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Delaware Shed Permits: Guide by County
Before adding a storage shed 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 shed permits in Delaware and help you plan your next steps with confidence.
If you’re considering your options, feel free to explore our Shed Models or try out our 3D Builder to start designing a shed that fits your space and your style.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in DE?
Yes. In most cases, you will need a permit in Delaware to build a shed.
Permits help ensure that your structure 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 always best to check your local planning or zoning office for specific details.
Do I Need a Permit to Run Electricity to My Shed in DE?
Yes. You will need a permit for any electrical work in your shed 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.
- Licensed Electricians: If a professional 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.
Do I Need A Floor Plan For My Shed In DE?
Yes. In most jurisdictions in Delaware, submitting a floor plan is a standard requirement for obtaining a building permit.
- New Castle County: For sheds or detached garages of 480 square feet or less, you must provide three copies of a plot plan showing property boundaries and existing structures.
- Kent County: Detailed construction drawings, which show the layout and interior details, are required to ensure the structure conforms to county codes.
- Sussex County: While smaller sheds (under 400 square feet) primarily require a placement permit, larger structures (400 sq. ft. or larger) must undergo a full plan review that includes engineered floor plans.
Even if your shed is delivered completely finished, it still has to conform to county building codes; therefore, you must present plans to obtain the necessary permit.
What Customizations Can I Add To My Shed In DE?
Customizing your shed allows you to move beyond basic storage and create a space that reflects your style and functional needs. Popular options include:
- Structural Layout: You can adjust the size, shape, and roof style, choosing between options like gable, barn, or saltbox.
- Exterior Finishes: Match your home’s architecture with various siding materials (wood, vinyl, or log-style), custom colors, and unique trim options.
- Functional Add-ons: Enhance usability with ramps, extra-wide doors, window flower boxes, or specialized shelving.
- Interior Upgrades: For those creating a backyard office or “she-shed,” you can add insulation, finished flooring, and interior walls.
- Utility Packages: Many homeowners choose to add electrical packages for lighting and outlets, which requires a separate electrical permit.
Shed Permit Requirements For Cities in Delaware
Garage permit requirements in Delaware can vary by city or town. Each city name in the contact list below jumps directly to an overview of the rules that apply to your specific location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always confirm requirements with local officials before beginning construction.
| Cities | Websites / Departments |
| New Castle County | Department of Permits & Inspections |
| Kent County | Department of Planning Services |
| Sussex County | Department of Building Services |
Do I Need a Shed Permit in New Castle County, DE?
Yes. A permit is mandatory for any shed 200 square feet or larger.
Requirements:
- Documentation: You must submit three copies of a plot plan and construction plans, including elevations, floor plans, and cross sections.
- Setbacks: Typical requirements are 3 feet from rear and side property lines.
- Front Yard Rule: Sheds are generally not permitted in the front yard unless specific conditions, such as lots over two acres, are met.
Contact the Department of Permits & Inspections for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Kent County, DE?
Yes. You need a permit if your shed is 300 square feet or larger.
Requirements:
- Placement: Sheds must be located behind the house and are typically required to be 10 feet from the house, well, and septic system.
- Setbacks: Standard setbacks are 5 feet from the rear and side property lines.
- Height Restriction: Structures are generally restricted in height, and those on lots smaller than one-half acre have specific drainage standards.
Contact the Department of Planning Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Sussex County, DE?
Yes. Sussex County requires a permit for all home accessory buildings, regardless of size.
Requirements:
- Sheds under 400 sq. ft.: These require a county placement permit in addition to any permits required by local towns.
- Sheds 400 sq. ft. and larger: These require a formal plan review by the Land Use Department.
- Setbacks: A minimum 5-foot setback from the rear and side property lines is standard.
Contact the Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Shed Permit Requirements For Counties in Delaware
Because garage permits are handled locally in Delaware, requirements can differ by county. Each county name in the contact list below jumps directly to an overview of the rules that apply to your specific location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always confirm details with local officials before moving forward.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Arden, DE?
Yes. Local approval is required before placing a shed in Arden.
Requirements:
- Sheds must not be located in front of the house and can only occupy 30% of the required rear yard.
- One-story detached accessory buildings ≤200 sq ft may be permit-exempt if height limits are met.
- Larger sheds require a county building permit and plot plan showing setbacks.
Contact the Arden Community Planning and the New Castle County Department of Permits & Inspections.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Bellefonte, DE?
Yes. You must obtain a local zoning review before applying for a county permit.
Requirements:
- Zoning Review Board application must be approved prior to contacting New Castle County for the building permit.
- Permit exemption may apply for ≤200 sq ft one-story detached sheds.
- Zoning setbacks must be shown on a recorded plot plan.
Contact the Bellefonte Building Permit & Regulations Department for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Bethany Beach, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required for any new structure in Bethany Beach.
Requirements:
- Details: Permits are valid for 6–18 months; all plans and fees must be submitted before review.
- A site plan showing structure size, setbacks, and lot lines is required.
- Structures must comply with floodplain regulations where applicable.
Contact the Bethany Beach Building Department for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Blades, DE?
Yes. Approval is required from both the town and the county.
Requirements:
- Sussex County requires a building permit for all construction activity within municipalities.
- Sheds under 400 sq. ft. require a Sussex County placement permit.
- Accessory structures require zoning compliance and required setbacks.
- Flood-zone sheds require permits regardless of size.
Contact the Blades Planning & Zoning Department and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Bridgeville, DE?
Yes. Local and county approvals are required for shed projects.
Requirements:
- You must follow Bridgeville’s application review guidelines before initiating construction.
- Sheds must meet zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits.
- Permit required for structures located in flood zones.
Contact the Bridgeville Permits Department and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Camden, DE?
Yes. Kent County and the Town of Camden regulate shed placement.
Requirements:
- Accessory structures over 300 sq ft require a building permit.
- Typical setbacks are 5 feet from rear and side lines
- The shed must be behind the house.
Contact the Camden Forms & Applications and the Kent County Department of Planning Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Clayton, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required for sheds in Clayton.
Requirements:
- Sheds require anchors on all four corners to prevent movement in accordance with Building Code G801.
- You must provide a site plan showing distances from all property lines.
- Zoning setbacks and flood-zone rules still apply.
Contact the Clayton Permits & Forms Department for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Dagsboro, DE?
Yes. Approval is required from the town and Sussex County.
Requirements:
- Threshold: A county placement permit is required for sheds 399 sq. ft. and smaller.
- A minimum 5-foot setback from property lines is typically required.
- Floodplain development permits may be required.
Contact the Dagsboro Permits, Licenses, and Applications Office and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Delaware City, DE?
Yes. A Building Subcode Permit is required for altering or constructing a structure.
Requirements:
- Minimum fee is $100 or 2.5% of construction cost, whichever is higher.
- New construction may require a Foundation As-Built Certification.
- Permit exemption possible for detached sheds ≤200 sq ft.
- Plot plan required showing structure placement and setbacks.
Contact the Delaware City Planning & Zoning for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Dover, DE?
Yes. A permit is required for sheds, though small ones have exemptions.
Requirements:
- Application must include a plot plan and construction details.
- Maximum height, anchoring, and setback rules apply.
Contact the Dover Planning & Inspections for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Ellendale, DE?
Yes. Building permits must be obtained for sheds in Ellendale.
Requirements:
- Accessory buildings must meet zoning setbacks and coverage limits.
- Flood-zone structures require permits regardless of size.
Contact the Ellendale Forms and the Sussex County Department of Building Services. for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Elsmere, DE?
Yes. A permit is required for sheds of a certain size.
Requirements:
- Town of Elsmere building permit required for sheds over 120 sq ft.
- Permit fees include the cost of required inspections.
- Zoning review is required to confirm setbacks and placement compliance.
Because the Town of Elsmere website was not operational when this article was created, we recommend reaching out to the New Castle County Department of Permits & Inspections for further details.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Felton, DE?
Yes. You must obtain a Compliance Letter from the town before visiting the county.
Requirements:
- A Compliance Letter from the town, stating the project meets zoning
- Take the Compliance Letter to Kent County for the building permit.
- Kent County requires the official permit for sheds 300 square feet or larger.
- Structures must meet anchoring and setback standards.
Contact the Felton Building Permits and the Kent County Department of Planning Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Frederica, DE?
Yes. Approval from both the town and Kent County is mandatory.
Requirements:
- Obtain a town permit and approval letter
- Submit letter to the Kent County Inspections and Enforcements Office.
- Flood-zone rules override size exemptions.
Contact the Frederica Town Code and the Kent County Department of Planning Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Georgetown, DE?
Yes. A county permit is required for pre-built and site-built sheds.
Requirements:
- Accessory structures like sheds require a Sussex County permit even if located within a municipality.
- Site plan showing setbacks and lot coverage required.
- Floodplain compliance enforced where applicable.
Contact the Georgetown Planning Department and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Greenwood, DE?
Yes. Building permits are required for accessory structures like sheds.
Requirements:
- Sheds must comply with zoning setback requirements.
- Flood-zone permits required when applicable.
Contact the Greenwood Forms & Applications and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Harrington, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required from the city for any structure erected or altered.
Requirements:
- Sheds can only be placed in the back and side yards.
- Harrington uses an electronic permit submission process for all plans.
- Accessory buildings may be permit-exempt under county size limits.
- Anchoring and setback rules still apply.
Contact the Harrington Planning & Inspections Department for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Laurel, DE?
Yes. Laurel and Sussex County both regulate accessory structures.
Requirements:
- A plot plan showing location and setbacks must be submitted.
- Zoning and floodplain requirements apply.
- Laurel controls accessory structures
- Sussex County handles code and floodplain oversight.
Contact the Laurel Planning & Code Enforcement Department and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Lewes, DE?
Yes. A permit is required in order to build a shed in Lewes, DE.
Requirements:
- A signed contract between the owner and contractor must be included with the application.
- City of Lewes permit is required before applying for a Sussex County permit.
- Site plan showing structure size, setbacks, and lot lines required.
- Historic or coastal overlay rules may apply.
Contact the Lewes Building Permits & Property Maintenance and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Middletown, DE?
Yes. A permit ensures compliance with the International Building Code and Town Code.
Requirements:
- Zoning review ensures setback and lot coverage compliance.
- Larger structures require construction plans.
- An inspection must be scheduled after completion to receive a certificate of occupancy.
Contact the Middletown Permits / Inspections for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Milford, DE?
Yes. Building permits are required for new construction and accessory buildings.
Requirements:
- Plot plan and zoning compliance required.
- Flood-zone permits may apply depending on location.
- Depending on which side of the city you are in, you may also deal with Kent or Sussex County.
Contact the Milford Building Inspections & Permitting for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Millsboro, DE?
Yes. Local and county approvals are required.
Requirements:
- Site plan showing setbacks and structure dimensions required.
- Floodplain compliance is enforced where applicable.
Contact the Millsboro Permits & Inspections Department and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Millville, DE?
Yes. Local zoning and county building permits apply.
Requirements:
- Accessory structures must meet zoning setbacks.
- Flood-zone permits required if applicable.
Contact the Millville Facilities & Building Department and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Milton, DE?
Yes. Approval from the town is required before county permitting.
Requirements:
- Site plan showing structure placement required.
- Zoning setbacks and lot coverage rules apply.
Contact the Milton Building Department and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in New Castle, DE?
Yes. Building permits are required for accessory structures.
Requirements:
- Plot plan and zoning approval required.
- Historic district regulations may apply.
Contact the New Castle Building & Zoning Department for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Newark, DE?
Yes. Building permits are required for accessory structures.
Requirements:
- Approved plans and zoning review required.
- Fire code requirements may apply to new buildings.
- Additional reviews may apply if your property is in a historic district or flood zone.
Department Contact: Newark Building Permits for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Ocean View, DE?
Yes. Town zoning and Sussex County building rules apply.
Requirements:
- Town building permit required.
- Site plan showing setbacks and lot lines required.
- Coastal and floodplain regulations enforced.
Department Contact: Ocean View Planning & Zoning and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Rehoboth Beach, DE?
Yes. Local approval must be granted before Sussex County permitting.
Requirements:
- City building permit required before construction.
- Site plan and zoning approval required.
- Penalties apply for construction without permits.
Contact the Rehoboth Beach Building Permit and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Seaford, DE?
Yes. A building permit is required for any shed project within city limits.
Requirements:
- City of Seaford building permit.
- Plot plan showing setbacks and structure size required.
- Floodplain rules are enforced where applicable.
Contact the Seaford City Code for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Selbyville, DE?
Yes. Town and Sussex County permits are required.
Requirements:
- Town building permit.
- Zoning review for setbacks and lot coverage required.
- Flood-zone compliance enforced.
Contact the Selbyville Forms & Applications and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Smyrna, DE?
Yes. Building permits are required for construction and structural work.
Requirements:
- Town building permit.
- Site plan showing placement and setbacks required.
- Zoning and anchoring requirements apply.
Contact the Smyrna Permits and Inspections for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in South Bethany, DE?
Yes. All construction requires town and Sussex County oversight.
Requirements:
- Town building permit required.
- Site plan and zoning approval required.
- Floodplain and coastal regulations enforced.
Contact the South Bethany Code Enforcement Officer and the Sussex County Department of Building Services for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Townsend, DE?
Yes. Local approval is required for all accessory buildings.
Requirements:
- New Castle County building permit.
- Detached sheds ≤200 sq ft may be permit-exempt.
- Zoning setbacks must be met.
Contact the Department of Permits & Inspections and Townsend Forms and Permits Office for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Wilmington, DE?
Yes. Building permits are required through the city’s licensing department.
Requirements:
- City building permit.
- Zoning review is required for every permit.
- Site plan approval required for new structures.
Contact the Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Wyoming, DE?
Yes. Permits are required for any new structure or major alteration.
- Kent County building permit.
- Sheds over 300 sq ft require a permit.
- Setback and anchoring requirements apply.
Contact the Wyoming License Applications & Permits Department for specific rules regarding your shed project.
Next Steps for Your New Shed
Getting a shed permit in Delaware might feel like a lot of paperwork, but taking the time to follow your local county and city rules ensures your new structure is safe, legal, and adds lasting value to your home. These rules serve as a safety net, helping your project comply with structural codes and avoid property line disputes.
If the process still feels overwhelming, we’re here to help. We can even handle the entire permitting process for you for a fee. Once your paperwork is squared away, you can focus on the fun part: picking out a building that fits your life.
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testimonials
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