Sussex County Delaware Building Permit Guide

Sussex County homeowners should check the Building Permit Office, Building Code Office, sediment and stormwater requirements, and county inspection process before construction, additions, remodeling, or alterations.

Permit takeaway

Sussex County says all construction in the county, whether new, remodeling, or additions, requires a county-issued building permit, regardless of whether the property is in a municipality or an unincorporated area.

Zoning and placement

Residential site disturbance, sewer or water service areas, sediment and erosion control, septic, DelDOT entrance permits, flood zones, and final zoning inspection can affect the permit path.

Building and trade review

The Building Code Office conducts plan review and inspections for single-family, multi-family, and commercial projects, and maintains inspection records through the Self Service Portal.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the project includes new construction, addition, remodel, alteration, site disturbance, sewer or water connection, septic, flood zone work, or municipal property.

Documents to prepare

• Building permit application
• Residential Standard Plan when required
• Site plan
• Construction drawings
• Sewer, septic, DelDOT, or flood documents when applicable

Inspection planning

• Confirm permit office requirements
• Complete stormwater steps when required
• Keep approved plans onsite
• Schedule inspections
• Use the Self Service Portal for results

Official sources

• Sussex County Building Permits and Licenses
• Sussex County Building Code
• Sussex County Building Permit Process

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.