Applications and Fees
Online Permit Portal
The City’s Development & Permitting Services (DPS) portal allows citizens to apply for Zoning Permits, Entitlement Applications, Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), and Right-of-Way Permits online. Users can submit permit applications, track the progress of existing applications, resubmit plans and documents, and pay invoices.
All permit applications must be submitted via the DPS permit portal.
But First...
- Do you need a city permit?
- Is your property located within city limits?
- What is your property's zoning district?
Visit the current zoning map and type in your address to find out.
Portal Permits*
Zoning Permits
- Accessory Structure
- Bed and Breakfast
- Billboard Sign
- Business Zoning Compliance
- Community Garden
- Group Home
- Home Occupation
- Mobile Food Unit
- Oversized Overweight / House Move (see Right-of-Way Permits)
- Sandwich Board Sign
- Sexually Oriented Business
- Shipping Container
- Sidewalk Cafe
- Sign
- Street Furniture
- Temporary Sign
- Temporary Use
- Tree Removal
- Vehicle Towing
Development Review
Site Plan Review
- Pre-TRC Consultation-Site Plan Application
- Site Plan Review Application
Stormwater
- All projects that require a stormwater permit (drainage plan or full stormwater permit) must complete and submit a signed Stormwater Permit Application form. See the Stormwater Permits page for more information.
Subdivision Review
- Pre-TRC Consultation-Preliminary Plan Application
- Preliminary Plan Review Application
Design Adjustments
- Design Adjustment (Design Adjustment Committee)
Verification Letters
- Floodplain Verification Letter
- Zoning Verification Letter
Rezoning
- Conditional District Rezoning Application
- General Rezoning Application
Land Development Code (LDC) Amendment
- LDC Amendment Application
Annexation
- Contiguous Annexation Application
- Non-Contiguous Annexation Application
- Distressed Area Annexation Application
Street Closure
- Street Closure Application
Historic Preservation
Certificates of Appropriateness
- Minor Works (Administrative Bypass) Online Application
- Major Works Application (Historic Preservation Commission)
- Height Restrictions in the Central Business District
Local Historic Landmark Designation
- Application for placement on the Historic Landmark Study List
- Application for Historic Landmark Designation
Tree Removal in Historic Districts
- Apply for a Tree Removal Permit in Historic District
Right-of-Way Permits
The Right-of-Way (ROW) Office issues the following permits for construction activities:
- Right-of-Way General*
- Utility Main/Service
- Driveway
- House Moving
ROW permit applications can now be completed online. Click here for the online application.
A permit portal guide is provided to assist with new log-ins, tracking applications, and invoices.
*Non-portal forms are listed in a separate section on this page.
Fees
The City's Fee Schedule is established annually and posted online.
Caution: Beware Fraudulent Invoices
The City of Wilmington is aware that fraudulent invoices have been sent to applicants requesting money via wire transfer. The emails often contain pertinent information pulled from the application (such as address, parcel number, and case number), but include a fake invoice with fabricated application fees.
Here are a few ways to spot a fraudulent invoice:
- Applications must be filed online via the City's Development and Permitting Services (DPS) platform. This platform will generate invoices for application fees, and your personal dashboard on that platform will identify any outstanding fees. You can also obtain a copy of the invoice via that platform.
- The City will never request payment via wire transfer or issue an invoice that asks you to contact someone via email or phone for them to provide the payment method.
- Many fraudulent invoices reference exorbitant fees. As noted, your personal dashboard in the DPS platform will identify any outstanding fees. Please review the permit fees in the City's Fee Schedule to ensure you are being charged the proper amount.
If ever in doubt, don't hesitate to call city staff at 910.254.0900 to verify if the email or invoice you have received is authentic.