About Building Permits
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The authority to establish and enforce Building and Zoning Codes is governed by
Delaware Code, Title 22, Chapter 3. More information can be found at the State website Online Delaware Code .
Per the Bellefonte Building and Plumbing Ordinance, Ordinance 2006-03, Building Permits are required for any
construction project to build, alter, or enlarge any structure with the corporate town limits. This ordinance applies
whether the work is being done by the homeowner or a contractor.
In agreement with NCC permit exemptions, the following projects DO NOT require a permit:
Window replacement, siding replacement, shingle replacement (unless more than 25% of the subroofing is being
replaced or if structural support beams are being replaced), or other cosmetic improvements that do not affect the
structural integrity of the building. Permits are also required for any "out building," such as a garage or shed.
Decks and porches require a permit, as does a poured concrete drive or sidewalk, as they are structural and
intended to hold weight.
Patios and walkways with slates, pavers, or stone, are considered "landscaping" or temporary and do not require
a permit. If you plan on putting in a driveway, you must first obtain written permission from DelDOT to cut down the
curb, as it is the property of DelDOT.
Applying for a Building Permit
To apply for a Building Permit, contact Mark Barnwell, the Bellefonte Building Inspector, at 377-8565. Mark will
supply you with an Application for Building Permit. Complete the form as best you can, or have your contractor
complete the form. When valuing a construction project, you may enter the cost of the project is you are using a
contractor. If you are doing it yourself, the valuation is the total cost of the supplies to be used. Approval of the
valuation of the project is at the discretion and judgement of the Building Inspector, so be as accurate as possible,
or the Building Inspector can set the valuation for you. The fees for a permit are $8.00 for every $1,000 of the
project with a minimum of $50. For example, a $10,000 project is $80 10 x 8$). If your project includes additional
plumbing or mechanical work (heating/central air conditioning), you must also obtain a permit from the Plumbing
Inspector.
Along with the application, you will be required to supply the Building Inspector with three copies of plans for the
project. These plans should be drawn to at least 1/8th inch to the foot scale, and should provide detailed drawings
of footers, foundations, and main supports, noting the size and materials to be used. The Building Inspector may,
but is not required to, ask you for elevated views of the project.
Once these requirements are met, the Building Inspector will review your plans to see that they meet the Bellefonte
Building Codes and the Bellefonte Building Zone Ordinances and Amendments. The Zoning Ordinances are rules
about how far away a structure may be from the property line, how high, etc. It is a good idea to review these
requirements before you start to plan your project. If all these requirements are met, the Building Inspector will
approve your permit (you will pay the permit fee directly to the Building Inspector). You are required to post your
permit in a place visible from the street.
The Inspector will inform you of any interim inspections that will be required during construction however, he has
the authority to come onto your property at any time during construction to verify that plans are being followed and
that the work site is safe from hazards.
Any electrical work must be certified by a licensed electrical inspector before you close the walls with drywall. The
Building Inspector can give you the names of the approved electrical inspectors. Follow the Building Inspector's
schedule of interim inspections, or you risk having to de-construct, or worse, you will be denied a Certificate of
Compliance/Occupancy (CO). Transfering property without a CO is a violation of code and may hinder your ability
to get fire/property insurance. NOTE: We recommend that you schedule your final inspection for CO before you
pay your contractor. If there are any deficiencies and your CO is denied, you may have trouble getting the contractor
to correct the deficiencies.
Also, be aware of Bellefonte Ordinance 89-1, the Water Drainage Ordinance (an amendment to the Building and
Plumbing Code), which prohibits anyone from altering their property in such as way that affects proper drainage
from the property. Water cannot pool, nor can water flow onto an adjoining property as a result of your construction
project. The Building Inspector may require an engineering plan be submitted if he suspects that your project may
cause a future drainage problem. If your project does create a drainage problem, Ordinance 89-1 requires you to
fix the problem at your expense.
If you are denied a Building Permit, the Building Inspector will provide you with a letter stating the reason for the
denial, and will return your fees. You can either correct thedeficiency in the plans, or you may appeal the decision
of the Building Inspector with the Bellefonte Board of Adjustment. Your appeal to the Board of Adjustment is also
known as a variance.
If you have any questions about this process, you can consult the Building Inspector, or may write to the Bellefonte
Town Commission at:
BTC
Bellefonte Town Hall
901A Rosedale Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19809
Disclaimer: This website is maintained for your information and planning. Every effort is made to keep this
information up-to-date, but is not guaranteed to be accurate. For copies of current codes and ordinances, please
contact the Secretary, Bellefonte Town Commission.
Delaware Code, Title 22, Chapter 3. More information can be found at the State website Online Delaware Code .
Per the Bellefonte Building and Plumbing Ordinance, Ordinance 2006-03, Building Permits are required for any
construction project to build, alter, or enlarge any structure with the corporate town limits. This ordinance applies
whether the work is being done by the homeowner or a contractor.
In agreement with NCC permit exemptions, the following projects DO NOT require a permit:
Window replacement, siding replacement, shingle replacement (unless more than 25% of the subroofing is being
replaced or if structural support beams are being replaced), or other cosmetic improvements that do not affect the
structural integrity of the building. Permits are also required for any "out building," such as a garage or shed.
Decks and porches require a permit, as does a poured concrete drive or sidewalk, as they are structural and
intended to hold weight.
Patios and walkways with slates, pavers, or stone, are considered "landscaping" or temporary and do not require
a permit. If you plan on putting in a driveway, you must first obtain written permission from DelDOT to cut down the
curb, as it is the property of DelDOT.
Applying for a Building Permit
To apply for a Building Permit, contact Mark Barnwell, the Bellefonte Building Inspector, at 377-8565. Mark will
supply you with an Application for Building Permit. Complete the form as best you can, or have your contractor
complete the form. When valuing a construction project, you may enter the cost of the project is you are using a
contractor. If you are doing it yourself, the valuation is the total cost of the supplies to be used. Approval of the
valuation of the project is at the discretion and judgement of the Building Inspector, so be as accurate as possible,
or the Building Inspector can set the valuation for you. The fees for a permit are $8.00 for every $1,000 of the
project with a minimum of $50. For example, a $10,000 project is $80 10 x 8$). If your project includes additional
plumbing or mechanical work (heating/central air conditioning), you must also obtain a permit from the Plumbing
Inspector.
Along with the application, you will be required to supply the Building Inspector with three copies of plans for the
project. These plans should be drawn to at least 1/8th inch to the foot scale, and should provide detailed drawings
of footers, foundations, and main supports, noting the size and materials to be used. The Building Inspector may,
but is not required to, ask you for elevated views of the project.
Once these requirements are met, the Building Inspector will review your plans to see that they meet the Bellefonte
Building Codes and the Bellefonte Building Zone Ordinances and Amendments. The Zoning Ordinances are rules
about how far away a structure may be from the property line, how high, etc. It is a good idea to review these
requirements before you start to plan your project. If all these requirements are met, the Building Inspector will
approve your permit (you will pay the permit fee directly to the Building Inspector). You are required to post your
permit in a place visible from the street.
The Inspector will inform you of any interim inspections that will be required during construction however, he has
the authority to come onto your property at any time during construction to verify that plans are being followed and
that the work site is safe from hazards.
Any electrical work must be certified by a licensed electrical inspector before you close the walls with drywall. The
Building Inspector can give you the names of the approved electrical inspectors. Follow the Building Inspector's
schedule of interim inspections, or you risk having to de-construct, or worse, you will be denied a Certificate of
Compliance/Occupancy (CO). Transfering property without a CO is a violation of code and may hinder your ability
to get fire/property insurance. NOTE: We recommend that you schedule your final inspection for CO before you
pay your contractor. If there are any deficiencies and your CO is denied, you may have trouble getting the contractor
to correct the deficiencies.
Also, be aware of Bellefonte Ordinance 89-1, the Water Drainage Ordinance (an amendment to the Building and
Plumbing Code), which prohibits anyone from altering their property in such as way that affects proper drainage
from the property. Water cannot pool, nor can water flow onto an adjoining property as a result of your construction
project. The Building Inspector may require an engineering plan be submitted if he suspects that your project may
cause a future drainage problem. If your project does create a drainage problem, Ordinance 89-1 requires you to
fix the problem at your expense.
If you are denied a Building Permit, the Building Inspector will provide you with a letter stating the reason for the
denial, and will return your fees. You can either correct thedeficiency in the plans, or you may appeal the decision
of the Building Inspector with the Bellefonte Board of Adjustment. Your appeal to the Board of Adjustment is also
known as a variance.
If you have any questions about this process, you can consult the Building Inspector, or may write to the Bellefonte
Town Commission at:
BTC
Bellefonte Town Hall
901A Rosedale Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19809
Disclaimer: This website is maintained for your information and planning. Every effort is made to keep this
information up-to-date, but is not guaranteed to be accurate. For copies of current codes and ordinances, please
contact the Secretary, Bellefonte Town Commission.