Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Sussex county adopted the 2012 IRC and 2012 IBC. Sussex County, DE, Muni. Code § 52-1. 

• The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, repair, equipment, occupancy, location, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures not specifically exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
• The provisions of this code shall not be held to deprive any federal or state agency, or any applicable governing body having jurisdiction, of any power or authority which it had on the effective date of this chapter or of any remedy then existing for the enforcement of its orders, nor shall it deprive any individual or corporation of its legal rights as provided by law.

Sussex County, DE, Muni. Code § 52-4 (scope and effect).

Helpful resources for Sussex County, Delaware include the following.

• Jurisdiction's Information Page(s):
  • County Building Code Info Page
• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Delaware

Residential Building Code

Delaware has yet to adopt a statewide residential code. Local laws will control.See PLRB, Delaware Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Sussex County adopted the 2012 IRC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the model code here.

You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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2021 IRC(Sussex County , DE § 52-1 Adoption of standards; exemptions.)

...contained in the Sussex County Code shall control The provisions and regulations of the International Residential Code Chapters 1 through 10 2021 Edition hereinafter IRC as promulgated after 60 days...

Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Sussex County ? Yes
Comments:

We contacted the department directly, phone # (302) 855-7860 (12/10/2020). The official stated that ice barriers are considered a requirement in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and Secs. 903.1, 904.1, 905.1 (sections that require compliance with mfr. instructions). Lastly, the official stated that the county is in an area where there is a history of ice forming, which is the standard for when ice barriers are considered a requirement.

 

Comments

The county of Sussex, Del. adopted the 2012 International Residential Code with amendments. Sussex County, Del. County Code § 52-1 (adopted with amendments).

• Automatic fire sprinkler systems, IRC § R313. Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be exempted from one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

Id.

Commercial Building Code

Sussex County adopted the 2012 IBC, locally . Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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. See Gen.code(Sussex County , DE § 110-124 Sewer district extension requirements.)

...projects have occurred within the fiveyear period then the SSCE shall be deemed and void...

Comments

The county of Sussex, Del. adopted the 2012 International Building Code with amendments. Sussex County, Del. County Code § 52-1 (adopted with amendments).

Existing Buildings

• If, within any twelve-month period, alterations or repairs in excess of 75% of the square footage, as calculated by the building perimeter, are made to an existing building, such building shall be made to conform to the requirements of this code for new buildings and also, for any building located in an established fire district, the applicable provisions of the IBC.
• If an existing building is damaged by fire or otherwise in excess of 75% of the square footage, as calculated by the building perimeter, before such damage is repaired, it shall conform to the requirements of this code for new buildings.
• If the nature of occupancy of an existing building is entirely changed, the building shall be made to conform to the requirements of this code for the new occupancy. If the occupancy of only a portion of an existing building is changed and that portion is separated from the remainder as stipulated in the IBC or IRC, as appropriate, then only such portion need be made to conform.
• Repairs and alterations not covered by the preceding subsections of this section, such as restoring a building to its condition previous to damage or deterioration or altering it in conformity with the provisions of this code or in such manner as will not extend or increase an existing nonconformity or hazard, may be made with the same kind of materials as those of which the building was originally constructed.

Sussex County, Del. County Code § 52-5 (adopted with amendments).?

Other Building Codes