Smyrna, Delaware Building Permit Guide

Smyrna’s town limits lie in both Kent and New Castle Counties. Kent County lists Smyrna among the towns that issue their own permits, so no Kent County building permit is needed there. Building permits are issued by the Town of Smyrna Building & Inspections office, 220 Artisan Dr, Smyrna, DE 19977.

This guide covers the Town of Smyrna’s permit office, fees and inspections. No official page was found on whether New Castle County requires anything for the part of Smyrna in New Castle County, so this guide does not cover it.

What requires a building permit in Smyrna?

Besides building work, Smyrna requires permits for plumbing, HVAC installation, sidewalks and driveways, and for roofing when more than 25% of the sheathing is replaced. Every building and sign permit is first reviewed for zoning compliance.

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 Smyrna?

All contractors must be licensed with the Town.

Smyrna permit costs and fees

From the Town’s 2026 fee schedule:

• Building permit: $60.00 for the first $1,000 of construction value, $11.00 per additional $1,000 up to $1 million, and $7.00 per $1,000 over $1 million.
• Certificate of occupancy: $40.00, paid when the permit is issued.
• Plumbing: $20.00 for the first 5 fixtures and $2.00 per fixture after that.
• Contractor license: $125.00.
• Residential variance application: $450.00.
• Reinspection: $50 when work is not ready.

The Town also collects Kent County impact fees. The schedule lists a Main System Capital Improvement Fee of $3,392.00 per residential dwelling unit effective July 1, 2026, up from $3,277.00.

How to get a building permit in Smyrna

Inspections in Smyrna

Inspections need 24-hour notice and are scheduled by calling (302) 653-3486 or emailing permits@smyrna.delaware.gov. A $50 reinspect fee applies when work is not ready. Before the final inspection, energy testing, Kent Conservation District approval and final plumbing and electrical inspections must be complete.

Official Smyrna permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Smyrna Permits & Inspections
• Smyrna permit applications
• Smyrna inspections
• Smyrna 2026 fee schedule
• Smyrna Planning & Zoning
• Kent County municipal permit information

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Kent County building permit in Smyrna?

No. Kent County lists Smyrna among the towns that issue their own permits.

Does a roof replacement need a permit in Smyrna?

Yes, when more than 25% of the sheathing is replaced.

What must be done before the final inspection?

Energy testing, Kent Conservation District approval and the final plumbing and electrical inspections.

Simplify Smyrna 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

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.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Smyrna permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.