New Castle County Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

New Castle County Department of Land Use is the building-permit, plan-review, inspection, and zoning authority for projects in the county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas. A parcel inside an incorporated municipality may instead be subject to that municipality’s permitting office, so confirm the jurisdiction before applying.

New Castle County building permits and ePlans

Building, demolition, and utility permits that require plan review are processed through the county’s eServices system. Applicants begin with eApply, then receive an ePlans invitation to upload plans and supporting documents. The county’s permit guidance explains the prescreen, technical review, corrections, fee, and approval sequence. Keep the application number, parcel ID, approved plans, and contractor information together throughout the review.

Inspections, permit search, and certificate of occupancy

The county inspection portal can search permit and parcel information and allows permit holders to schedule, reschedule, or cancel inspections. Required inspections must be completed before work is covered. New Castle County code requires the structure or use to pass the applicable final inspections and receive a temporary or permanent certificate of occupancy before it is occupied.

Zoning and plan review

Check zoning and use requirements before submitting building plans. New or improved buildings may require zoning certification, land-development review, board approval, floodplain or resource-protection review, and a certificate of occupancy. County rules do not replace state electrical and plumbing licensing requirements or reviews by other agencies.

Official contact information

New Castle County lists Planning & Permits at (302) 395-5400 and the Department of Land Use at 87 Reads Way, New Castle, Delaware 19720. Use the official ePlans account for submissions and the inspection portal for permit status and inspection scheduling.