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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Delaware
The city states all new construction, alterations, improvements, and replacements require permit approval before work starts.
Required documents
- Site plans plus project-specific drawings/specifications such as deck drawings, fence design/material description, pool drawings/specifications including electrical
- Building code
- State-certified building department administering the city building code; Ohio-based code administration is used.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor registrations are no longer required starting in 2026. State-licensed trades still remain subject to Ohio trade licensing. Plumbing permits are filed with the Delaware County Health District, not the city.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether the permit is available in the public portal or requires a paper form.
- 02 Create a portal account and start a new application if the permit type is available online.
- 03 Upload required plans and documents, or submit the paper application for permit types not offered in the portal.
- 04 Staff reviews the application and invoices fees after review.
- 05 After approval, obtain the permit before starting work.
- 06 Schedule inspections by emailing planning@delawareohio.net with permit number, address, inspection type, and requested date.
Source: City of Delaware Building Division, Planning and Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- planning@delawareohio.net (email)
- 740-203-1600 option 0 (same-day cancellations) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests due by 12:00 p.m. for next-day inspection
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Delaware permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Delaware, OH? ▸
The city states all new construction, alterations, improvements, and replacements require permit approval before work starts.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Delaware, OH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Delaware, OH, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether the permit is available in the public portal or requires a paper form. 2. Create a portal account and start a new application if the permit type is available online. 3. Upload required plans and documents, or submit the paper application for permit types not offered in the portal. 4. Staff reviews the application and invoices fees after review. 5. After approval, obtain the permit before starting work. 6. Schedule inspections by emailing planning@delawareohio.net with permit number, address, inspection type, and requested date.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in Delaware, OH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Delaware, OH via: planning@delawareohio.net, 740-203-1600 option 0 (same-day cancellations). Requests due by 12:00 p.m. for next-day inspection.
last verified April 2026
source City of Delaware Building Division, Planning and Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/ohio/delaware/delaware-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Delaware Building Division, Planning and Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.