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SB 176

Public Postsecondary Education Safety Policies and Procedures

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Polsky

SB 176 revises Delaware's building permit fees, ensuring fairness and transparency, while promoting affordable development through exemptions for public benefit projects.

On Committee agenda-- Appropriations Committee on Higher Education, 01/28/26, 3:45 pm, 110 Senate Building
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Bill Summary · SB 176

Summary of SB 176: An Act to Amend Title 9 of the Delaware Code Relating to Building Permit Fees

Purpose and Intent

SB 176 aims to amend Title 9 of the Delaware Code to revise the structure and rates of building permit fees. The primary intent of this legislation is to streamline the permitting process, ensure that fees are reflective of the actual costs incurred by local governments, and promote fair access to building permits for all applicants.

Key Provisions

  • Fee Structure Revision: The bill introduces a new tiered fee structure for building permits, which is designed to better align with the complexity and scope of various construction projects.
  • Increased Transparency: The legislation mandates that local governments provide a detailed breakdown of how permit fees are calculated, enhancing transparency for applicants.
  • Adjustment Mechanism: The bill includes provisions for periodic reviews and adjustments of the fee schedule to account for inflation and changes in administrative costs.
  • Exemptions: Certain types of projects, such as those related to public safety or community benefit, may be exempt from specific fees, encouraging development that serves the public interest.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Homeowners and Builders: Individuals and companies seeking building permits will experience changes in the fees they pay, which may vary based on the type and scale of their projects.
  • Local Governments: Municipalities will need to adapt their permitting processes to comply with the new fee structure and reporting requirements.
  • Community Organizations: Groups advocating for affordable housing and community development may benefit from the exemptions and reduced fees for projects that serve public interests.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced on June 5, 2025.
  • Status: SB 176 has been signed into law by the Governor, indicating that it is now in effect.
  • Implementation Timeline: Local governments are expected to implement the new fee structure within six months of the bill's signing, allowing time for necessary adjustments to their systems and processes.

Conclusion

SB 176 represents a significant update to Delaware's building permit fee structure, aiming to enhance fairness and transparency in the permitting process. By revising fees and providing exemptions for certain projects, the bill seeks to facilitate development while ensuring that local governments can adequately cover the costs associated with permitting.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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