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Delaware Garage Permits: Guide by County
Before adding a prefab garage to your property, it’s important to know if you’re allowed to do so. In this guide, we’ll explain what to expect when applying for garage permits in Delaware, and help you plan your next steps with confidence. And if you’re considering options, feel free to explore our Garage Models, or try out our 3D Builder to start designing the garage that fits your space and your style.
Do I need a permit to build a garage in DE?
Yes. In most cases, you will need a garage permit in Delaware to build a garage. Permits help ensure that your garage meets structural codes, follows zoning regulations, and doesn’t cause problems with property lines or neighbors. Keep in mind that permits can vary from town to town, so it’s best to check your local planning or zoning office for specific details.
What is the biggest garage you can build without planning permission?
There is no single statewide size limit that allows a garage to be built without a permit in Delaware. Requirements depend on the county and municipality.
- In New Castle County, a detached accessory structure over 200 square feet requires a building permit. Smaller structures may be exempt, but zoning rules still apply, including setbacks and placement.
- In Kent County and Sussex County, a permit is required for all garages, regardless of size.
Even when a building permit is not required, zoning compliance is still mandatory. Always confirm requirements with your local building or zoning department before construction.
Do I Need a Permit to Run Electricity to My Garage in DE?
Yes. You will need a permit for any electrical work in your garage in Delaware.
- Installing wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel requires an electrical permit.
- Homeowners may apply for a Homeowner Electrical Permit only if they live in the home and perform the work themselves.
- If a licensed electrician is hired, they are responsible for obtaining permits and scheduling inspections.
While electrical permitting follows state building codes, counties may require additional inspections. Always check with your local building department before starting electrical work.
Garage Permit Requirements in DE Counties
Garage permitting in Delaware is administered at the county level, with local zoning oversight by towns and cities, so the process can vary a bit depending on where you live.
Here’s a concise overview of what you need to know for all DE counties:
| Counties | Contact |
| New Castle County | Department of Permits & Inspections |
| Kent County | Department of Planning Services |
| Sussex County | Department of Building Services |
Do I Need a Garage Permit in New Castle County, DE?
Yes. A permit is required for most garage projects in New Castle County.
- Detached garages over 200 square feet require a building permit.
- Zoning rules apply to all garages, including setbacks, rear-yard placement, and lot coverage.
- Garages are generally not permitted in front yards unless specific lot-size conditions are met.
Plan requirements:
- Up to 480 sq. ft.: plot plan showing property boundaries
- Larger structures: survey and construction drawings
Permits are submitted through the county’s ePlans portal. Separate permits are required for electrical work.
To make sure your project goes smoothly, contact the New Castle County Department of Land Use via their website or phone at (302) 395-5400.
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Kent County, DE?
Yes. Kent County requires a permit for all garages, regardless of size.
- Applies to detached garages, pole barns, and prefabricated structures
- Construction plans must show layout, foundation details, and site placement
- Zoning setbacks and lot coverage rules apply
- Electrical work requires a separate permit
Applications are submitted through MyGovernmentOnline, and requirements are administered by the Kent County Department of Planning Services.
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Sussex County, DE?
Yes. Sussex County requires a building permit for every garage, regardless of size.
- Applies to site-built and prefabricated garages
- Zoning regulations govern setbacks, lot coverage, and permitted use
- Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
Permits are handled by the Sussex County Building Permit Office through its official permitting system.
Which Cities in DE require A Garage Permit?
As we mentioned earlier, garage permit requirements can vary depending on the municipality. Cities in Delaware often have their own specific rules and processes. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the permit process for some cities across Delaware.
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Arden, DE?
Yes. Local approval is required before constructing a garage in Arden, DE.
- Reviewed by: Village of Arden (local review) and New Castle County
- Submission requirements: Plans and site information submitted as part of the village review process
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply after permitting; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Bellefonte, DE?
Yes. Local zoning approval and a county building permit are required before constructing a garage in Bellefonte, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Bellefonte (zoning review) and New Castle County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for zoning approval and to the county for permitting
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Bethany Beach, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Bethany Beach, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Bethany Beach and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may also be required
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Blades, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Blades, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Blades and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Bridgeville, DE?
Yes. Local approval is required before constructing a garage in Bridgeville, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Bridgeville and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans and site information submitted for town review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Camden, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Camden, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Camden and Kent County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Clayton, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Clayton, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Clayton
- Submission requirements: Construction plans showing size, layout, and placement
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Dagsboro, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Dagsboro, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Dagsboro and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for zoning review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Delaware City, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Delaware City, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Delaware City
- Submission requirements: Construction plans and site information submitted with the permit application
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Dover, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Dover, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Dover Department of Planning & Inspections
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for review
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Ellendale, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Ellendale, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Ellendale and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Elsmere, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Elsmere, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Elsmere and New Castle County
- Submission requirements: Construction plans and site information submitted for review
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Felton, DE?
Yes. Local approval is required before constructing a garage in Felton, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Felton and Kent County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted for local review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Frederica, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Frederica, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Frederica and Kent County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted for town review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Georgetown, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Georgetown, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Georgetown and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Greenwood, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Greenwood, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Greenwood and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Construction plans and site information submitted for review
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Harrington, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Harrington, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Harrington
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for approval
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Laurel, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Laurel, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Laurel and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted for town review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Lewes, DE?
Yes. Local approval is required before constructing a garage in Lewes, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Lewes and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans and site information submitted for city review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Middletown, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Middletown, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Middletown
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for approval
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Milford, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Milford, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Milford Building Inspections Department
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted through the city’s permitting system
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Millsboro, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Millsboro, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Millsboro and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Millville, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Millville, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Millville and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted for town review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Milton, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Milton, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Milton and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Newark, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Newark, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Newark
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for review
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; additional review may apply in historic districts or flood zones
Do I Need a Garage Permit in New Castle, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in New Castle, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of New Castle
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for approval
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; additional review may apply in historic districts
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Ocean View, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Ocean View, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Ocean View and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Rehoboth Beach, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Rehoboth Beach and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted for city review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Seaford, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Seaford, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Seaford
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for approval
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Selbyville, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in Selbyville, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Selbyville and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted for town review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Smyrna, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Smyrna, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Smyrna
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for review
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required during construction; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in South Bethany, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before construction in South Bethany, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of South Bethany and Sussex County
- Submission requirements: Plans submitted to the town for review; county permitting may be required
- Inspections/trade permits: County inspections apply; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Townsend, DE?
Yes. Garage construction requires approval before constructing a garage in Townsend, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Townsend
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for review
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections may be required; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Wilmington, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Wilmington, DE.
- Reviewed by: City of Wilmington Department of Licenses & Inspections
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for approval
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections are required; separate permits may be required for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
Do I Need a Garage Permit in Wyoming, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required before constructing a garage in Wyoming, DE.
- Reviewed by: Town of Wyoming
- Submission requirements: Construction plans submitted for approval
- Inspections/trade permits: Inspections may be required; separate permits may be required for electrical work
Where do I get a Garage permit in DE?
In Delaware, you can get a garage through your county’s building department and sometimes your local town or city, too. For example:
- In New Castle County, permits are issued by the Department of Land Use. You can apply online through their ePlans system or contact them at (302) 395-5400.
- In Kent County, head to the Kent County Levy Court. Applications are handled through the MyGovernmentOnline portal or by calling (302) 744-2451.
- In Sussex County, permits are managed in person by the Building Permit Office in Georgetown. Visit sussexcountyde.gov or call (302) 855-7720.
If you live in an incorporated area like Newark, Dover, or Rehoboth Beach, check with your town’s planning or building office directly, as they may have their own requirements. For projects that include electrical work, a separate electrical permit may also be needed, especially if you’re installing lighting or running power to the garage.
How much is a Garage permit in DE?
The cost of a garage permit in Delaware depends on where you live and how big your project is. Each county and municipality sets its own rates based on the value and scope of construction.
- In New Castle County, expect to pay around $12 per $1,000 of construction value, with a minimum total fee of about $142. This includes review fees, a certificate of occupancy, and contributions to local fire services. Larger garages (over 480 sq. ft.) may also require a $60 grading review.
- Kent County does not list a flat garage permit fee, but all building permits include a required school district surcharge totaling 1.25% of construction value, with final permit costs calculated by the county during the application process.
- In Sussex County, fees vary depending on construction value and whether the project affects more than 5,000 sq. ft. of land. Additional costs may apply for erosion control plans and inspections.
If you live in a city or town like Newark, Dover, or Dewey Beach, you may need to pay local permit fees. For example, in Dewey Beach, the building permit fee is about 3% of the total construction cost. In Newark, they use a fee schedule based on the value of the construction, calculating the cost per $1,000. Permit fees can vary a lot depending on where you are. To get an accurate estimate, it’s best to contact your local building department directly.
How long does it take to get a Garage permit in DE?
At present, Delaware counties and municipalities don’t have a fixed processing timeline for garage permits posted online. Permit review and approval times may vary depending on:
- The completeness of the application
- Project scope
- Zoning and code review requirements
- The workload of the local building department
Applicants can track status through online permitting portals and should contact their county or city building office for the most accurate estimate.
How long does a Garage permit last in DE?
In Delaware, the validity period for a county building permit generally depends on the issuing county’s code and the specific permit conditions:
New Castle County
- A building permit must be initiated within the designated timeframe, and inspections must be arranged in accordance with county regulations. New Castle County also allows permit extensions of up to 180 days per period with an $80 fee per extension period, though this is a policy and not a straight “one-year rule.”
Kent County
- Kent County does not publish a specific expiration period on the county’s high-level permit info. Still, like most jurisdictions, permits become void if work isn’t started or maintained according to the county’s building code requirements. Contact Kent County inspections for specifics.
Sussex County
- Sussex County also does not publicly list a fixed expiration timeframe on its basic permit pages, but permits typically require active construction progress or inspection scheduling to remain valid once issued, and delays may require contacting the permit office.
Municipalities
- Municipalities can vary their expiration rules slightly, so it’s always best to check the local city/town building department for exact permit expiration and extension rules.
What is the penalty for not getting a Garage permit?
The penalty for not getting a garage permit in Delaware can be problematic, as it can result in the following enforcement actions:
General enforcement
- Building departments can issue stop-work orders, require retroactive permit applications, and levy fines for work done without a permit.
- Each day the violation continues is often treated as a separate offense under local code enforcement.
County practices
- New Castle County and other county departments have procedures to enforce compliance and may compel you to obtain proper permits or remove non-compliant work.
- Sussex County typically requires permits for all construction and enforces compliance; repeat or prolonged violations can result in escalating penalties.
Insurance and sale implications
- Adding a structure without a permit can lead to denied insurance claims, difficulty selling the property, and complications during refinancing or title transfer because the unpermitted structure lacks documented approval.
Always check with your local county or municipality and apply for permits before beginning work to avoid fines, stop-work orders, and complications with insurance and future resale.
Garage Permit Requirements in DE
Here’s an accurate summary of what’s typically required:
State and County
- A building permit is required for garage construction (attached or detached) in all three Delaware counties because it involves new construction and structural work.
Documentation
- Common requirements include:
County application systems
- New Castle County: Apply online via ePlans/eServices.
- Kent County: Apply through the MyGovernmentOnline portal.
- Sussex County: Permits are usually obtained at the county’s Georgetown office; in some cases, plans must be submitted in person.
Municipal areas
- Cities such as Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach, Wilmington, and others may have their own permit processes and rules that add to county requirements. Check with your local city building department for details.
Next Steps for Your New Garage?
Before you buy or build a garage in Delaware, make sure you have all the necessary information and approvals in place. Again, we suggest checking with your local municipality since every city and county has its own rules regarding what you’re allowed to build and at what size, location, and if you’re allowed to install electricity.
Once you’re done with the legal logistics, our 3D Garage Builder and model pages are here to make it easy and fun to design the garage of your dreams!
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sheds unlimited
customer reviews
See what our past customers have to say about us! (You can also check our third-party Google reviews and Facebook reviews.)
My experience from Sheds Unlimited was great. The website is very professional and informative. Working with Ryan to get our shed exactly how we wanted it was a pleasure and painless. Communication from the office
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My experience from Sheds Unlimited was great. The website is very professional and informative. Working with Ryan to get our shed exactly how we wanted it was a pleasure and painless. Communication from the office about build schedule and delivery was spot-on. Upon delivery Nate was great. He was very informative about the shed and meticulous on moving it to its location. Once he set the shed he asked us if we liked the location. We checked it and wanted it 3″ closer to the house. He was very happy to nudge it over and he saw how happy we were with it. It was a great experience from a great company. This is the only company to purchase a shed from. In the near future we are looking to have a garage installed and it will be from Sheds Unlimited. Thank You!!!
JNB
Sweetwater NJ
February 5, 2026
Our Sheds Unlimited experience began on their informative website. We used their on-line design tool to create our shed, and the project flowed smoothly from design to delivery. Our site is very steep, and I
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Our Sheds Unlimited experience began on their informative website. We used their on-line design tool to create our shed, and the project flowed smoothly from design to delivery. Our site is very steep, and I truly doubted they would be able to deliver our 12’ X 14’ shed. They committed to delivery after reviewing pictures of our narrow street and steep hillside yard. Nate is a master equipment operator. He had our shed sitting perfectly level on our pad about 30 minutes after arrival. I was amazed by what he could with their specialized equipment. Fantastic work Sheds Unlimited!!
Matt
Duncannon, PA
August 12, 2024
What can I say about Sheds Unlimited that hasn’t been said? The process to design what I wanted could not have been easier, the delivery was spot on time and the installation crew (Gideon, Joshua
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What can I say about Sheds Unlimited that hasn’t been said? The process to design what I wanted could not have been easier, the delivery was spot on time and the installation crew (Gideon, Joshua and Leroy) was awesome! I could not say enough good things about Sheds Unlimited, I highly recommend them!
Jonathan Golding
Howell, NJ
September 12, 2023
I started this process of building a garage 2-3 years ago. I called local builders. Two of them never returned my calls, and one guy chewed me out for finding his number on the web
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I started this process of building a garage 2-3 years ago. I called local builders. Two of them never returned my calls, and one guy chewed me out for finding his number on the web and calling him without being referred by someone. I’m not kidding, this is how the building contractor experience is right now in New England. My web searches always turned up Sheds Unlimited and I saw that they had stories from folks in New England who had used them to build garages even though they are in Pennsylvania. I decided to go through the quote process. There was a similar shed & garage company closer to my home in New England so I got quotes from both of them for similar garages. The New England company quoted me a number that was 2 1/2 times higher than Sheds Unlimited quote. I decided to go with Sheds Unlimited. I worked with Sergey in sales over many emails on exactly what I wanted. There was never a moment when he seemed bothered or impatient by my questions and my changes. Everything was possible and everything had a clear dollar amount, the sale never felt rushed. I finally decided on a design and paid the deposit. The local permit process went smoothly with the plans I purchased from Sheds Unlimited. The process of getting a foundation and pad from a local contractor was probably the most difficult part of the process. Contractors that do concrete work, are used to working with builders, not private homeowners. But I found a guy and gave him the plan and I eventually got a nice pad and foundation. I told Michael from Sheds Unlimited the pad was ready and I expected to wait 10+ weeks since it was now summertime. I got the call only 5 weeks later from Gideon the project manager that they were ready. On the scheduled day Nathan and his crew of 3 young, hard working Amish carpenters arrived and discovered that my driveway was the worst-case scenario. They could not get their very long and heavy trailer up our driveway due to the tightness of the turn and narrowness of the driveway. So they had to unload everything from the trailer at the road to my build site which is about 900 feet from the public road. They dealt with local vehicle traffic, and unhelpful local police. The young crew had to run back and forth the 900 feet to walk alongside the forklift to make sure the preconstructed structural members did not swing into trees. Not once did they show any frustration or anger. Nathan was still positive and smiling when I talked with him about it later. So after all this arrival difficulty, when they finally starting constructing the garage, it went up incredibly fast. Every worker knew their part. There was no question about what they should be doing. They practically got the whole 2-story 2 car garage up in one day even after the delay from the driveway issues. They only stopped for the day when torrential rain finally started. They showed up at 5:30 AM the next day and finished the job. I can’t say enough great things about what I witnessed with this construction crew. Like I said, I have never seen anything like them in 26 years of hiring various contractors for home projects.
If you are considering a garage or shed, don’t even think twice. Contact Sheds Unlimited today. I guarantee you have never worked with any company as satisfying as them.
If you are considering a garage or shed, don’t even think twice. Contact Sheds Unlimited today. I guarantee you have never worked with any company as satisfying as them.
Eric C.
Eliot, ME
August 15, 2023