I keep hearing about "missing middle" housing. What does that mean?
"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
Is this proposed multi-family development going to cause more traffic issues?
Multi-family
housing generates less traffic per unit (or per square foot) compared to many
development types including detached single-family housing. 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.
My neighbor is putting up a fence, but I think it may be on my property, what do I do?
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.
Why are we getting another gas station (car wash, drive thru, mattress store, etc.)?
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.
Why does the City continue to annex land?
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.
Why does the City continue to build when we have too much traffic?
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.
Why doesn’t the City build another grocery store (steakhouse, Target, etc.)?
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.
Why doesn't the City use this land to build another school?
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.
Do contractors need to register?
No - starting in 2026, contractors are no longer required to register with the City of Delaware.
What projects require a permit on my residential property?
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.
What do I need for a deck permit?
A site plan and drawings/specifications for the deck.
What do I need for a fence permit?
A site plan and a description of the fence design and materials.
What do I need for a pool permit?
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.
What do I need for a remodel permit?
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).
What do I need for a roof, HVAC, furnace, or gas line permit?
Just fill out the form on the online portal!
What do I need for a shed, gazebo/pavilion, or detached garage permit?
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.
What do I need for a solar or electric permit?
Specifications and a structural letter, if required.
What do I need for an addition permit?
A site plan and drawings and specifications for the addition.
What permits are required for my commercial property?
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 gravel parking areas or driveways are not permitted.
Does the City enforce codes on temporary signs?
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.
How does Code Enforcement notify the property owner and/or occupant of a code violation?
Formal 'Notices of Violation' are required to be mailed to the property owner using both Certified and Regular mail.
What happens if I don't correct the violation?
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.
What should I do if I receive a violation Notice of Violation?
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.
What type of motor vehicle can I park on my property?
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).
Who do I contact to report issues with dogs, cats, or pets?
The Delaware Police Department enforces all City Codes relating to pets such as dogs and cats.
Who do I contact to report issues with vehicles parked on the street?
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
