Show All Answers

1. Do I need a building permit for my project?

This depends on the project. Additions, garages, sheds, pools, roofs, and siding all require building permits. Fences do not require a building permit within the City of Milford but must conform to the building codes. The county you reside in may require permits for fences.  You should check with your homeowners association for any submission requirements for building permits.  

Building Permits

2. What are my setbacks?

Each zoning district has different setbacks and area regulations. To find your specific zoning district, use the City’s Parcel and Zoning Mapping Application.  Use and area regulations, including setbacks, are found in Chapter 230, Article III.  For more information or help with zoning, land use or setback questions, please call us at (302) 424-8396 option 6.

3. When should I schedule a final inspection?

You will need to schedule a final inspection after you finish your projects. You can schedule an inspection by phone at (302) 424-8396 option 3.

Schedule an Inspection

Show All Answers

1. What should I do after I receive a letter of violation?

If you have been informed of a violation, please contact the code enforcement officer who sent you the letter. It is important that you make contact with them within the time specified within the letter. The contact information should be located on your letter. If you cannot find this information, please contact the Code Enforcement & Licensing Division at (302) 424-8396 option 5.

2. How do I report a code violation?

To report a property code violation, complete our online form or contact us at (302) 424 8396 option 4.  Reports may be kept anonymous.

File a Complaint

3. What activities do I need a license for in the City?

Non-owner occupied homes are required to obtain a residential rental license from the City prior to renting the property and must renew annually with the Planning & Economic Development Department.   

Contractors performing work within the City and vendors operating within the City are required to obtain licenses from the City Planning & Economic Development Department.  

Businesses with physical locations within the City are required to obtain a business license from the Planning & Economic Development Department..

Click here for more information on licensing.

4. Does the City require my residential rental unit to be registered and inspected by the City?

Residential rental licenses can be obtained from the Planning & Economic Development Department at 180 Vickers Drive and are valid January 1 through December 31 of each year.  All rental units in the City of Milford are to be inspected on a four-year cycle based on the City ward in which they are located.  Ward 1 will be inspected in 2020, Ward 2 will be inspected in 2021, Ward 3 will be inspected in 2022 and Ward 4 will be inspected in 2023.  For new licenses, the unit must be inspected by the City before the license can be issued.  For more information on the Rental Inspection program, please contact the Planning & Economic Development Department at (302) 424-8396 option 4, or visit our webpage.

Show All Answers

1. I have a street light or security light out, what should I do?

Submit a Let Us Know form (below link) with as much information as you can.  Light repairs are typically performed on Fridays.

Let Us Know

2. I am an electrician / contractor and need to obtain a control number. Who do I call?

Call the Public Works Department at (302) 422-1110 to obtain a control number.  If no one is available to take your call, leave your name, phone number, and address of the property the control number will be assigned to and someone will return your call.

3. Who should I contact for questions regarding my utility bill or to have my name added to or removed from an account?

The Customer Service Office takes care of any and all utility bill related issues. They can be reached at (302) 422-6616 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.

Show All Answers

1. What is MyMilford by SeeClickFix?

• It is a tool for letting the City know what you think should be fixed.  
• You can take and upload pictures of the problem you see. 
• Requests are located using a point on a map. 
• The City can respond to you or ask additional questions.

2. What can I expect from using this system?

MyMilford, powered by SeeClickFix, is an easy way for residents to report concerns directly to the City and have department staff follow up to resolve the issues. Please use a detailed address, description, and photo (if possible) to give as much information to City staff so they can investigate and determine the best way to address your concerns. You are encouraged to enter your email address on reports in order to get automated updates on the status of your issue as City staff work to resolve it. This system is best suited to respond to service requests like potholes, street lights, etc. that can be assigned to staff and addressed in a timely manner. Issues requiring immediate attention or those dealing with public safety should be reported directly to the Milford Police Non-Emergency Line at 302-422-8081 as this system is not monitored 24/7.

3. What problems or issues does MyMilford solve and how does it benefit Citizens?

MyMilford by SeeClickFix is an additional resource for community members to report infrastructure issues. Using the app is an efficient way to raise awareness within the City without having to make a phone call. The app streamlines the process of submitting a photo, description of the issue and location; also, MyMilford allows you to track the status of reported issues.

4. How does MyMilford differ from other options available to report issues?

• Requests are placed on a map
• Public requests will remain on the map for anyone to review and share
• There is a mobile app
• Photos can be taken directly from mobile devices and uploaded

5. What should I NOT use this system for?

Issues threatening public safety or things needing immediate attention (like downed wires, tree limbs, or needles), should be reported directly to the Milford Police Non-Emergency Line at 302-422-8081. Things that require long-term planning, a larger discussion, a community process, or involve multiple departments or non-City entities should be directed to the appropriate department by phone call or email as these issues are not easily "fixable" in the same way a pothole, streetlight, etc. are.

6. What types of things should I report using this system?

This system is best suited to respond to service requests like potholes, street lights, etc. that can be assigned to staff and addressed in a timely manner. Start a report with the address of the issue and you will then see a drop-down menu with all of the possible categories of issues you can report using this system.  Issues threatening public safety or requiring immediate attention should always be reported directly to the Milford Police Non-Emergency Line at 302-422-8081.

7. Will I receive updates on my request?

You will automatically receive updates on your request if you create a free MyMilford by SeeClickFix account.

8. What if I submitted a request but haven't received a response?

The City receives many requests per day, and departments do their best to response in a timely manner.  If you submitted a request and it hasn't been resolved, please be patient as staff is processing requests in the order that they come in.

9. Is there a cost to users?

There is no cost to the user to use MyMilford by SeeClickFix. The app is free for download and the browser version is also free.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get on a mailing / email list to receive a current brochure?

Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (302) 422-1104 to have brochures mailed to you or subscribe to News Flash/Home Page News on the following webpage.

Notify Me

Show All Answers

1. What is the zoning of my property? What can I do on my property?

Each parcel of land has its own unique zoning designation.  Please use the City’s Parcel and Zoning Mapping Application to look up your address and determine your zoning designation.  If you are unable to determine your zoning, or have zoning and land use related questions, please contact the Planning Department at (302) 424-8396 option 7.

2. How can I submit an application for land use?

Our land use application can be found on our website. We recommend you meet with the Planning & Economic Development Department prior to submitting your application. To schedule a time, please call the Planning & Economic Development Department at (302) 424-8396 option 6.

Land Use Application

3. When is the next Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment Meeting?

The Planning Commission meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at City Hall, 201 S Walnut Street.  

The Board of Adjustment meets the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 am at City Hall, 201 S Walnut Street.  

Meeting agendas, packets, and minutes are available online for review by the public.  Viewing the meeting live or recorded is available online. Check the calendar to see when they meet next.

4. How do I start a business in the City of Milford?

New businesses in the City of Milford are encouraged to contact the Planning & Economic Development Department early in the process to determine what is required by the City’s zoning code or building code prior to beginning operation.  The business owner must obtain a Certificate of Use from the Planning & Economic Development Department prior to having utilities placed in their name to ensure the proposed use is allowed on the property and to outline the steps needed to obtain a new Certificate of Occupancy.  Click here to find out more information on the steps required to open your business in Milford.

5. How do I know if my property is located within the FEMA floodplain?

FEMA provides an online mapping tool that allows you to search for your address and determine if your property is impacted.

Show All Answers

1. How do I report a crime?

To report a crime, you must first determine in what jurisdiction the crime was committed. If you do not know what jurisdiction you are in, you can call the Milford Police Department at (302) 422-8081. You can also call the department to report a crime in Milford's jurisdiction, or come to the department office at:
400 N.E. Front St.
Milford, DE 19963

2. Is the department hiring at this time?

The Milford Police Department accepts applications for police officers or civilian personnel at any time, whether we have positions available or not. We keep all applications on file for one year. Job Application

Job Application

3. How do I obtain a copy of an accident report or a crime report?

If you need to obtain a copy of an accident report or a crime report, please contact the Milford Police Department Records Division at (302) 422-8081.

Show All Answers

1. What are the dates of the tax year?

The tax year runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year.

2. How are assessments determined?

All taxable parcels in the city are valued as of the date of the last reassessment, which is January 1, 2012, using building construction costs, land values, and market values prevailing as of that date. Property values can be adjusted due to changes on the property and annual assessment-to-sales ratios. The ad valorem tax is calculated by multiplying the assessment by the tax rate. The tax rate is determined by City Council and can be adjusted to meet the financing needs of the city.

3. Does the sale of a property trigger its reassessment?

No. Assessments are changed only in the event of:

• A change in the property requiring a reassessment


• A citywide reassessment


• The council ordering a change due to a successful assessment appeal


• The discovery of an error or omission in the property record

Show All Answers

1. My garbage was not picked up today. Who do I call?

Garbage collection begins at 7:00 am. If your garbage was missed and you had it out by 7:00 am, please submit the missed pickup on the MyMilford portal.

2. When should trash be out at the curb for pick-up?

Trash should be out by 7:00 am the day of pick-up.

3. How do I set up trash service or make changes to an existing service?

Contact the Customer Service Department at 302.422.6616.

4. Will the city pick up household appliances, furniture, and other bulky items?

Yes, bulk collection is available for large household appliances and furniture. Please call the Customer Service Department to schedule a collection at 302.422.6616, there is a limited number of collections each week. Bulk collection is done weekly on Mondays. No bulk item pick-ups will be scheduled on the weeks the city observes a holiday.

Show All Answers

1. What documentation is required to set up new services?

To set up new utility services, you must have a drivers license or state ID and Social Security Number. You must also have a lease signed by all parties or settlement paperwork. Fees include a deposit and connection fees. All individuals listed on documentation must be present to sign up for services. For more information please visit the Customer Service page.

2. What is the deadline for submitting an application for property tax reduction?

Property tax reduction applications must be submitted by June 1 of each year. Contact the Utility Billing Department at (302) 422-6616 for more information.

Tax Reduction Qualifications

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit if I plan to dig on my property?

This depends on the type or extent of project. Before any work is done please contact the Building Inspections & Permitting Division at (302) 424-8396 to determine whether a permit is needed. We also reccomend that you check with your local County and State Inspections Offices prior to any work being performed.

2. What are these paint markings and flags doing in my yard?

Most liklely Miss Utility was notified of a planned utility/other work in this area. These markings identify the location of underground utilties. They provide protection to people involved in the area of work as well as protect the exsisting utilites from being disturbed.

PEASE DO NOT REMOVE THESE ITEMS.

3. My utilities are still not located, why?

The City does not locate privately owned utility lines. These may include water and/or electric services after the meters as well as residential sewer laterals. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Electric Division at (302) 422-1110 ext 1135.

Show All Answers

1. Why is my water is discolored?

As the City performs maintenance on the water infrastructure, it stirs up sediment, which causes discolored water.  Run an outside spigot for a few minutes until the water turns clear.

2. As a homeowner, what is my role regarding sewer maintenance?

It is important to become educated on sewer maintenance issues because every individual can play a role in helping to solve the problem. As a homeowner, you are responsible for the maintenance and repair of your house lateral, a pipe that connects your home to the public sewer system. A cracked or deteriorated lateral can allow groundwater to seep into the system or one filled with tree roots will result in sewer system backups.

In addition, you may be required to fix any improper connections, such as downspouts, driveway drains, or sump pumps connected directly to the sewer system. The stormwater collected from these devices must be drained to your property or directly connected to a separate stormwater system.

3. Is my service affected by what I put down the drain?

Yes, people who dispose of things such as grease, disposable mop heads, eggshells, coffee grounds, and kitty litter down toilets, garbage disposals, and sewer manholes frequently clog sewer lines.

Some helpful suggestions that will assist your local utility company include:

• Not disposing of grease down drains such as cooking oils, fat, etc.
• Seeking out hazardous materials disposal sites for the disposition of motor oils, transmission fluids, antifreeze, paints, turpentine, and caustic household cleaners
• Disposing of rags, mop heads, coffee grounds, eggshells, kitty litter, and the like by properly wrapping or sealing them and placing them in solid waste containers

4. What kinds of problems do fat, oil, and grease cause?

Sewer capacity constraints are frequently caused by improper materials, including fats, oils, and greases being introduced into the sewer system by city residents and businesses.

5. What can I do to prevent sewer backups?

Be careful what you put in the sewer. Several items that should not be put into your sewer system are paper towels, diapers, baby wipes, mop heads, grease, and any item that will not dissolve.

6. What items should not be flushed down toilets?

Anything that will not totally dissolve could plug the sewer mains. Disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, disposable mop heads, rags, and plastic bags should not be flushed.

7. My water has a smell. What should I do?

Sometimes the chlorine can get into a pocket and a low residual can result in a rotten egg smell. If the residual is high you will smell a strong odor of chlorine. For both issues, run an outside spigot for a few minutes. This should help diminish the smell.

8. How can I water my lawn without paying for sewer charges?

You can have an irrigation meter installed. See the Building Inspections & Permitting Division for more information.