Milford lies in two counties: the old town, on the Mispillion River, is in Kent County and the newer part is in Sussex County. Kent County lists Milford among the towns that issue their own permits, so no Kent County building permit is needed there. The City’s Building Inspections & Permitting Division issues permits and inspects residential, commercial and industrial construction.
This guide covers the City of Milford’s permit office, fees and inspections. Use the City’s own permit office number, 302.424.8396; Kent County’s page lists a different number for Milford.
What requires a building permit in Milford?
The City says additions, garages, sheds, pools, roofs, fences and siding all need permits, as does residential, commercial and industrial construction. Milford’s building page links the 2018 International Building, Residential and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →Delaware has no statewide building code — each county and town that runs a building department adopts its own — but plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and fire codes are set at state level, electrical work is inspected by state-licensed agencies, and the State Fire Marshal reviews plans for most non-residential work. Delaware rules
Who handles permitting in Milford?
| Office | Handles | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Building Inspections & Permitting Division | Building permits and inspections; Public Works Facility, 180 Vickers Drive, Milford, DE 19963; Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | 302.424.8396 |
| Planning & Zoning Division | Subdivision and site plans, variances, zoning and setback help | (302) 424-8396 option 6 |
Setbacks are set by zoning district in Chapter 230, Article III.
Milford permit costs and fees
The City’s fee schedules revised 07/1/2026:
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →- Residential: $50.00 per 100 heated square feet and $13.00 per 100 unheated square feet; certificate of occupancy $25. The schedule also lists a Carlisle Enhancement Fund and a Municipal Enhancement Fund, each charged as a fraction of 1% of construction cost; confirm the exact rate with the permit office.
- Commercial: $100 plus $5 per $1,000 of project cost up to $1M and $2 per $1,000 over $1M; certificate of occupancy $25.
How to get a building permit in Milford
Call (302) 424-8396 option 6; setbacks depend on the zoning district.
Milford uses the Civic Access portal for building permits, inspection scheduling, licensing and land use applications.
Residential fees are by heated and unheated square feet; commercial fees by project cost.
Schedule inspections in Civic Access.
Book it when the project is finished, in Civic Access or by phone at option 3.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Inspections in Milford
The Building Inspections & Permitting Division inspects residential, commercial and industrial construction, and inspections are scheduled in Civic Access. Schedule the final inspection when the project is finished; it can also be booked by phone at (302) 424-8396 option 3.
Official Milford permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →- Milford Building Inspections & Permitting
- Milford building permit FAQ
- Milford residential fee schedule
- Milford commercial fee schedule
- Milford Planning & Zoning
- Kent County municipal permit information
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Kent County building permit in Milford?
No. Kent County lists Milford among the towns that issue their own permits.
Does a fence or new siding need a permit in Milford?
Yes. Additions, garages, sheds, pools, roofs, fences and siding all need permits.
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →How is a Milford residential permit fee worked out?
At $50.00 per 100 heated square feet and $13.00 per 100 unheated square feet, plus a $25 certificate of occupancy and the enhancement fund charges.
Simplify Milford permitting with Alliance Permitting
- Confirm which town and county offices cover the parcel and the project
- Prepare the town application, cost documents and any county or state filings that go with it
- Schedule the town’s inspections and close out the permit
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Delaware. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
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Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Milford permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Delaware permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Milford permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.