Building Permits

About Building Permits

Planning a home improvement project?  How about renovating for a new business venture?  If so, please contact the Building Department first at (302) 366-7075.  We can guide you through the process and keep you on track from start to finish.  Our staff is available to help answer your questions. 

Additional Building Permits Information

Our inspectors review your plans, issue permits, and conduct all inspections.  For more information, please contact the Building Department at (302) 366-7075.

When Building Permits Are Required

Building or Installing 

·         New houses, structures, buildings, deck or patio roofs or covers,

·         Chimneys, garages, heating, ventilating, or air conditioning systems,

·         Supply or exhaust hoods, swimming pools, tool or storage sheds, fences.

Repairing or Replacing 

·         Structural reconstruction due to water or terminate damage, existing structural stone, or concrete or brick.

·         Interior surfaces in restaurants and other assembly uses and any structural work. 

·         Roofing and siding may also require permits.

Additions, Alterations, Renovations or Change in the Use of a Structure 

·         Rooms, dormers, bay windows, or alterations to floor plans or wall openings.

·         Water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and/or air conditioning systems.

·         Adding circuits or changing electrical services.

·         Conversion of any porch, garage, or basement to living/sleeping area.

An amendment to the City of Newark Building Code requires all new buildings, both residential and commercial, built in the City of Newark to have an approved fire suppression system.

Current Codes Adopted by the City of Newark

·         2006 International Building Code

·         2006 International Fire Code

·         2006 International Residential Code

·         2006 International Plumbing Code

·         2006 International Mechanical Code

·         2006 International Fuel Gas Code

·         2006 International Property Maintenance Code

·         Delaware State Fire Prevention Code

·         NFPA Fire Prevention Codes

Other Codes

Other codes are referenced and/or adopted by the City of Newark.

Change In Use

A change in use group for an existing structure may require the installation of a fire suppression system. 

Examples of Use Group Change

·         Residential to Any Other Use

·         Mercantile to Business

Additional Information

For more information regarding change of use, please contact the Building Department at (302) 366-7075.  Building Permit Application