As the owner, you have the right to appeal the registration requirement and/or assessed fee to your property. To appeal, submit a $50.00 non-refundable filing fee, no later than 30 days from the date of the billing statement AND a written request stating your reasons for an appeal. Evidence supporting your appeal may be introduced at the hearing.

Send the written appeal request to:

Secretary of the Board of License and Inspection Review
800 North French Street, 3rd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801

— Delinquent Registration Fees as a Lien: If the owner fails to pay the vacant registration fee by the due date, the fee shall constitute a debt due to the City.

— Duty to Amend Registration Statement: If the status of the registration information changes, it is the responsibility of the owner to advise the Department in writing of such changes within 30 days of the change.

— Violations Penalties: If the owner refuses or fails to register a vacant building or pay any required fees, a violation shall be issued within 30 days after the due date, punishable upon conviction by a fine $100 to $500 for each refusal or failure. This fine is not subject to suspension or reduction.

Request a One-time Fee Waiver

You may request a one time waiver of your registration fee if :

1. You are in the process of substantial repair of the vacant building rehabilitation or demolition) and work will be completed within a reasonable period of time, OR
2. You were actively attempting to sell or lease the property during the vacancy period.

Your request must be received in writing no later than 30 days from the date of the vacant statement.

Send your waiver request letter to:

Department of Licenses & Inspections
800 North French Street, 3rd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801

IMPORTANT: Documents that establish the conditions of your waiver MUST be included in your Waiver Request letter.

All properties must be registered to receive a waiver. Past due vacant fees can not receive a waiver. If you meet the conditions for a waiver, the Commissioner may waive the registration fee imposed for the current year. A waiver is ONE-TIME ONLY. Therefore, if the property is not sold, occupied or demolished by the following year, you are not eligible for any further waivers.

All monies due the City must be paid in order to receive a waiver.

A four-year waiver of the registration fees may be requested if the owner meets the criteria for non-profit organizations, as defined by Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

PLEASE NOTE: If you received a waiver last year, and your project is nearly completed, you may request an extension of up to 12 months from the date of the billing statement. IF you fail to sell, occupy, or demolish within that time frame, you will be required to pay the full registration fee due.