For more information contact Inspections and Enforcement
(302) 744-2451 / 2452 / Fax: (302) 736-2123
Email: Inspections@KentCountyDE.gov
Permits are required for several reasons. The most important is that the structure(s) are being built to code and are safe for human occupancy.
For the physically disabled, codes ensure that you have access to public buildings and have the use of the facilities including but not limited to bathrooms, water fountains, and elevators.
Permits are established to aid in protecting homeowners from property disputes with neighbors. Several permits require a plot plan that will be used by the inspector to verify that you have not encroached on your neighbor's property.
Always remember, the building codes are approved as a minimum. You can always build better than what is required by code, but you can never go less.
Listed below are the types of permits required in the jurisdiction of Kent County. Please contact our office, if your project is not listed below.
**Click Here To Apply For Building Permits Online
You can register by creating a username and password to apply for your Building Permits and Sewer Permits online.
If you need help with setting up your account, please go to www.mygovernmentonline.org/#contactus or call the My GovernmentOnline Helpdesk at 866-957-3764 during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (EST).
*Permits are required for the following:
Permits are required for any work in flood plain areas. Please contact our office at 302-744-2451.
Accessory Structures
- Sheds- Pre-Built & Site Built greater than 300 square feet (unless built on a deck, or related patio, then any size requires a permit)
- Gazebos & pergolas greater than 300 square feet (unless built on a deck, or elevated patio, then any size requires a permit).
- Playhouses greater than 300 square feet
- Detached Structures (Garages & Pole Buildings)
- Agricultural Buildings
- Chicken coops, chicken houses, manure sheds
- Greenhouses
- Pools - (Above Ground & Inground), Hot Tubs, & Spas
- Dog Kennels
- Solar Panels Installations - Ground & Structure mounted
- Retaining Walls over four (4) feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
Additions & Renovations
- Sunroom
- Screen Porch
- Additions
- Decks larger than 16 square feet
- Fireplaces (gas or wood) & store heaters (gas, wood, inserts, and pellet stoves)
- Siding
- Roofing (when replacing more than 25% of the roof sheathing or when changing the roof material. Example: Asphalt Shingles to Metal Roof)
- Structural & Interior Renovations (examples: changing garage to living space, gutting existing walls to studs and replacing)
- Finished Bonus Room
- Finished Basements
- Elevated Patios
- Porch Roofs
Commercial
- Parking For large events on residential or commercial properties (Example: Nascar races, music festivals)
- Commercial structures
- Business Certificate of Occupancies
- Tenant Fit-outs and renovations
- Temporary Activities
- Homebased business
Manufactured Homes
- Placements
- Replacements
- Removals, relocations, demolitions
- Title Retirements
Single Family Dwellings
- Accessory Dwelling Units (apartments - attached, cottage-detached)
Fences
- Greater than seven (7) feet in height unless having to meet pool barrier requirements, State of Delaware requirements for daycares, or required by Kent County Planning Services Department as part of an approved Subdivision. (ANY fence height must abide by Planning & Zoning setbacks)
Demolition
- Demolition of structures (needed to remove existing structures from the tax rolls)