Scaffolds and sidewalk sheds in Wilmington require permits from the Department of Licenses & Inspections and must comply with OSHA and the Delaware-adopted IBC. Encroachment on public sidewalks needs a separate permit.
Wilmington Code Ch. 4 (Building) and Ch. 37 (Streets) regulate construction scaffolding and sidewalk encroachments. Contractors must pull a building permit covering scaffold installation and, if the scaffold extends over public sidewalk or street, an encroachment or right-of-way permit from the Department of Public Works. Federal OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart L) govern worker safety. Pedestrian protection canopies are required for taller projects. Scaffolds must be inspected and tagged daily; insurance and indemnification of the city is standard. Removal must be prompt once work ends.
Stop-work orders, daily fines, and forfeiture of bond. Unsafe scaffolds can be condemned and removed by the city at owner expense.
See how Wilmington's scaffold & sidewalk shed rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.