In This Section
Please contact the Delaware County Building Department at (740)833-2200 and also your township zoning inspector. Township zoning inspectors' contact information can be found on the Delaware County Regional Planning Commission website.
"Missing middle housing is a range of multiunit or clustered housing types, compatible in scale with the single-family homes, that help meet the growing demand for walkable urban living, respond to shifting household demographics, and meet the need for more housing choices at different price points...We label these housing types "missing" because even though they have played an instrumental role in providing housing choices and affordable options historically in towns and cities across the country, we are building very few of these housing types today..." -Daniel Parolek, Missing Middle Housing
Property line disputes are a civil issue that should be handled between neighbors. If possible, discuss your concern with your neighbor and inquire as to whether the property was surveyed. If a discussion is not possible, or you disagree with the neighbor's survey, your next step may be to have your property surveyed. Contact a local surveyor for options.
The decision to locate a business in Delaware is based on many factors relating to the market demand for a particular business type or model and demographics of the surrounding area. The decision is ultimately up to the land and business owner, not the City.
Annexations only occur at the request of the landowner. Landowners request to annex into the City for many reasons, one of which is to receive City services such as water and sewer. The development that the annexation brings increases the available housing stock in the City, the number of industrial sites that may create valuable jobs, and commercial areas that will provide goods and services for the residents of the City.
The role of the Planning and Community Development Department is to ensure that a proposed development adheres to the comprehensive plan and meets all zoning requirements. A development cannot be rejected simply because additional traffic will be created. When a new development is proposed part of the review process is to investigate traffic impacts. Improvements or alterations such as turn lanes, stop signs, or traffic lights, access easements, and even new public roads designed for thru traffic are considered to mitigate increased traffic.
The City does not build businesses. The private decision to locate a business in Delaware is based on many factors relating to the market demand for a particular business type or model and demographics of the surrounding area. The decision is ultimately up to the land and business owners, not the City of Delaware.
School facility placement is a function of the respective school district. The City will work in conjunction with the school board on ensuring a new school is located in an appropriate location but the decision to build a new school and where to locate it is a function of only the school district, which is a separate entity from the City of Delaware.
Fees are charged in accordance with the approved Fee Schedule. Fees will be invoiced after an application is reviewed.
No - starting in 2026, contractors are no longer required to register with the City of Delaware.
Any structural, electrical, or mechanical work likely requires a permit. Permits are also required for fences, decks, sheds/garages, and home additions. Patios do not require a permit.
A site plan and drawings/specifications for the deck.
A site plan and a description of the fence design and materials.
A site plan and all pool specifications and drawings (including electrical work). All pools require a fence at least 4-feet tall, even with an auto-close cover.
All remodel drawings, including electrical and mechanical plans. A remodel permit is required for any remodels which include structural, electrical, or mechanical work (other than simply updating fixtures).
Just fill out the form on the online portal!
A site plan and any drawings/specifications for the building. If you are installing a prefabricated shed or gazebo, you can include the manufacturer's specifications.
Specifications and a structural letter, if required.
A site plan and drawings and specifications for the addition.
All structural, electrical, and mechanical work requires a permit. With additional questions, please contact Jerry Warner, Chief Building Official, at (740) 203-1600, option 3.
No, the City code requires that all vehicles (including trailers) must be parked on a hard surface, such asphalt, concrete or existing gravel. New or expanded gravel parking areas or driveways are not permitted.
Yes. Posting signs in the City rights-of-ways is prohibited by the City Code. Signs found in the right-of-way will be removed by Code Enforcement. Signs are also prohibited in the City tree lawns or planter strips, and on utility poles, trees, rocks, and other natural features.
Formal violation notices are posted on the property as required by code. Vacant properties are mailed violation notices to the property owner listed on the County Auditor page.
If the violation has not been corrected within the allotted timeframe for compliance, the City can take the following steps: 1. the City can correct the violation and bill the property owner for the costs. If the bill remains unpaid, a lien may be placed upon the property, or the cost can be added to the property tax bill, or 2. the City can recommend that criminal or civil charges be filed by the Delaware City Prosecutor's Office. This could result in fines or other penalties.
The property owner should have the violation corrected within the compliance timeframe specified in the notice. If you need clarification on the violation or the timeframe for compliance, please call 740-203-1600, option 1 before the deadline listed on the notice.
In order for a motor vehicle to be legally parked on your property it must be operable (able to be legally operated on the roadway); legally registered with the current license plate displayed; and parked on a hard surface (existing gravel, asphalt, concrete). Commercial vehicles may not be parked on residential properties.
The Delaware Police Department enforces all City Codes relating to pets such as dogs and cats.
The Delaware Police Department enforces all parking violations on the streets and rights-of-way. You can reach out to them by calling the non-emergency number: (740) 203-1111