Most construction, installation, or modification work in Wilmington requires a permit.
However, the City allows a limited number of minor repairs and cosmetic projects to be done without a permit.

Building Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
(Historic Districts have specific requirements—see notes below.)

* Storm doors (permit required in Historic Districts)
* Front doors (permit required in Historic Districts)
* Downspouts and gutters (permit required in Historic Districts)
* Minor roof repairs
* Small maintenance repairs only
* Re-roofing, tear-offs, new shingles, or new roofing systems all require a permit
* Small drywall repair
* Less than 100 sq. ft. or 3 sheets (whichever is larger)
* Must not affect a structural or fire-rated wall
* Floor underlayment and carpeting
* Interior painting
* Exterior painting (permit required in Historic Districts)
* Residential vinyl replacement windows
* Only for 1–2 family homes
* Windows must not alter framing or structure
* Permit required in Historic Districts
* Commercial window replacement always requires a permit
* Non-structural interior or exterior doors (permit required in Historic Districts)
* Plumbing fixture replacements
* Faucets, vanities, toilets, tubs, and shut-off valves
* Only if no in-wall plumbing is changed
* Aluminum or vinyl wrapping of trim, soffits, or windows (permit required in Historic Districts)
* Concrete slabs or sidewalks on private property up to 150 sq. ft. (licensed paver required for all paving in the right of way)

Plumbing Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

* Stopping leaks in exposed water, drain, waste, or vent pipes
* If a concealed pipe or trap must be replaced, a permit is required
* Clearing stoppages in drains
* Repairing small leaks, replacing valves or fixtures
* Removing and reinstalling a toilet, as long as pipes or valve locations do not change

Emergency Repairs
Emergency replacement or repair work may be performed without a prior permit only if:

* The work is truly urgent, and
* The contractor is a City of Wilmington license holder, and
* A permit application is submitted by the next business day

Important Notes

* Work that is exempt from a permit must still comply with all building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, and historic district regulations.
* Applying for a permit may still be required for insurance or real estate documentation.
* If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact:
luppermits@wilmingtonde.gov | 302-576-3050

If your home, building, or site is 50 years or older, it may be considered historic. In Wilmington, the historic eligibility assessment considers both age and architectural significance, conducted by experienced staff. The property’s deed record is also reviewed for connections to historic figures or trends. The City of Wilmington has designated various historic districts, which are listed in Analysis Area maps. If your property is not in a designated area, it's advisable to contact the City’s Department of Land Use and Planning for further guidance before undertaking any work.

The City of Wilmington enforces the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) family of codes, including the building, mechanical, plumbing, and other related codes.

Wilmington adopts local amendments to these codes. These amendments must be used together with the base ICC codes when preparing plans or performing construction.

You can find all current City amendments in Chapter 4 of the City Code, organized by discipline:

City of Wilmington Code Amendments

* City of Wilmington Building Code Amendments (Section 4-27)
* City of Wilmington Mechanical Code Amendments (Section 4-81)
* City of Wilmington Plumbing Code Amendments (Section 4-131)

Many records related to parcels, permits, land use, zoning, and building activity are public and can be requested through the City’s official public records process.
To request copies of parcel records, permit documents, inspection reports, zoning information, or other Land Use & Planning records, use the City of Wilmington’s Public Records Request portal:

Once received, the City will review your request and provide the applicable records or notify you if additional information is needed.

Helpful Tips

* Be as specific as possible about the address, include the parcel ID, permit number, date range, or record type you need.
* Many general information requests—such as zoning district, permitted uses, or code requirements—do not require a FOIA request. Contact us at luppermits@wilmingtonde.gov for basic inquiries.

All applications can be submitted electronically to the permit team at luppermits@wilmingtonde.gov.

Once your permit is approved, you will receive an email with your total permit fee and application number. You may submit payment using any of the following options:

* By Phone:
Call 302-576-2620, option 4, and provide your application number.

* In Person:
The Department of Finance, First Floor

800 N. French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801.

* By Mail:

Make checks payable to City of Wilmington and mail to:
Department of Land Use & Planning
800 N. French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(Include your application number.)

After Payment
Please contact luppermits@wilmingtonde.gov or 302-576-3050 to arrange permit pickup.