Construction & Development

The City of Wilmington requires permits for the following:

• New structures

• Changes to existing structures, including demolition

• Repairs, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work

This page details all requirements that apply within the City of Wilmington.

Step-By-Step Guide

The Development Review Process Step-by-Step Guide summarizes the key steps to obtaining all permits and approvals needed to construct, improve, or demolish a building in conformance with local and state policies and regulations. The project applicant pays for the costs of this review process through permit and inspection fees, a list of which is included at the end of the Step-by-Step Guide.

Checklists, Application, & Forms

Zoning Review

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Application for Variance

Building Review

• Department of Licenses and Inspections Plan Review Checklist

• Application for Building Permit

• Standards for the Review of Development in the Waterfront Zoning Districts

Demolition Review

• Utility Sign-Off Sheet and Permit Application

Public Works Review

• Department Of Public Works Submission Guidelines And Checklist

• Sewer Permit Application (contact Public Works for application; online permit coming soon)

• Street Closure Application

• Water/Sewer/Stormwater Submittal Form

Planning Review

• Subdivisions
  • Subdivision Application and Checklist

• Design Review and Preservation Commission – if within Historic District
  • Cover Letter and Checklist for Design Review Proposal Package

Fire Protection Review

• Fire Protection System Plan Submittals Checklist and Plan Review Application

Relevant City Code

Zoning

• Zoning Code (Chapter 48)

• Zoning Map

Building and Construction

• 2012 ICC Codes Adopted and Amendments

• Sub. No. 2 to Ordinance No. 13-034

• International Building Code 2012
  • Local Modifications
• International Mechanical Code 2012
  • Local Modifications
• International Plumbing Code 2012
  • Local Modifications
• International Residential Code 2012
  • Local Modifications

• Existing Building Rehabilitation Code (Chapter 4, Section 4-191)

• Sediment and Stormwater Management (Chapter 11, Section 11-36)

• Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places (Chapter 42)

• Utilities (Chapter 45)

Fire Prevention

• Fire Prevention and Protection (Chapter 12)

• Current Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations (adopted March 11, 2016)

Code Interpretations

These short documents are designed to provide guidance to applicants. Each interpretation document answers a specific question in an effort to offer clarity. These interpretations serve as a professional commentary to the adopted City of Wilmington codes and accepted practices. Please bear in mind that each project is unique and may include elements that make the guidelines presented here inapplicable. The City Code is the primary authority, and in case of any inconsistency between these code interpretation summaries and either the Code or regulations enacted under the Code, the Code should be followed.

• 5A (Protected Frame) Construction

• Stairway Riser Heights and Tread Depths in Existing Buildings

• Elevator Shaft Dimensions in Existing Buildings