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Building Department

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1. When do I need a Building Permit?

Any construction, alternations, removal, hardscaping, or demolition in the City of Lewes requires a building permit from the City. This includes pretty much everything except for painting.  Please call 302-645-7777 ext. 124 if you have questions regarding permitting requirements.

2. How do I apply for a Building Permit?

Applications for new construction or renovations, alterations, or demolitions may be obtained at Lewes City Hall, 114 E. Third Street, or from our website. Applications are reviewed to ensure compliance with the City’s Code. If your property is located within the Historic District, you may need to make an application to the Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission. Please contact Building Department at (302) 645-7777 x124 should you have any questions.

3. How much does a Building Permit cost?

New Construction & Additions

             1.5% of the construction cost or ICC rate whichever is higher

All other Permits

             1.5% of the construction cost 

4. Who do I call to schedule an inspection?

Call Chelsea Moore at 302-645-7777 ext. 124 to schedule all inspections. Please contact Chelsea 48 hours prior to the needed inspection.

5. When did the city require fire suppression for new residential construction?

The city adopted fire suppression to be required for all new residential construction on Oct. 11, 2021.

6. When are fire suppression plans required to be submitted?

Fire suppression plans shall be submitted and approved prior to the scheduling of a framing inspection.  

7. What plans and information are needed for the submission of a fire suppression system for a new house?

• 2 signed and sealed paper copies of the fire suppression drawings
• 1 electronic copy (PDF) of the fire suppression drawings
  1. Flow test performed by BPW. 

8. What plans are needed for the submission for the construction of a new house?

• 2 paper copies of construction drawings 
• 1 electronic copy (PDF) of the construction drawings
• Inclusion of HVAC equipment. (2012 IRC Section 105.1) unless design-build.  
• Contract with the property owner
• Sussex Conservation District (SCD) approval
• Survey
• Manual J&S
• Res Check 
  
  

If the property is located within the floodplain an elevation certificate will be required along with sealed plans. 

A copy of the approved plans shall remain on the job site and be available during inspections.  

9. When did the Code change to require plans to be sealed in the floodplain?

The city adopted an ordinance in 2014 requiring construction documents to be sealed by a licensed design professional for properties in the floodplain.

10. What information is needed for the submission for the construction of a deck, accessory structure, porch, etc.?

A survey, complete construction drawings, and contract with the property owner shall be submitted along with the Building Permit application.  

11. Do I need an HVAC Permit to replace a system in an existing house?

Yes. (2012 IRC 105.1)  

12. Do I need to submit a separate HVAC permit for the construction of a new house?

Yes, beginning July 1, 2022, a separate HVAC permit shall be submitted along with the Building Permit application if the HVAC information is not included as part of the overall Building Permit for the house. (2012 IRC 105.1)

13. What plans and information are needed for the submission of an HVAC permit for new construction?

Cut sheets showing specifications of the equipment to be installed.  

HVAC plans/information shall be submitted and approved prior to the scheduling of a framing inspection.  

14. What are the construction hours?

Monday through Friday 7 am to 7 pm May 1 to September 30. 

Saturday 9 am to 5 pm October 1 to April 30. 

No construction on Sundays or holidays. Chapter 132-5A

15. How long does it take to review the plans?

It takes 1 -2 weeks depending on the number of permits that have been submitted for review.  

Permits are reviewed in the order in which they are received. 

A review letter is now being prepared as part of the plan review to address any concerns with the plans.  The letter will be sent to the contractor, property owner, and design professional via email and/or regular mail.  

16. How wide can my driveway be?

20 ft.; 12 ft. within the TC, R-4, and R-4(H) Zoning District for single-family dwellings. This includes curb cuts on private streets. Ch. 197-61C(5).

17. Do I need a Building Permit to redo my driveway?

Yes, a Building Permit and a Street Break Permit are required for work on a driveway.  

18. What year of the IRC is the City of Lewes using?

            The city is using the 2012 IRC.

19. Do I need a City of Lewes Business License?

Yes, all contractors and subcontractors are required to obtain a City of Lewes Business License.  Chapter 128-4 of the City Code.