.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Contact Town Planning Department via website (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: Not enumerated publicly; Sussex County Building Code Office may conduct inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: Sussex County adopted codes (2021 IBC, 2021 IRC) plus town zoning ordinances. Town Zoning Code at https://ecode360.com/6476908.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Town Zoning Code (Chapter 230)
Forms and Applications
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 Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Georgetown Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Georgetown, DE?: All construction, alterations, additions, demolitions, and similar work within town limits.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Georgetown, DE?: Fees are calculated as: Fees may be reduced based on the value of the improvement, with reductions ranging from 15% up to 75% for qualifying projects.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Georgetown, DE?: 1. Download building permit application from the town website or pick up at Town Hall. 2. Complete application with all required information and plans. 3. Submit application with construction plans and required documents to Town Planning Department. 4. Town Council approves or rejects applications within 20 working days of a completed submission. 5. Projects in complete compliance with Town Zoning Code are administratively approved; all town reviews completed within approximately 3 weeks. 6. Town building permit is issued. 7. Apply separately to Sussex County for county building permit at 2 The Circle, Georgetown. 8. Post permits on job site and proceed with construction. 9. Permit becomes null and void if construction is not substantially commenced within 90 days of issuance.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Georgetown, DE?: Typical processing time is Up to 20 working days for Town Council approval; zoning-compliant projects approximately 3 weeks..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Georgetown, DE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Town Planning Department via website.

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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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