Appeal a Vacant Property Fee

As the owner, you have the right to appeal the fee assessed to your property. To appeal your vacant registration fee, you must submit an application in writing to the Licenses and Inspections Review Board with a $50.00 non-refundable filing fee.

Appeals must be sent to:

Board of License and Inspection Review
Vacant Registration Fee
800 N. French Street, 3rd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801

Your application must be received with the $50.00 filing fee by the Department of Licenses and Inspections no later than 15 calendar days from the date of the billing statement to be considered. On appeal, the owner bears the burden of proving the property was occupied during that period of time he or she was assessed a vacant registration fee.

Request a One-time Fee Waiver

You may request a one time waiver of your registration fee from the Licenses and Inspections Review Board if you can clearly and fully prove one of the following:

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

How to Request a Waiver

Upon receipt of the vacant property bill, you must submit a written letter to:

Vacant Registration Waiver
Department of Licenses & Inspections
800 N. French Street, 3rd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801

Your written request must be received no later than 30 calendar days from the date of the billing statement and must include documentation supporting your claim to be considered.