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HomePermits & ZoningDelaware
Delaware (DE) Permit Guide

Building a Steel Structure in Delaware: Permits, Zoning & What You Need to Know

Delaware delegates building code enforcement to local jurisdictions, primarily counties and cities. Kent and Sussex counties (southern Delaware) are more flexible for steel buildings and barndominiums than New Castle County in the north.

Permit Difficulty
Moderate
Avg Permit Cost
$400 – $3,000
Typical Timeline
3–8 weeks
Barndominium-Friendly
Limited

Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.

State Building Code Overview

Building code adoption and enforcement is handled at the county and municipal level. Delaware only has three counties, making the landscape relatively simple to navigate.

Primary Code

IBC / IRC

Code Version

Varies by jurisdiction (2015–2018 IBC)

Adoption Level

Local Only

Statewide Enforcement

No

Permit Requirements

Kent and Sussex counties are the primary building departments for southern Delaware.

Residential

Required

Commercial

Required

Agricultural

Not Required

Size threshold: structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt.

Required Documents

  • Engineered plans
  • Site plan
  • Foundation plan

Exemptions & Exceptions

Agricultural Exemption
Available

Agricultural buildings on qualifying farmland may be exempt from building permits in some jurisdictions. Sussex County has agricultural exemptions.

Size Exemption
Available

Accessory structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt from building permits.

Environmental & Structural Loads

Coastal areas have higher wind requirements. Delaware Bay and Atlantic coast exposure increases wind design loads.

Wind Load

110–140 mph

high zone

Snow Load

15–25 psf

Seismic

A–B

Category

Flood

FEMA Regulated

Energy Code

Energy Code

IECC

Version

2018 IECC

Energy code enforcement varies by jurisdiction.

Contractor Licensing

No State License Required

License Type

No state license required

Delaware does not require a state contractor license. Some municipalities require local contractor registration.

Typical Setback Requirements

Front

25–35 ft

Side

10–15 ft

Rear

15–25 ft

Setbacks vary by county and zone.

Foundation Requirements

Engineered Foundation Required

Common Foundation Types

Slab-on-gradeCrawl spacePier and beam

Sandy soils in southern Delaware. Clay soils in northern Delaware. Foundation design must account for local soil conditions.

Building Type Considerations

Shops & Workshops

Permits required in most areas. Rural Sussex County more flexible.

Barns

Agricultural exemptions available in Sussex County for bona fide farm operations.

Barndominiums

Growing interest in Sussex County. Acceptance varies by jurisdiction.

Garages & Storage

Standard permit requirements in most areas.

Commercial

Full IBC compliance required.

HOA & Deed Restrictions

HOAs are common in New Castle County suburban developments. Southern Delaware (Sussex County) has more unrestricted rural land.

Flood Zone Considerations

FEMA Flood Regulations Apply

Significant flood zones along Delaware Bay, Atlantic coast, and inland rivers. Flood zone construction requirements are strictly enforced.

Official Sources & Resources

Verify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.

DE State Fire Marshal — Building CodesBuilding code and fire code enforcement
DE Division of Professional RegulationProfessional and contractor licensing
Delaware — ICCICC code adoption details for Delaware

In This Guide

In This Guide

State Building Code OverviewPermit RequirementsExemptions & ExceptionsEnvironmental & Structural LoadsEnergy CodeContractor LicensingTypical Setback RequirementsFoundation RequirementsBuilding Type ConsiderationsHOA & Deed RestrictionsFlood Zone ConsiderationsOfficial Sources & Resources

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.

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