Shed & Garage Permits in Kent County
Kent County, Delaware
Everything you need to know about getting a permit for a shed, garage, or other accessory structure in Kent County.
Who This Covers
This is KENT COUNTY, Delaware (the middle county, around Dover). New Castle County and Sussex County run their own separate offices.
Outside town limits the county issues the permit. Inside a town (Dover, Camden, Smyrna, Milford, Harrington, Clayton and others) you need a permit or written approval from that town's zoning official first. For many towns the county then does the plan review and inspections on the town's behalf.
When a Permit Is Needed
Detached GARAGE, carport, pole building, pool house or animal shelter: permit required at ANY size.
Shed (non-vehicle storage), playhouse, gazebo, pavilion or pergola: permit required once it is OVER 300 sq ft.
Every structure still has to meet setbacks, even when no permit is needed.
How to File
All applications are online through My Government Online (MGO). Create an account, start a building permit, upload the documents.
MGO technical help: (866) 957-3764.
Documents Required
Plot plan showing the building and its distances to the property lines, house and septic
Construction plans for the building
Manufacturer design certification for any engineered part (roof trusses, LVLs, steel beams)
Carports and other metal kit buildings need a full manufacturer drawing set sealed by a Delaware licensed engineer
Any building made of something other than wood needs drawings sealed by a Delaware licensed architect or engineer
Pole buildings have their own drawing requirements (the county posts sample drawings)
Setbacks & Design Limits
Minimum 5 ft from side and rear property lines
Minimum 5 ft from the house
Minimum 10 ft from septic tank and drain field
Not forward of the front wall of the house, unless the building sits at least 100 ft back from the front property line
The accessory building may not be larger than the house
Average roof height (midpoint between peak and eave) no more than 20 ft
These are the common minimums. The exact setbacks for a parcel come from Kent County Planning Services, (302) 744-2471, [email protected]
Electrical & Plumbing
Issued by the STATE of Delaware, not the county. A registered electrician or plumber pulls them; a homeowner doing their own work applies for a state homeowner permit.
Fees
Permit fees are based on the value of the work. Per the county code: $40 non-refundable application fee, then $10 per $1,000 of valuation ($50 minimum). Confirm the current amount with Inspections & Enforcement before quoting.
Contact
Kent County Levy Court, Department of Planning Services, 555 Bay Rd, Dover, DE 19901
Inspections & Enforcement: (302) 744-2451, [email protected]
Planning Services (setbacks / zoning): (302) 744-2471, [email protected]
Honestly? It's usually simpler than it looks
Before you hand this off to anyone, we'd encourage you to just call or stop by the Kent County township office. The folks there handle shed and garage permits all the time — they'll give you the forms and walk you through filling them out. For a standard shed, most townships only need three things from you:
A certificate of insurance. Just ask and we'll email you a copy. It's easier to get than most people expect — see what one looks like.
A drawing / spec sheet of your building. We'll email you a copy of this too.
That's typically the whole list for a standard shed. Give it a shot yourself first — a lot of folks are pleasantly surprised at how quick it is. And if you get stuck or would just rather not deal with it, we're glad to help (see below).
We Deliver to Kent County
White Pine Structures handles delivery and setup throughout Kent County. We can also help you navigate the permit process — many of our customers in Kent County have gone through this before and we know what to expect.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a helpful reference and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with Kent County's code enforcement or zoning office before starting your project. White Pine Structures is not responsible for permit application outcomes. Information last verified: September 2026.