Georgetown, DE — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department

Street address

Georgetown Town Hall, Georgetown, DE 19947

Coverage

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.

Online portal

Planning Department

In-person submission

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Georgetown

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

Note: Not enumerated on public pages; contact town planning department.

Required documents

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

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

Source: Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Download building permit application from the town website or pick up at Town Hall.
02

Complete application with all required information and plans.
03

Submit application with construction plans and required documents to Town Planning Department.
04

Town Council approves or rejects applications within 20 working days of a completed submission.
05

Projects in complete compliance with Town Zoning Code are administratively approved; all town reviews completed within approximately 3 weeks.
06

Town building permit is issued.
07

Apply separately to Sussex County for county building permit at 2 The Circle, Georgetown.
08

Post permits on job site and proceed with construction.
09

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Georgetown building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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 at Town Hall.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Contact Town Planning Department via website (in-person)

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

Source: Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Georgetown permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Georgetown, DE? ▸

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

02 How much does a building permit cost in Georgetown, DE? ▸

Building permit fees in Georgetown, DE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Georgetown, DE? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Georgetown, DE, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Georgetown, DE? ▸

Building permit processing times in Georgetown, DE typically run Up to 20 working days for Town Council approval; zoning-compliant projects approximately 3 weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Georgetown, DE? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Georgetown, DE via: Contact Town Planning Department via website.

last verified April 2026 source Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department ↗ entry id permits/delaware/sussex/georgetown

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Georgetown Community Development / Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Georgetown

Other jurisdictions in Sussex County.