Wilmington Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

The City of Wilmington Department of Land Use and Planning is the city’s primary contact for building permits, zoning administration, development review, and building-code inspections within Wilmington city limits. Projects outside the city should be routed to the applicable New Castle County or municipal authority.

Wilmington building permits and plan review

Wilmington requires permits for new structures, changes to existing structures including demolition, and repairs involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Submit a complete application with the plans and supporting documents listed in the city’s construction and development guidance. Some projects also require separate Fire Marshal or Public Works review before a permit can be issued.

Permit search and inspections

The City’s online permit portal allows users to look up permit applications, issued permits, inspection results, and permit status. Schedule required inspections through the department’s current instructions and retain the permit number for follow-up. Final approval may also depend on fire, utility, accessibility, or other agency sign-offs before the building can be occupied.

Zoning, historic districts, and occupancy

Land Use and Planning administers zoning, site-plan and subdivision review, and the city’s 12 historic districts. A project may need Zoning Board of Adjustment, City Planning Commission, or Design Review and Preservation Commission action before the permit review can finish. Confirm Chapter 48 zoning, historic-district, use, and occupancy requirements early in the process.

Official contact information

The Department of Land Use and Planning is at 800 N. French Street, 3rd Floor, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, and lists (302) 576-3050 and luppermits@wilmingtonde.gov. Within city limits, Wilmington 311 can also route service requests; from outside the city call (302) 576-2620.