Walk-in service available 8:30AM - 4:30PM for customers applying for building permits. Visitors must check in with security in the County Administrative Offices lobby before proceeding to the Permits office. Call (302) 855-7720 for more information.

NOTICE:

Beginning January 1, 2017, under the Delaware Sediment and Stormwater Regulations, projects disturbing 5,000 square feet or more are required to have a Sediment and Erosion Control Plan including residential single family home construction. The Residential Standard Plan is a requirement for obtaining a building permit in Sussex County and prior to initiating any site disturbance.

In order to obtain a Residential Standard Plan, an applicant shall:

• Complete the Residential Standard Plan form online
  or
• Apply in person at the Sussex Conservation District's office located at 23818 Shortly Road, Georgetown, DE.

Approval is typically received within 24-48 hours for either option. By completing the Residential Standard Plan, the applicant is agreeing to the conditions of the approval outlined on the application. This includes but is not limited to the installation of silt fence, stabilized construction entrance, implementation of best management practices during construction and stabilization of the lot upon completion of site grading.

If you have any questions pertaining to completing the Residential Standard Plan or requirements of the permit, please contact the Sussex Conservation District Stormwater Program at (302) 856-2105.

All construction in Sussex County, whether new, remodeling or additions, requires a Sussex County issued building permit. County permits are required for all construction activity regardless of whether in a municipality or the unincorporated areas of the county.

Payment of Realty Transfer Tax to Sussex County and the State of Delaware may be required prior to the issuing of a building permit for a dwelling where construction contracts have been entered into either prior to the date of transfer of the land or within one year from the date of the transfer of land.

In most cases, applications for permits must be made in person at the County's Building Permit Office in Georgetown. In certain cases, however, you may be able to obtain a permit by mail. Please contact the Permit Office at (302) 855-7720 for additional information.

For more information about Sussex County's building permit requirements, visit the links on the left side of this page.