What construction activities require a Permit?
Construction of any building, septic system, or property protection structures which are to be located seaward of the Building Line. The alteration, removal, or deposition of any substantial amount of beach sand or vegetation.

What activities are prohibited seaward of the Building Line?
Because flooding and wave damage are more likely seaward of the Building Line, ground-level structures which can become storm borne debris are prohibited. These include landscaping, permanent fences other than sand fencing or lattice, concrete, asphalt or other hard structures for the construction of parking areas, driveways, and sidewalks, and concrete footers used for securing posts.

Construction of amenities such as garages, patios, retaining walls, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other non-living space portions of a dwelling are prohibited.

Showers and storage areas are prohibited unless there is insufficient space landward of the Building Line to locate them and it can be demonstrated that they will be constructed above Base Flood Elevation as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

What if there is not enough room on my lot to build landward of the Building Line?
In cases where the size of the lot area landward of the Building Line is inadequate, or the dimension or location of the proposed structure can not be modified in order to bring the structure completely landward of the Building Line, the regulations allow construction seaward of the Building Line with a Permit.

Cantilevering of a deck over the Building Line is allowed providing that the deck does not extend beyond the most seaward point of any lawfully constructed building or deck on any immediately adjacent property within the same subdivision. Driving piles for the purpose of constructing a porch or deck is not permitted seaward of the Building Line.

Do I need a Permit or a Letter of Approval if I'm just repairing storm damage?
Yes, approval is needed prior to repairing storm damage. Some structures built prior to the regulations have had an adverse affect on the beach and dune. In order to prevent additional damage to the beach and dune, the Division will work with property owners to find ways of making necessary repairs without causing additional damage to the beach and dune system.

Do I need a Permit or a Letter of Approval if I am making modifications to the inside of my house.
As long as the modifications are above the first living floor and within the outer dimensions of the house, no approval is required from the Division.

Where can I obtain application forms, copies of regulations, or copies of individual Building Line Maps?
Applications for a Letter of Approval or a Permit for construction on the beach and copies of the regulations and Building Line Maps are available by calling the Division at (302) 739-4411.

What information must be submitted as part of the application?
All applications for Permits for construction seaward of the Building Line must contain plans approved by a Professional Engineer or Architect and a profile and plan view topographic survey prepared by a Professional Surveyor. The location of the Building Line with regard to the proposed structure and lot boundaries must be shown on the plan view survey.

All applications for Letters of Approval for construction landward of the Building Line on lots intersected by the Building Line shall contain a topographic survey of the lot prepared by a Professional Surveyor showing the location of the lot boundaries and the Building Line.

The Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person or group shall be excluded from participation, denied any benefits, or subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or handicap.