Permits & Inspections

Permits

Permits are required for all new residential and commercial construction and anytime residents and property owners undertake significant work on their property; permits are not required for minor repairs, carpeting, painting, and wallpapering.

Among the permits required by the city's code are: 

All permit applications and plan submittals must adhere to regulations set forth by the 2018 International Building and Residential Codes. Visit www.iccsafe.org for code publications.

Depending on the project, additional permitting may be required from the city or other agencies.  Please contact the building and licensing department with any questions.

Pending, active, and completed permit and inspection information can be viewed through our Citizen Self Service portal.

Plan Requirements

GENERAL

Each set of plans/drawings must include at minimum: 

  1. Site plan showing all buildings, outbuildings, sidewalks, driveways, and trees.
  2. Dimensioned foundation plan.
  3. Floor plans that are to scale and dimensioned and accurately identify rooms; specify door and window dimensions; show mechanical chases, electric panel, smoke detectors, and all plumbing fixtures.
  4. Elevation drawings that accurately describe new work.
  5. Wall and/or building sections showing framing details, identifying materials, and sizes of structural members.
  6. Any and all specifications.

Must be in standard architectural or engineering scale.

Residential (One- and Two-Family)

Applications for one- and two-family residential properties must be accompanied by the appropriate required documentation. 

  1. Two complete sets of plans and/or drawings to standard architectural or engineering scale. Once plan review is complete, both will be marked up and stamped, and one set will be returned to owner/builder.
  2. Proposal or contract for job with pricing signed by both contractor and homeowner.
  3. The most current survey/plat plan stamped and sealed. No faxed copies for plan review.
  4. 2012 Residential Energy Code calculations “RES Check” - (for new construction and additions/renovations in excess of 500 square feet)
  5. DNREC Approval (Ocean block up to Lake Gerar)
  6. DNREC Air Quality Management Form for demolitions - one copy along with proof of submission (e.g. fax confirmation sheet, certified mail receipt, etc.); applicable for substantial or complete demolition projects only or where hazardous materials are known to exist.

Applications for residential work other than one-or two-family dwellings - including new, alterations, additions, or renovations - must be submitted with drawings prepared and sealed by a licensed design professional as well as any other required documentation. Additional documentation may include approval by the State Fire Marshal's office and/or State Department of Health.

SHEDS, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, PAVERS,
PATIOS, FENCING, HVAC, MISCELLANEOUS

For proposed sheds, sidewalks, driveways, pavers, patios, fencing, HVAC, and other miscellaneous projects , a current survey of the property is required with project shown on survey demonstrating size and distance from property lines and current and proposed lot coverage.

Commercial Projects
  1. Three complete sets of plans and/or documents to standard architectural or engineering scale. All plans and documents must be sealed and signed by a design professional. Once plan review is complete, plans will be marked up and stamped, and one set will be returned to owner/builder.         
  2. Proposal or contract for job with pricing.
  3. Model Energy Code - MEC check or COM check calculations
  4. Current survey/plat plan, stamped and sealed. No faxed copies for plan review.
  5. State Fire Marshal review notes and approval (if applicable).
  6. Division of Public Health review and approval (if applicable).
  7. Soil and Erosion Control approvals (if applicable).
  8. DNREC approvals (Ocean block up to Lake Gerar).
  9. DNREC Air Quality Management Form for demolitions - one copy and proof of submission (e.g. fax confirmation sheet, certified mail receipt, etc.); applicable for substantial or complete demolition projects only or where hazardous materials are known to exist.
GEOTHERMAL HVAC
  1. A property survey showing location of wells.
  2. Name of the well drilling contractor.
  3. An approval letter from DNREC.
  4. An approval letter from the city manager. 

Inspections

City of Rehoboth Beach Inspections

Inspections are performed by the City of Rehoboth Beach with 24-48 hour notice. Call 302-227-6181 x222 to schedule an inspection.

FOOTING

Prior to pouring all structural concrete (i.e. footers, grade beams, foundation walls, etc.), all necessary forms, woven wire fabric, reinforcing steel (in place, properly supported, and tied), and grade stakes must be present. Inspection performed by city building inspector.

FOUNDATION & SILL PLATE ANCHORAGE

This inspection is performed once the foundation is complete and the sill plate is installed and anchored and prior to the floor system being installed. After the foundation wall is installed, a placement survey shall be submitted to the building inspector. The survey must demonstrate dimensions from property lines and the height of the wall above the centerline of the road elevation.

HOUSE WRAP AND FLASHING

Prior to siding.

ROUGH-IN PLUMBING

Any and all underground plumbing and interior plumbing lines, vents, laterals, etc. must be in place and inspected prior to concealment. Interior rough-in and final inspections must be conducted by the building and licensing department; call 302-227-4504 to schedule. Exterior and underground inspection is conducted by the water department; call 302-227-6181, x644 to schedule.

FRAMING

Before inspection and prior to installation of insulation: all framing work must be complete, windows and exterior doors installed, HVAC units and ductwork installed; rough-in plumbing and rough-in electrical inspections done and approved; all sill plates, bottom wall plates, penetrations, and exterior joints are fire-caulked and sealed. Inspection performed by city building inspector.

INSULATED FRAME

All wall, floor, and ceiling insulation must be in place. All vapor barriers must be installed in accordance with building code and manufacturers’ recommendations.

FIRE-RATED ASSEMBLY INSPECTION

When applicable, an inspection of required fire-rated assemblies may be required. Inspection performed by the city building inspector and/or state Fire Marshal’s Office.

FINAL INSPECTION

When all other inspections are complete, including those required by outside agencies (plumbing, electrical, fire marshal, health department), the final inspection may be scheduled.  It is the contractor’s responsibility to know which outside agency inspections are required. Project should be 100% complete and ready for occupancy when inspector arrives. A final as-built survey is required at the time of final inspection. The survey, once approved by the building inspector, must be recorded in Georgetown and returned to the building and licensing department before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Inspections performed by outside agencies

  • Electrical - Rough-in and final inspections required
  • Fire Marshal - Plan review and final inspections required
  • Duct Tightness Test – “Duct blast” test
  • Building Air Leakage Test – “Blower door” test
  • Health Department - Plan review and final inspections required
Where to call
  • Rehoboth Beach Building & Licensing – 302-227-6181 x222
  • Exterior and Underground Plumbing Inspections (to schedule) - 302-227-6181 x644
  • State Fire Marshal’s Office – 302-856-5298
  • State Health Department – 302-856-5496
Approved Electrical Inspection Agencies
  • American Inspection Agency – 302-732-6900
  • First State Inspection Agency – 302-856-3517
  • Middle Department Inspection Agency – 302-422-5729
Licensed Energy Testing Contractors
  • Delmarva Energy Solutions/Dr. Energy Saver – 302-684-3418
  • Joe Gordon LLC – 302-841-4502
  • Patuxent Environmental Group (PEG) 703-934-2777
  • Smart Energy Solutions – 302-674-3221

Stay Informed!