Local building department guide · Updated 2026-07-30

Kent County Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Use this guide to find the official Kent County Levy Court Inspections and Enforcement, start a permit application, search permit records, schedule an inspection, and locate the correct zoning or plan review contact.

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Quick actions

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Apply for a building permit

Review the typical application path and prepare your project details.

See permit steps

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Track or search permits

Find Kent County permit search resources and application status links.

Search permits

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Schedule a building inspection

Learn what to have ready before requesting your next inspection.

Schedule inspection

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Other portal login

Open the department's official online services and permit portal.

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Kent County Levy Court’s Inspections and Enforcement Division handles county building permits, construction plan review, inspections, and code enforcement. A project inside an incorporated town may also need a permit or written zoning approval from that town; Kent County states that it performs construction plan review and inspections on behalf of towns where applicable.

Kent County building permits and MyGovernmentOnline

Building permit applications are submitted through the county’s MyGovernmentOnline system. Use the portal to create an account, submit permit information, upload required material, monitor the application, and follow current county instructions. Electrical and plumbing permits are issued through the State of Delaware rather than Kent County.

Inspections and occupancy

The Inspections and Enforcement Division enforces county and state-mandated codes and conducts construction inspections. Arrange inspections through the permit process before covering work or moving to the next required stage. Ask the county or the applicable town about final inspection and certificate-of-occupancy requirements for the specific use and jurisdiction.

Planning and zoning

Kent County Planning handles site plans, rezonings, conditional uses, subdivisions, zoning verifications, and related land-use approvals. Projects inside a town should obtain the town’s zoning approval or written permit requirement first when directed by the county. Confirm parcel jurisdiction, floodplain, sewer, access, and other agency approvals before plan submission.

Official contact information

Kent County lists Inspections & Enforcement at (302) 744-2452 and Building Permits at (302) 744-2451. The county administrative complex is 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware 19901. The Planning Division lists (302) 744-2471 for zoning and land-use questions.

Permit process

How to Apply for a Kent County Building Permit

Confirm the project scope

Identify the work, property address, project valuation, and whether plans are required.

Prepare your documents

Gather plans, owner and contractor details, site information, and any zoning approvals.

Submit and monitor

Submit through the department’s stated process, pay fees, and watch for review comments.

Field work & closeout

Building Inspections & Code Compliance in Kent County

Most permitted work must remain accessible for inspection at defined stages. Before scheduling, check your permit record for the required inspection sequence and make sure the site is safe and ready. Final inspections can be especially important for code compliance and a certificate of occupancy.

Helpful preparation

Keep the permit card or approval number available, confirm the property address, and ask the official office about lead times or reinspection fees.

Planning & review

Zoning and Plan Review Requirements

A building permit is not always the only approval your project needs. Zoning guidelines may affect use, setbacks, height, parking, signage, or lot coverage. Residential and commercial building permits can also follow different plan review tracks, so confirm the correct path before investing in a full plan set.

For a project in Kent County, start with the official department below and ask which zoning, planning, conservation, or fire review approvals apply to your address.

Keep this handy

Official Contact Information

Department	Kent County Levy Court Inspections and Enforcement
Phone	(302) 744-2452
Address	Kent County Levy Court Administrative Complex, 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
Official website	https://www.kentcountyde.gov/Doing-Business-with-Kent-County/Development-Resources/Permits-Building-Sewer
Last verified	2026-07-30

Official source pages used for this guide

These links were checked on 2026-07-30. Requirements, fees, office hours, and portal addresses can change; use the official source as the final authority.