Construction & Development Plan Review

The City of Wilmington requires permits for new structures, changes to existing structures, and various repairs. This page provides a step-by-step guide to the development review process, necessary checklists, applications, relevant city codes, and code interpretations to ensure compliance with local and state regulations.

The City of Wilmington requires permits for the following:

• New structures
• Changes to existing structures, including demolition
• Repairs, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work

Step-by-Step Guide

The Development Review Process Step-by-Step Guide (PDF) 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, Applications, and Forms

Zoning Review

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Application for Variance (PDF)

Building Review

• Application for Building Permit (PDF)
• Standards for the Review of Development in the Waterfront Zoning Districts (PDF)

Demolition Review

• Utility Sign-Off Sheet and Permit Application (PDF)

Public Works Review

• Department of Public Works Plan Review Intake Checklist (PDF)
• Sewer Permit Application (Contact Us for application)
• Street Closure Application (PDF)
• Water/Sewer/Stormwater Submittal Form (PDF)
• Sediment and Stormwater Management Program Applications and Checklists

Planning Review

• Subdivisions - Subdivision Application and Checklist (PDF)
• Design Review and Preservation Commission - if within Historic District - Cover Letter and Checklist for Design Review Proposal Package (PDF)

Fire Protection Review

• Fire Protection System Plan Submittals Checklist and Plan Review Application (PDF)

Water Service Application Checklist

• Checklist to Prepare Drawings for a New Water Service (PDF)

Relevant City Code

Zoning

• Zoning Code (Wilmington City Code Chapter 48)
• Zoning Map (PDF)

Building & Construction

• 2018 ICC Codes Adopted and Amendments - Substitute Number 2 to Ordinance Number 13-034 (PDF)
• International Building Code 2018 - Local Building Modifications (PDF)
• International Mechanical Code 2018 - Local Mechanical Modifications (PDF)
• International Plumbing Code 2018 - Local Plumbing Modifications (PDF)
• International Residential Code 2018 - Local Residential Modifications (PDF)
• Existing Building Rehabilitation Code (Wilmington City Code Chapter 4, Section 4-191)
• Sediment and Stormwater Management (Wilmington City Code Chapter 11, Section 11-36)
• Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places (Wilmington City Code Chapter 42)
• Utilities (Wilmington City Code Chapter 45)

Fire Prevention

• Fire Prevention and Protection (Wilmington City Code Chapter 12)
• Current Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations (adopted March 11, 2016)