About Building Permits

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
www.delcode.state.de.us at the address:
http://www.delcode.state.de.us/title22/c003/index.htm#P-1_0 (copy and paste in your
browser).

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 is 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 the
deficiency 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.  (Click here for contact list)