On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Rehoboth Beach
All residential and commercial construction within city limits, including new construction, remodeling, interior work, and additions.
Work with a construction cost of $500 or less (no fee, but check whether a permit is still required)
- 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.
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
- Building code
- City building construction code (Chapter in city code); adopts state and international codes by reference.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly specified; contact department.
- 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.
Source: City of Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly specified; contact department.
- 01 Download or pick up the 2025 Building Permit Application Form and Permit Application Requirements Checklist from the city website.
- 02 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.
- 03 Ensure all contractors and subcontractors have current City of Rehoboth Beach business licenses.
- 04 Submit completed application with documents and fee payment to Building and Licensing Department at 229 Rehoboth Avenue.
- 05 City reviews plans for code compliance.
- 06 Permit issued; permit and approved plans must be posted/on site during construction.
- 07 Schedule required city inspections at each construction stage.
- 08 Obtain final inspection approval.
- 09 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Rehoboth Beach building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
No fee required if construction cost is $500 or less (residential, fewer than 3 dwelling units).
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee structure; processing fee $20.
03
Permit fee formula
Residential (fewer than 3 dwelling units): 2% of building/construction cost; Commercial and 3+ unit residential: 3% of building/construction cost
04
Trade permit fee
Plumbing permit: $25 plus $5 per fixture
05
Penalty (no permit)
Beginning work without a permit may result in a fee up to three times the required permit fee.
Permit processing fee: $20 per permit issued. Payment at time of permit issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Multiple construction stage inspections required; specific stages not enumerated on public pages.
Source: City of Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Rehoboth Beach permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Rehoboth Beach, DE? ▸
Building permit fees in Rehoboth Beach, DE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE? ▸
Building permit processing times in Rehoboth Beach, DE typically run Not publicly specified; contact department.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Rehoboth Beach, DE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Rehoboth Beach, DE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Rehoboth Beach, DE via: (302) 227-6181.
last verified April 2026
source City of Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department ↗
entry id permits/delaware/sussex/rehoboth-beach
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.