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1. Can I submit a permit/project application electronically?

Currently, the Department of Land Use accepts building permit applications for new Non-Residential Building and Single Family Dwelling projects through eApply. Please follow the standard submission process for all other permits and Land Development projects.

2. How do I set up an account to use eServices (including eApply and ePlans)?

Applicants need an eServices account to use both eApply and ePlans. From the Login screen, select ‘Create An Account’ and complete all the required fields. After submitting the request, you’ll receive an email with a temporary password and directions for creating an account. To keep your information secure, be sure to change your password after logging in for the first time.

3. Is there any additional charge to use ePlans?

No. ePlans is available free of charge as a service of the New Castle County Department of Land Use. All applicable land development plan and permit fees still apply (see below).
Permit fees are listed in Chapter 6 (Building Code) of the New Castle County Code, which may be found at: https://www.municode.com/library/de/new_castle_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH6BUCO
Land development fees are listed in Appendix 2 of the Unified Development Code (UDC), which may be found at: https://www.municode.com/library/de/new_castle_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH40UNDECO_APX2FE

4. Am I able to pay fees associated with my plans online?

Fees associated with building permits currently under review with the ePlans software will have the option to pay fees electronically during the project. Additionally, any building permit fees may be paid directly through the NCC website at https://secure.nccde.org/permitfeepayment/Lookup/

Land Development customers may not pay fees online at this time, but this benefit may be available to ePlans users in the near future. At this time, land development plan fees must be paid upon initial submission at the Dept. of Land Use.

5. What browsers are supported, and do I need special software to use ePlans?

You will need a compatible Internet browser and the ProjectDox Component installed on your computer to use ePlans. ProjectDox is optimized for use with Internet Explorer, so we recommend using Internet Explorer (IE) for the best ePlans experience possible. Limited functionality is available using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc. Users experiencing issues accepting tasks or viewing files in these browsers should log out and switch back to IE. Please view complete detailed system requirements and configuration instructions at: http://www.nccde.org/DocumentCenter/View/15168

6. Who can view my project?

ePlans is a secure, closed system. Only you, your authorized users, and our review staff can view your projects.

7. Why were my plans rejected during pre-screen?

During pre-screening, if your submittal requirements were not complete, you will receive an email notification that prescreening has been denied and corrections are needed. Most projects will include a PreScreen checklist completed during the Department’s review. Click the ‘Checklist Report’ tab of the eForm for more details.

Were your documents submitted in the proper format? Searchable PDF files are preferred for calculations, reports, and other supporting plan documentation (non-drawing files).

Both vector PDF and non-vector PDF files will be accepted for drawing files. Since AutoCAD software is commonly used to create drawing files, converting a DWG to PDF file print ready is the preferred secured file format.

8. What happens after my plans are approved?

Once your plans have been approved by the County Plan Review team, you will be notified via email.
Building Permit projects will then go to Final PreScreen Review as the building permit cannot be issued until all requirements are met and permit fees are paid. Customers may be instructed on how to remit payment or provide additional documentation. Once the permit is issued, an email notification will state that approved plans/permits are available for download in ePlans.

Land Development customers will receive an approval letter via ePlans, but will need to wait until their plans have been recorded by the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds before being given access to download them in ePlans.