How much does a building permit cost in Rehoboth Beach, DE?

The minimum permit fee is No fee required if construction cost is $500 or less (residential, fewer than 3 dwelling units).. Fees are calculated as: Residential (fewer than 3 dwelling units): 2% of building/construction cost; Commercial and 3+ unit residential: 3% of building/construction cost. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; processing fee $20..

How do I apply for a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE?

1. Download or pick up the 2025 Building Permit Application Form and Permit Application Requirements Checklist from the city website. 2. Prepare required documents: contract/proposal with scope and total cost signed by property owner; three complete sets of plans to standard architectural or engineering scale; plans sealed and signed by licensed design professional. 3. Ensure all contractors and subcontractors have current City of Rehoboth Beach business licenses. 4. Submit completed application with documents and fee payment to Building and Licensing Department at 229 Rehoboth Avenue. 5. City reviews plans for code compliance. 6. Permit issued; permit and approved plans must be posted/on site during construction. 7. Schedule required city inspections at each construction stage. 8. Obtain final inspection approval. 9. Also apply separately to Sussex County for the county-level building permit.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE?

Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact department..

What work is exempt from building permits in Rehoboth Beach, DE?

The following work is generally exempt: Work with a construction cost of $500 or less (no fee, but check whether a permit is still required). Note: Routine maintenance items not specified on public pages—contact department for clarification.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Rehoboth Beach, DE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (302) 227-6181.

City Building Permits

Rehoboth Beach, DE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Delaware Sussex County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Rehoboth Beach issues its own building permits for all work within city limits. Applicants also need a Sussex County building permit separately.

Department: City of Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department
Address: 229 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Phone: (302) 227-6181
Website: https://www.rehobothbeachde.gov/at-your-service/you-need-a-permit-for-that/building-permit/

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Information

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download or pick up the 2025 Building Permit Application Form and Permit Application Requirements Checklist from the city website.
Prepare required documents: contract/proposal with scope and total cost signed by property owner; three complete sets of plans to standard architectural or engineering scale; plans sealed and signed by licensed design professional.
Ensure all contractors and subcontractors have current City of Rehoboth Beach business licenses.
Submit completed application with documents and fee payment to Building and Licensing Department at 229 Rehoboth Avenue.
City reviews plans for code compliance.
Permit issued; permit and approved plans must be posted/on site during construction.
Schedule required city inspections at each construction stage.
Obtain final inspection approval.
Also apply separately to Sussex County for the county-level building permit.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact department.

Source: City of Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department

General Requirements

All residential and commercial construction within city limits, including new construction, remodeling, interior work, and additions.

Required Documents

Contract/proposal (signed by owner) with full scope and total cost including labor and materials
Three complete sets of plans at standard architectural or engineering scale
Plans and documents sealed and signed by a Delaware-licensed design professional
Contractor and subcontractor business licenses

Permit validity: Not publicly specified; contact department.
Building code: City building construction code (Chapter in city code); adopts state and international codes by reference.
Owner-builder: Not detailed on public pages; contact department.
Contractor requirements: All contractors and subcontractors must obtain a City of Rehoboth Beach business license. Must submit current State of Delaware Contractor License and proof of liability insurance and/or bonding.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: No fee required if construction cost is $500 or less (residential, fewer than 3 dwelling units).
Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; processing fee $20.
Permit fee formula: Residential (fewer than 3 dwelling units): 2% of building/construction cost; Commercial and 3+ unit residential: 3% of building/construction cost
Trade permit fee: Plumbing permit: $25 plus $5 per fixture
Penalty (no permit): Beginning work without a permit may result in a fee up to three times the required permit fee.
Payment note: Permit processing fee: $20 per permit issued. Payment at time of permit issuance.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(302) 227-6181 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Saturdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (November 1 - April 30 only)
Time windows: No work permitted on Sundays, holidays, or Saturdays May 1 - October 31.

Typical inspection sequence: Multiple construction stage inspections required; specific stages not enumerated on public pages.

Additional Resources

Building code: City building construction code (Chapter in city code); adopts state and international codes by reference.
Zoning information: View zoning info
City of Rehoboth Beach Website
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 City of Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rehoboth Beach Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE?: All residential and commercial construction within city limits, including new construction, remodeling, interior work, and additions.
How much does a building permit cost in Rehoboth Beach, DE?: The minimum permit fee is No fee required if construction cost is $500 or less (residential, fewer than 3 dwelling units).. Fees are calculated as: Residential (fewer than 3 dwelling units): 2% of building/construction cost; Commercial and 3+ unit residential: 3% of building/construction cost. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; processing fee $20..
How do I apply for a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE?: 1. Download or pick up the 2025 Building Permit Application Form and Permit Application Requirements Checklist from the city website. 2. Prepare required documents: contract/proposal with scope and total cost signed by property owner; three complete sets of plans to standard architectural or engineering scale; plans sealed and signed by licensed design professional. 3. Ensure all contractors and subcontractors have current City of Rehoboth Beach business licenses. 4. Submit completed application with documents and fee payment to Building and Licensing Department at 229 Rehoboth Avenue. 5. City reviews plans for code compliance. 6. Permit issued; permit and approved plans must be posted/on site during construction. 7. Schedule required city inspections at each construction stage. 8. Obtain final inspection approval. 9. Also apply separately to Sussex County for the county-level building permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE?: Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact department..
What work is exempt from building permits in Rehoboth Beach, DE?: The following work is generally exempt: Work with a construction cost of $500 or less (no fee, but check whether a permit is still required). Note: Routine maintenance items not specified on public pages—contact department for clarification.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Rehoboth Beach, DE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (302) 227-6181.

Need help with your project?

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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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