E-911 Addressing

On January 1, 1989, the State of Delaware and Kent County turned on the Enhanced 911 telephone system to help save lives and property in our county.  In order for this system to work, it was necessary to readdress portions of Kent County with a more comprehensive addressing system. 

All new residential and commercial properties must have a building permit issued before an E-911 address is assigned. For more information on permits, visit the Inspections and Enforcement home page.

All newly created roads including private roads that will serve two or more lots are required to have seperate and unique names. Prior to final plat approval, proposed street names must be submitted for approval in writing via email, fax (302-736-2128), or send to 

Kent County Levy Court

Mapping Division

555 Bay Road

Dover, DE 19901

Guidelines for Posting House Numbers

Section 303 of the 2000 International Property Maintenance Code states that "Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7mm)."

- House numbers must be clearly visible on the front side of the home and on the mailbox.

- If the house is not visible or is more than 50 feet from the road, display numbers at the driveway entrance.