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New Castle County

New Castle County, DE Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Delaware

Assume yes for a carport in New Castle County unless it appears on the county's Work Exempt from Permit list, because that is the county's own rule. Small jobs may be on that list, so read it or call Land Use at 302-395-5400 before you order. Bigger buildings bring more paperwork, including a sealed lines and grades plan once you are past 480 square feet.


Permit office: New Castle County Department of Land Use
Address: 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-395-5400
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • Any work not on the county's Work Exempt from Permit list
  • Detached garages (a building big enough for a car with a vehicle-size door counts as a garage, even if you only store things in it)
  • Sheds over 200 sq ft (a shed up to 200 sq ft needs no permit, per the county's FAQ, but setbacks still apply)
  • Electrical work is separate and goes through the State of Delaware


Zoning and setbacks

New Castle County lets a freestanding garage, shed or outbuilding go in the rear yard if it stays at least 3 feet from the side and rear lot lines and out of any street yard setback. It can't go in a side yard setback or a bufferyard, and generally not in front of the house. Accessory buildings together can cover no more than 30% of the rear yard setback area. Height is generally capped at 20 feet, though on a lot over one acre a building outside all setbacks can match the height of the house. None of these buildings can be lived in. Side setbacks vary by zoning district, and the county won't check private deed restrictions for you, so read yours before you apply.


What to bring

  • Building contractor license, or an Owner-Occupier Affidavit if you are acting as your own contractor
  • Building plans (even a pre-built shed needs construction plans)
  • Current plot plan signed and sealed by an engineer or surveyor
  • Lines and grades plan and checklist, sealed by a Delaware-licensed engineer or surveyor, for buildings past 480 sq ft
  • Board of Adjustment variance, if you need one
  • Each plan sheet saved as its own PDF for upload


Farm buildings

We could not confirm New Castle County's farm building rule on a county page we were able to read. The answer sits in Chapter 6 of the county code and on the Work Exempt from Permit list. If you are planning a barn on working farmland, call Land Use at 302-395-5400 and ask how it applies to your parcel before you order.


Good to know

Land Use takes New Castle County building permit applications online through eServices, starting with eApply. The county's November 2025 sheet lists a building permit fee of $12 per $1,000 of valuation with a $142 minimum, plus a zoning permit, a $60 certificate of occupancy and a fire fund charge. Online services covers fee payment, and credit cards carry a 3% service fee. You can schedule inspections at the county's inspection site or by phone at 302-395-5515 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Inspection questions go to 302-395-5572. Its older shed and garage FAQ, last revised in 2013, says garage footings must reach at least 32 inches below grade, so confirm that with the office.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in New Castle County?
Treat it as yes unless your carport is on the county's Work Exempt from Permit list. The county says to assume a permit is required for anything not listed. Call 302-395-5400 if you can't tell.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in New Castle County?
A garage, yes. A shed up to 200 square feet doesn't need one under the county's shed FAQ, but setbacks still apply. A building with a vehicle-size door that fits a car counts as a garage, whatever you use it for.


When do I need a lines and grades plan?
For buildings larger than 480 square feet. It has to be signed and sealed by a Delaware-licensed engineer or surveyor, and it comes with its own checklist and review fee.


Sources


Rules and fees change. Call the office to confirm before you order.


See the full Delaware permit guide for statewide rules, farm exemptions and wind and snow ratings.


Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.


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Design it yourself in 3D with the button below, or call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you figure out what your county needs.

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